We get the HS250h. How lovely of them! If the company was smart, they would introduce this model in the United States as well.  It certainly is better than the alternative, the econo-car HS250h.  Did I ever tell you how much I hate that car?

It goes against everything the Lexus brand stood for (or at least I thought it did).  Being Prius-based is bad enough in and of itself, but actually looking like an Cimmaron Part 2 you’ll is even worse!

At least the 1-Series is actually a real, miniaturized BMW! Not to mention it has some connection with the brand’s storied past.  If Lexus was smart, they would ditch the Prius platform and produce a real, RWD alternative to the 1-Series. With Toyota’s manufacturing abilities, they would be able to offer it at lower cost as well.

That would be the way to go if they really want to attract a younger demographic to their brand. A lot of people, including myself, would seriously consider the merits of such a vehicle. No doubt this isn’t what they are planning though.

According to these latest reports, the Lexus 1-Series competitor will again be Prius-based and hybrid only.  However even given that fact, the car is slated much more appealing then than HS250h that we’re getting here in the states. At least give us the European market version!  You know they have any hope of succeeding over there it will be a much better product.

Oh well we can only hope, right? This up and coming segment is one of the luxury manufacturers future growth areas.  Cadillac is planning a BLS-like vehicle for the United States.  Lexus better be on it’s game if it doesn’t want to fall further and further behind in the market. I’m looking for the market to take shape in what promises to be a big future battleground.

Lexus hopes to gain market share with this vehicle, offering a vehicle with high MPG for more budget minded consumers, while also appealing to those looking for an environmentally-friendly vehicle

It looks as if the HS250h is styled after the new Lexus RX hybrid SUV, with nearly identical headlights and similar overall styling. However, it seems to get a bit akward in translation on to a vehicle of this size.

I’m not sure what Lexus was thinking here with this design, and the car overall seems to have a more downmarket vibe then Lexus should be giving off in my opinion. Hopefully for Lexus, this won’t turn out to be their Cimmaron.

In keeping with the environmentally freindly theme, “Ecological Plastics” or bio-plastics cover approximately 30- percent of the interior and luggage area, and according to Lexus, the HS250h will have approximately 20-percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions over it’s lifetime as a result of using these plastics.

As with the new RX, it features Lexus’s all-new “Remote Touch” controller that is positioned on the dash to control the navigation system and provide a mouse-like experience, complete with haptic feedback. The interior seems well thought out, and that “Remote Touch” controller looks to be very intuitive. That’s something I’m anxious to try out in person.

While it’s loaded complete with a complete array of luxury features, the HS250h styling gives away it’s economy car roots. A 187-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard, along with the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system.

It may be just be the right car at the right time for Lexus in these times though, given the probability of a low price of entry along with great fuel economy afforded by the hybrid system. The HS250h is set to go on sale this summer, the asking price is yet to be released.