Lexus has shown the first sketch of the premium compact concept car which will be revealed in the upcoming Frankfurt motor exhibition. Lexus is all set to make a foothold in the C segment premium market. The C segment premium market so far has been dominated by cars like BMW and Audi A3. The new-premium hatchback is the Lexus’s answer to the Audi A3 and the BMW s1 series cars. The hatch concept will demonstrate a mix of ground breaking design and technical innovation and will raise the bar in the premium-compact segment. The new concept car is clearly aimed at the European segment. According to sources, a production version has been given the green light. Lexus will be showcasing a new-styling philosophy on the concept car, unlike Audi which showcases new designs on flagship cars.

The concept looks like a five-door hatch, judging by the drawing. The rendering has a sport themed front with the wheels pushed out to the corners. It looks extremely aggressive with a sharply raked greenhouse. Even though most of the Lexus saloons are rear wheeled, this model is likely to be front wheeled. The car has been inspired by the upcoming Lexus LF-A super car.

The design of this concept car has a high-belt line and a low-slung roof which gives the car a stylish and aggressive look. Lexus have previously committed to hybrid models and it is highly likely that this car would get an option of drive train. As of present, it would not clash with any of the Toyota models. Recently, Lexus had registered the name “CT 200H” which suggests that the new concept car might feature a hybrid powertrain. Toyota has registered the names CT200H, CT300H, CT400H with the Unites States Patent office. The naming convention suggests that these names are destined for a new Lexus product. There are many features that support the hybrid theory. The minimal air access in the front bumper and the highly streamlined styling indicates that it could be a hybrid model. The Lexus hatch back is likely to carry the CT nameplate.

Reports have been confirmed that new Lexus will be made available to Australia by early 2011. Lexus Australia will add front wheel compact hatch back to its range within 2 years. The cars would be priced under $50,000, and it will be a direct competitor with the Audi A and the BMW 1 series. The vehicle will be unveiled at Frankfurt auto display on September fifteenth. Lexus sales in Europe commands only 1% of the total market, with the introduction of this new hatch back concept Lexus is hope full of increasing the sell 150,000 units by the year 2015.