Yannis

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klier

BMW 1-series mixed with some Ford Focus and Alfa 147.

Decent, for Lexus; they usually only tend to look at one model to copy

Snake Vargas

I would hope the 'BS' tag is just idle speculation from a reporter who is not a native speaker of English..

Still, it says this hatch would be built on the IS platform - so should be RWD. No problems with torque steer there. Maybe Lexus is trying to remove all FWD based cars from their lineup - over here, the IS replaced the ES as the entry level. The RX330 might be FWD based, but it's 4WD anyhow.

If they can make the value proposition as good as a 130i, then I think it'll sell. Then again, usually you need some decent brand cachet to sell something so outlandish as a hyper-hatch. Lexus doesn't have this in Europe, yet, IMO. Plus, it's not a particularly great move, considering they might still be trying to get the IS accepted, without undercutting it.

..I'll pay that.

Yannis

The rear door reminds me a lot of SEAT Leon:

Yannis

With power oversteer?

Snake Vargas

I'll take the power oversteer over the torque steer!

Yannis

I 'll take Neutral steer.

cawimmer430

The name BS would be a disaster in the UK I would assume.

I think Lexus cars would sell better if they simply offered more engines choices. A GS300 and GS430 won't cut it. How many E320 / E350's and E500's does one see around Europe? Not many. Most E-Classes are E220 CDI's and E270 CDI's. Lexus should offer something like a GS220 Diesel and GS300 Diesel to broaden their engine range. This is why I think they don't sell. It's recognized that Lexus are good cars, but the European consumer is also interested in a "practical engine" (and to be honest, an E320 / E350 is already "overkill" overhere...): Lexus doesn't offer a "practical" engine in the sense of something under the GS300. The same goes for the RX, which has no diesel. Hybrid technology won't attract to many buyers since Europeans have grown up with diesels.

Mr. Mercedes

One thing is for certain. The car will be jam packed with equipment and out engine any of the Euros at the price point. If it looks excellent as well, then it could do very well indeed.

warot

If it's reasonably priced, I think it will sell... here's the catch. In Europe, Lexus almost doesn't exist. The main market for Lexus is no doubt North America, where the RX is selling like hot cakes.

What's the problem? Hatchbacks are like SUVs in Europe... people don't like them. They are considered "cheap" and ugly. The only thing that sells here is the Golf.

Lexus is going to be in trouble with this I think

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