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Carsales Staff1 Mar 2015
NEWS

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: New baby for Lexus

All-new small hatch-crossover concept from Lexus hits the internet

Lexus' first light-car has emerged in the form of a dramatic two-door crossover hatchback concept three days ahead of its world debut at the Geneva motor show on March 3.

Seen here in official images first leaked by a Russian website, subsequently published by a Lexus enthusiast website and then Tweeted by Lexus itself, the LF-SA concept was first revealed by Lexus in a teaser image last week.

However, Lexus' plan to use next week's Swiss auto fair to preview an all-new model positioned below the CT 200h hatchback was reported exclusively by motoring.com.au earlier this month.

Lexus has a history of producing bold concept cars that eventually evolve into less striking production models, but the similarity between its show vehicles and showroom models has increased in recent years.

It's not clear how many of the LF-SA's gob-smacking details will reach the road, but obligatory show-car details like cameras instead of wing mirrors and over-sized wheels – in this case with eight spokes that overlap the tyres like spider's legs – appear to be the only flights of fantasy.

What is clear, however, is that the Japanese luxury brand is looking for a reaction with this audacious design, as it did with the LF-NX concept that became the only slightly milder NX crossover.

Indeed, the wheel-hugging rear haunches, Bauhaus-like roofline, near-symmetrical silhouette (except for the wild, wedge-shaped rear windscreen profile) and powerful proportions break new ground for Lexus and its 'L-Finesse' design theme.

And, although cars like the Nissan JUKE have previously blurred the lines between small SUVs and hatchbacks, the 'Lexus Future SA' model takes the concept one step further.

Of course, there are the usual crossover cues like a raised ride height, short overhangs, wheel-arch and side skirt cladding (this time gloss black, rather than matt) and chunky tyres – but with tarmac-oriented cut-slick style tread pattern, not chunky all-terrain style rubber.

But it’s the unique jewellery that sets the SA apart from rivals, which would include both B-segment prestige cars and SUVs alike, straddling models like Audi's pint-size A1 and its upcoming Q1.

First there's Lexus most aggressive corporate 'spindle grille' design ever, thanks to a gloss-black fractal mesh pattern that really does trick the eye, flanked by a pair of gaping shark-like air inlet 'gills' and menacing narrow three-element headlights.

Continuing the intrigue is a 'floating' matt-grey roof that extends into a rear roof spoiler over the rakish back window, and matching inserts that bulge out of the doors and wrap tightly around the rear haunches.

Floating arrow-shaped tail-light elements and a full-width gloss-black insert with slim red LEDs complete the look at the rear.

The single interior image shows an equally futuristic cabin with a steering wheel that appears attached to the instrument binnacle, a large touch-pad centre console controller, perforated-pattern armrest, organ-style pedals a 'launch' button and prominent head-up display.

No details have been announced for the adventurous new small car, but Lexus previously said the concept “explores unexpected territories for the brand in a bold and emotional execution”.

“In a future world which many people see as increasingly influenced by technology and virtual experiences, the LF-SA concept is also a driver-focused vehicle, reflecting Lexus’ vision that real experience will remain ultimate luxury,” said Lexus last week.

Motoring.com.au understands the final production version of the LF-SA will not appear until 2017, before it goes on sale globally the following year.

The smallest and cheapest Lexus ever will target a new, younger audience and premium compact models like the A1, MINI Cooper, Alfa Romeo MiTo and Citroen DS3, all of which start from under $30,000.

It will cap off a busy few years for Toyota's luxury brand, which has just launched all-new mid-size NX crossover and RC coupe models, and will release its first GS F sports sedan and an updated LX full-size SUV later this year.

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.

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Written byCarsales Staff
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