Next compact Lexus to feature hybrid option
By Andrew C., 27 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
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It will not, however, probably launch a model lower than IS250 in the US, but this does not imply that it will not design a fresh entry-level vehicle for other outlets. One clear possibility is Europe, where high-rated hatchbacks can be sold in substantial numbers. Lexus is unlikely to launch a model positioned below the IS250 in the United States but that doesn't mean it won't develop a new entry-level car for other markets. One possibility is Europe, where premium hatchbacks sell in substantial numbers. A vehicle model just under the current IS is due for launch, according to Tokuichi Uranishi, the carmaker's executive vice president, to enable the carmaker to reach an internal objective of 150,000 unit sales in Europe by the year 2015. And lately, Tadashi Arashima, the managing director for its European division, has affirmed that Lexus will ultimately launch a new compact car to compete with the likes of the Bmw 1-series and Audi A3.
GoAuto, after a conference with John Roca, the carmaker's Australian chief, is reporting that the forthcoming compact vehicle will highlight a hybrid option. This goes perfectly well with Lexus' strategy to distinguish itself from its best rivals by providing more hybrid variants. Roca informed reporters that the car "will come", but the time is still unsure with a launch in 2011 as the most tentative presumption possible. C-Premium is what Lexus is calling its junior model internally, and there's some ongoing conjecture that it could go by the name 'BS' once it is up for sale.
The vehicle's development is still in the initial phases, with choices such as whether it will be rear or front-wheel-drive is still a matter of discussion. One possibility is that it will share its platform with the next-generation IS due in 2012, which gives rise to the optimism that there could be a hybrid version of the new IS as well. Besides the gas and hybrid engines, the C-Premium is also anciticpated to get a diesel engine for the European market, but whether or not this engine will reach other markets is yet to be seen.
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