“Premium … (adjective): finest, exceptional; premium quality.” So says Chambers Dictionary anyway. For me it usually translates to “bloody expensive”.
Come to think of it, that’s also a good description of the Lexus range: priced between $32,000 and $106,000, “cheap” is not the first word which springs to mind.
The new Lexus LF-Ch hot hatch hybrid concept doesn’t disappoint. Variously described as a mashup of an Audi A3 and a Toyota Prius, the marketing blurb emphasises
“the extensive use of semi-aniline leather, polished aluminium, wood and dark, soft touch materials“ which reinforce “the premium quality of the environment.” The interior environment, that is.
However there’re no hard facts available beyond the car’s dimensions and tyre size. No estimated gas consumption or engine size, no target weight or emissions figures: nothing.
In fact, the most specific any Lexus representative would get at IAA Frankfurt Motor Show was “its range depends upon the battery charge.” So tell me something new.
A World First Revealed?
This lack of figures is a huge shame: the idea of a hybrid hot hatch is excellent, and many manufacturers are busy dropping hybrid or electric engines into existing models.
However, the Lexus LF-Ch has been designed from scratch, and it looks so mouth-droolingly gorgeous you know it deserves the very best figures, ones which will show just how environmentally friendly a premium hot hatch can be.
What’s more, one of the few things known about the Lexus LF-Ch’s is that its gas engine can be turned off, leaving it as the world’s first purpose built all-electric hot hatch.
Wow, now wouldn’t that be something worth shouting about? Far more exciting than how premium this typically premium item really is … isn’t it?
Image Credit: Lexus
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