New Lexus LF-SA Concept Teased for Geneva Debut

Yesterday Lexus leaked a teaser for a new subcompact concept that they will reportedly debut at the upcoming 2015 Geneva Motor Show. It’s called the Lexus LF-SA Concept, and this darkened teaser image and a short three-paragraph press release are the only things we have to go off of as we attempt to evaluate this new addition to the Lexus lineup.

The press release is almost as vague as the image. Lexus describes that the LF-SA Concept as “An illustration of Lexus passion for upcoming design trends, the LF-SA concept explores unexpected territories for the brand in a bold and emotional execution.”

Looking at the teaser image, we’re inclined to agree with the premium automaker’s self-assessment of this new vehicle. We can’t see much, but what we can see hints at an extremely aggressive and sporty styling. You can clearly make out Lexus’ hallmark pinched spindle grille, which looks to be outlined in either a darkened chrome or perhaps even carbon fiber. The grille is surrounded by several different LEDs, including what we assume are turn signals on the lower fender and Jewel Eye LEDs for headlights. The few body lines we can make out in the teaser give us the impression of a highly sculpted, aggressively low-riding mini.

Turns out, our assessment isn’t too far off from what the rumors tell us to expect. The Lexus LF-SA Concept is reported to herald a future city car that would sit below the current Lexus CT 200h. The car would compete with the likes of the Audi A1 and other European mini cars like the BMW Mini and Daimler Smart ForFour.

A smaller car below the CT 200h makes perfect sense for Lexus, as the premium hatch was their best-selling car in Europe over the course of 2014. A smaller city car can only help the premium Japanese automaker’s European sales, which of course explains why they plan to reveal the LF-SA in Geneva.

Unfortunately, there’s no word on whether this car will ever make it outside of Europe… It may never make it to US shores, although we’d be a little surprised if it didn’t. Either way, we expect that Lexus will only offer the LF-SA production vehicle with a hybrid powertrain, just like they do with the Lexus CT.

Japanese Car Auction Find – 2014 Lexus CT 200h F Sport

Here’s the bigger brother to the upcoming Lexus LF-SA city car. This is the Lexus CT we were talking about above, and as the images show, it’s actually a great looking car. It’s easy to see why it’s a best-seller in Europe.

This particular Japanese car auction find is for a Lexus CT 200h F Sport. As a 2014MY, this would’ve been one of the facelifted models with those slick twin-spoke alloys and rear spoiler, along with Lexus’ pinched mesh grille (which looks a lot like the grille in the teaser above). The F Sport package also gives you an excellent interior with red leather seats and a host of interior amenities like that huge built-in navigation screen you see below.

Under the hood you’ll find the same 1.8L VVT-i four-cylinder petrol that’s in the Auris and Prius. On its own it only generates 98 hp, but paired with Toyota’s hybrid drive system it can output up to 134 hp. It’s still fairly low powered, but remember this is a hatchback, so a little power goes a long ways. Plus, the hybrid engine yields a massive 57.4 mpg.

Want more details? Keep reading about this 2014 Lexus CT 200h F Sport below the auction sheet:

“Grade 4.5, interior B, exterior condition B, first registered March 2014, CT200h F Sport model, in-dash AT, AAC, one owner, first time in auction, original digital TV, red leather seats, seat heater, power steering, power windows, original AWs, ABS, airbag, original navigation system, original, TV, digital TV, seats scratches, door mirrors scratched, interior grime and scratches, minor scratches and minor dents, marks as per map”