Lexus LF-Ch Premium Compact revealed

Lexus has released the first photo of its new Premium Compact – the Lexus LF-Ch.

Update 7/09: We now have a front image of the LF-Ch, giving a better impression of the new Premium Compact from Lexus.

So much for the new small Lexus to compete with the A3 and BMW 1 Series being the Lexus CT. But I suppose we should have tried not be so clever. Lexus recently trademarked the ‘CT’ moniker, so it seemed a reasonable punt, but it looks like they’ve decided to use the original concept name for the small luxury hybrid they previewed at the New York Motor Show in 2008 – Lexus LF-Ch.

Lexus has revealed one photo of their new premium hatch that is launching in a couple of weeks at Frankfurt. And what does it tell us? Not a huge amount, but that’s the name of the game, I suppose.

The Lexus LF-Ch will showcase a new design direction for Lexus. Which is something thet probably need, particularly if they are to attract younger buyers. The Lexus demographic is distinctly middle-aged, so this new compact hatch is designed to be a funkier, younger design than the current conservative offerings.

The LF-Ch will come as a hybrid that can be driven in electric only mode, but it seems probable that Lexus will also offer it with a choice of economical diesel and petrol engines. And unlike every other Lexus, it seems likely that the LF-Ch will come as a front wheel drive car.

This is the big hope for Lexus to compete with the offerings from Audi with the A3 and BMW with the 1 Series. And if the deign of the new compact hatch does seem funky and contemporary when we get to see it in full then they are in with a chance. Lexus makes a very good car, and if they can shake off their boring and conservative mantle – without alienating exiting customers – they could have found a winner.

We’ll get to see more soon enough.