With the recent additions of the NX crossover and sporty RC coupe, the only real need left in the Lexus lineup is for a premium subcompact. Thanks to the funky and diminutive Lexus LF-SA Concept, it looks like Lexus is finally getting ready to do something about that. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show,->ke228 the LF-SA is a styling exercise imagined by the automaker’s European design team focus that was tasked with creating an “ultra-compact, sub-B-segment, urban 2+2.”

The interesting part of the LF-SA is that its styling combines elements of both a hatchback->ke304 and a crossover,->ke288 which means that Lexus could go in either direction with a production design going after either crossover-ish rivals like the Mercedes GLA-Class and Buick Encore or more of a hatchback variant like the BMW 1 Series. Either way, Lexus has a good record of turning concept vehicles into production vehicles lately, so there’s a good chance that another new Lexus product is on the way.

Continue reading to learn more about the Lexus LF-SA Concept.

2015 Lexus LF-SA Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Lexus LF-SA Concept
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The theme for the Lexus LF-SA was “bold and emotional,” but it comes off looking more like a combination between a Smart Fortwo and the recently launched NX. While it is definitely an odd little vehicle, it’s also very attention-grabbing. Front and center on the LF-SA is a unique application of Lexus’ spindle grille with an eye-catching, three-dimensional look, which is flanked by massive air inlets and small LED headlights with the now-signature checkmark daytime running lights. Every inch of this concept is covered with strong creases that only help to magnify the car’s small stature.

In terms of its size (based off the limited dimensions Lexus provided), the LF-SA is positioned directly between two of Toyota’s smallest offerings being about 15 inches longer than the Scion iQ and 20 inches shorter than the Toyota Yaris. It is also only .8 inches wider than the iQ city car and it sits three inches lower than both the iQ and Yaris. With these dimensions, there’s no doubt Lexus is going after the subcompact luxury market.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

135.8 Inches

Width

66.9 Inches

Height

56.3 Inches


Interior

Based on the single interior image that Lexus released for the LF-SA Concept, the cabin is equally as “bold and emotional” as the exterior. The central portion of the steering wheel forms a similar shape as the spindle grille, but the most interesting part of the interior is that the driver’s seat is fixed into position with the steering wheel and foot pedals being adjustable to fit, which could be an innovative way to maximize space for the pair of rear occupants.

Drivetrain

If this is indeed a hatchback, Lexus could go the extra mile and make it a hot-hatch of sorts. With this in mind, I would expect to see the LF-SA inherit the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the NX 200t. This would inject a healthy 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

On the flipside of the coin, this could preview a sub-CT200h model that is based on the 2015 Toyota Yaris. In that case, expect far less power, likely something closer to the small Toyota’s 106 horsepower. While that would be a complete buzzkill, it wouldn’t shock me.

Competition

2015 Audi A1

If this is a Yaris-based luxury hatchback, then one of its main competitors would be the Europe-only Audi A1. This pint-sized German comes in a pair of sizes: three- and five-door (Sportback), and in either the standard A1 model or the more exciting S1 model.

The A1 starts out at just £14,315 (around $22,000) in its base format and tops out at £26,110 (pushing $40,000) for the S1 Sportback version.

The A1 rolls in carrying a standard 1.0-liter TFSI three-cylinder that develops 95 PS. This engine mates to either a five-speed manual or a seven-speed S tronic, and gets the tiny hatch to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds (11.1 w/ Sportback). The optional 1.4-liter TFSI engine delivers between 123 horsepower and 148 horsepower depending on the trim, and gets the A1 to 100 km/h in 7.8 to 8.8 seconds (7.9 to 8.9 seconds w/ Sportback). The 1.4-liter mates to either a six-speed manual or the seven-speed S tronic transmission. The A1’s 1.6-liter TDI engine delivers 124 horsepower, and gets the hatch to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds (9.5 seconds with the standard six-speed manual or 9.4 seconds with the optional S tronic in the Sportback).

The S1 is a far different animal, as its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine puts out 228 horsepower and mates to a six-speed manual gearbox. This gets the standard S1 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, while the Sportback model takes 5.9 seconds.

BMW 1 Series Hatchback

The Bimmer 1 Series Hatch is another Euro-only model that may be directly in the wheelhouse of this concept from Lexus.

Like the Audi, the 1 Series has a pile of engine options, with its gasoline range starting with the 114i ES carrying a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 100 horsepower and drags the hatch to 134 horsepower in 11.4 seconds. The 116i features a 1.6-liter, TwinPower Turbo engine that puts out 134 horsepower and gets the hatch to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds. The 118i reaches 168 horsepower with its version of the 1.6-liter TwinPower Turbo engine, and crosses the 100 km/h mark in 7.4 seconds. The 125i M Sport milks 215 horsepower from a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine and sprints to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds. Finally, the range-topping M 135i carries a 3.0-liter engine that puts out 315 horsepower and gets the car to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds.

On the diesel side of things, the 1 Series Hatch starts out with the 116d, which features a 2.0-liter engine that delivers 114 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque to help get to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds. The 118d gets a version of the 2.0-liter diesel engine rated at 141 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque that sprints the hatch to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds. The 125d pushes the 2.0-liter diesel to 181 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, which drops the sprint time to 7.2 seconds. Finally, the 125d M Sport squeezes 215 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque from the 2.0-liter diesel, netting the hatchback a sprint time of 6.5 seconds.

The 1 Series Hatch starts out at £16,995 (about $26,000) in its base ES trim and peaks at £29,580 (around $45,000) for the M135i model.

Conclusion

Lexus seems poised to finally enter the market of subcompact premium vehicles, and while it would be hard to imagine doing so with a Predator-looking three-door hatchback like the LF-SA, this is undoubtedly a statement vehicle to other automakers in this segment. The designs that eventually became the NX and RC models received a slight water-down from concept to production, so it will be interesting where Lexus heads with the design of the LF-SA.