Baby Lexus LF-Ch Compact Hatch in the Flesh: Production Model Officially Confirmed

The Lexus LF-Ch, the centerpiece of the Japanese firm's stand at the 2009 Frankfurt motorshow, is concept model for a new baby Lexus that will compete in Europe with entry-premium hatchbacks such as the Audi A3 / Sportback, BMW 1-Series and the recently freshened up Volvo C30. As anticipated, Lexus confirmed the development of a production version based on this concept. "Let me stress that you are not looking at a market study … or hearing about vague intentions" said Andy Pfeiffenberger, vice president of Lexus Europe during the presentation of the car in Frankfurt.

"This LF-Ch concept is a clear indication of our entry plans for the compact premium segment in the near future, with the world's first ever premium compact, full hybrid. That distinction will make this dynamic car stand out in what will be Europe's largest premium segment," Pfeiffenberger added.

Though Lexus did not give a specific launch date, media reports suggest that the five-door compact hatch should be on the market within the next two years. Besides the gasoline-electric full hybrid version, the production model will most likely be offered with conventional gasoline and diesel engines as well.

Click here to check out the the official press gallery of the Lexus LF-Ch

Lexus LF-Ch Hatchback Concept Fully Revealed, Updated Gallery with High-Res Pics

Lexus has published official images and initial details on its LF-Ch concept car that will eventually give birth to a premium hatchback model aimed at the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. Unfortunately the Japanese firm's lengthy press release is dedicated for the most part to the LF-Ch's exterior and interior styling. In other words, the usual design mumbo-jumbo you hear from most automakers and which we'd rather avoid repeating.

However, what Lexus does reveal is the concept model's exterior dimensions. With an overall length of 4,300mm (169.3-in.), a width of 1,790mm (70.5-in.) and a height of 1,400mm (55.1-in.)with a 2,600 mm (102.4-in.) wheelbase, the LF-Ch is roughly the same size as the Audi A3 Sportback (4,292mm in length, 1,765mm width, 1,423mm height and 2,578mm wheelbase).

The concept model features a full hybrid drivetrain meaning that unlike mild-hybrids, it can be driven in a fully electric EV mode. Lexus did not disclose any other details on the powertrain - or about anything else for that matter.

"The LF-Ch concept reaffirms Lexus's commitment to Europe, combining compact dimensions, stylish five-door, full hybrid technology and low emissions to satisfy the most demanding customer requirements and to appeal to a new, younger generation of customers," the company said in a prepared statement.

European buyers should expect to see a toned-down production version of the LF-Ch available with both conventional and hybrid powertrain options sometime towards the end of 2010.

Lexus LF-Ch: New Photos of Hybrid Hatch Emerge on the Web

New shots of the Lexus LF-Ch surfaced on the net today giving us a clear view of the compact-sized five-door hatchback that is due to be unveiled at next week's Frankfurt gathering. Details remain scarce for now as all we know about the concept car is that it features a hybrid petrol-electric drivetrain and that it will give birth to a production model to rival the BMW 1-series and Audi A3. The LF-Ch will be joined in Frankfurt by the lightly refreshed GS and LS models.

Lexus LF-Ch Compact Hatch Shows its Face in New Photo

Carscoop reader Dima N. sent us this revealing, front 3/4 shot of the new Lexus LF-Ch, a Frankfurt Show-bound hybrid petrol-electric concept that hints at a production model that will follow sometime next year. Together with the rear shot of the car, the two photos give us a pretty good picture of the concept version of Lexus' BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 fighter, but needless to say, don't expect the production model to look as near as aggressive as this. That is, unless Lexus plans to surprise us with an Audi S3 / VW Golf GTI challenging "F-Sport" variant of its premium hatch....

Kudos to Dima N. for the photo!