LEXUS HAS pulled the wraps off its upcoming rival to the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. Called the LF-ch, the concept version is a five-door petrol-electric hybrid. That’s in keeping with the predicted production model, which may well be introduced at the Geneva motor show next spring. The car will only come with a hybrid powertrain when it enters production, further underlining the brand’s commitment to this format.
There was also good news for Irish customers of its RX hybrid SUV. A new two-wheel-drive version will go on sale for delivery from this January, which will see its current low emissions rating drop further to just 140g/km, pushing the annual road tax down to just €156.
This is achieved by removing the rear electric motor, thereby lowering the weight of the vehicle by 65kg. In terms of trade-off, there is only a drop of 0.4 seconds in 0-100km/h time, while the power output remains the same.
However, only the four-wheel-drive model, currently on sale, will be approved for towing.
Prices for the new model are also down on the current offering, starting at €55,500 for an entry-level model, €58,950 for the executive version, and €64,950 for the sports version.