Lexus indicates a possible future direction for the brand with the 2-door LF-SA urban CUV concept unveiled today at the 2015 Geneva Auto Show.
Lexus just entered the compact CUV segment last year with the NX, but the LF-SA is an indication the Japanese luxury brand is thinking of going smaller still.
Some of the competitors already in the nascent subcompact luxury CUV segment include the Buick Encore in the U.S. and BMW X1 and Audi Q1 overseas.
However, the LF-SA at 135.8 ins. (3450 mm) long is shorter than those models, by roughly 33 ins. (840 mm), 40 ins. (1020 mm) and 10 ins. (250 mm), respectively, suggesting Lexus engineers would likely have to stretch the platform for a production model.
Befitting the concept’s debut in Europe, the 2-door LF-SA has an exterior design appropriately quirky for the region.
“The LF-SA’s highly sculpted surfacing reflects a more challenging and avant-garde ‘Time in Design’ styling approach in which perceptions of the vehicle change when viewed from different angles,” Lexus says in a statement. Lexus’ European design studio, ED2, styled the LF-SA.
Design elements of the concept include concave and convex surfaces, undercutting above wheel arches and double-stepped rear styling, with L-shaped lamp clusters in a flying-buttress design.
The LF-SA also wears the latest interpretation of the brand’s signature spindle grille.
Inside, the LF-SA seems more spacious than its diminutive size suggests, thanks to designers’ “manipulation of lightness,” Lexus says, adding this can be seen in the wide instrument panel design.
Although the vehicle seats four the cabin layout is driver-centric, with the brand reasoning that at most times city vehicles have a driver but no passengers.
The layout also is a nod to Lexus’ belief that “the real driving experience will remain the ultimate luxury,” despite prognostications of autonomous vehicles.
This thinking led to a fixed driver’s seat with adjustable steering wheel and pedals that “bring the vehicle to the driver.”
The front-passenger seat slides forward to allow for access to the rear seats. Two overlapping elliptical areas further delineate driver space.
