luxury hatchback

Lexus Teases new LF-Ch Concept Hybrid Premium Hatchback for Franfurt Show

Lexus is leading right out of the gate in the luxury hybrid market, but it's not about to rest on its green laurels. The Japanese luxury brand is set to unveil the new LF-Ch concept at the Frankfurt show next month, and has given us a couple of glimpses at the form it will take.

Unlike most of its line-up, which appears rather staid and conservative by comparisson, the LF-Ch has an aggressive look that could find its way into future Lexus models across the range. The show car is targeted at the likes of the BMW 1 Series, Volvo C30 and Audi A3 in the premium hatchback segment, but packs a hybrid drivetrain. We hear that a production version is destined for the European market, but we can only hope Lexus decides to bring it over to this side of the ocean, as well.

Gallery: Lexus LF-Ch concept preview

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Citroen Goes after Premium Buyers with New DS Line

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

More and more European automakers are entering the premium hatchback market. Once the sole purview of the Mini Cooper, Alfa Romeo has entered the fray with the MiTo, and now French automaker Citroen has announced a new premium line to revive the classic DS nameplate.

The first example is scheduled to take its curtain call at the upcoming Geneva Auto Salon next month in the form of the DS3 Inside concept. With retro design elements and avant-garde lines, the DS3 is based on the existing Citroen C3 but with a more premium flavor. A larger DS4 is expected to arrive in a couple of years, and an even higher-end DS5 to follow after that. Although Citroen doesn't market in North America, European customers may find the new DS models an appealing premium alternative to BMW's Minis.

Gallery: Citroen DS3 Inside concept