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Marton Pettendy4 Mar 2015
NEWS

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Lexus goes smaller but not cheaper

Pint-size new LF-SA crossover-hatch concept won't cost less than larger CT 200h if it enters production

Lexus presented its smallest model ever at the Geneva motor show overnight, but if the radical new LF-SA crossover-hatch concept reaches production it won't be any cheaper than the CT 200h.

At less than 3.4 metres long, the LF-SA – which stands for Small Adventurer – is significantly smaller than the CT and sits firmly in the European B-segment, taking Lexus into new Territory.

But if it reaches showrooms, which is unlikely before 2018, it'll be positioned alongside – not below – the CT in terms of price.

"I've said in the past we don't intend to offer a vehicle with a lower price than the CT because we refuse to compromise on quality and we can't do that at a profit," said Lexus International vice-president Mark Templin.

"It would be positioned alongside CT in the market. From a price point of view we won't go lower than CT."

Templin stressed that at this stage the tiny 2+2-seat LF-SA is purely a concept designed to meet the needs of urban dwellers in the future.

"Right now it's just a concept. At this point it's just a learning experience. We have no plans for production right now.

"[But] SUV segments are growing faster than any other. People are looking for rugged vehicles with a crossover feel.

"You go to Rome or Paris and in the future parking, fuel economy and CO2 emissions will become even bigger issues."

Asked if the production LF-SA will be more efficient than the CT 200h hybrid, Templin said: Absolutely. Whatever the powertrain of the future is we have it."

Head of Lexus Europe Alain Uyttenhoven said the LF-SA retains the "essence of the Lexus brand" despite being the most compact vehicle ever to appear from the Japanese luxury brand.

"The LF-SA brings the spirit of weekend driving pleasure to everyday commuting.

"It's an agile urban vehicle of less than 3.4 metres. Its bold 3D spindle grille, the front wings and its overall angular design clearly take Lexus L-finesse design language a step further.

"And despite its extremely compact exterior, the 2+2 cabin is light and spacious.

"The key point is that it gives clear priority to the driver. It gives him full control, providing a new level of driving pleasure."

Uyttenhoven said the LF-SA was neither a small hatchback nor a crossover, but indicated it had a production future. And he defended its daring design.

"We don't want to please everyone. We want to stand out and be distinctive.

"The LF-SA might only be a design study. But I can promise you that also with our coming model introduction we will build upon our current success."

Given the CT 200h is priced from about $40,000 and the LF-SA straddles the luxury hatchback and SUV segments, logical rivals include everything from premium compact hatches like the MINI Cooper and Audi A1, to the Countryman and upcoming Q1.

Recent additions to the Lexus line-up include the all-new mid-size NX crossover and RC coupe models, and will Toyota's luxury division will this year also launch its first GS F sports sedan and an updated LX full-size SUV.

Next comes a bigger new version of the RX large SUV with up to seven seats, fresh from its debut at the New York show in April, then the new RC convertible and fifth-generation LS limousine, followed in 2017 by a redesigned CT small car, after which the GS, IS then ES sedans will also be up for renewal.

Last year Lexus sold 580,000 vehicles globally, making it the fourth largest luxury brand behind the top three premium German brands.

Sales were up 23 per cent in Europe, where the target is 60,000 this year – one-third of which will go to the NX -- and 100,000 by 2020.

More 2015 Geneva Motor Show news here

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