Want to see a production LF-Ch make it to American showrooms? Tell Lexus.
by Chris Paukert on Sep 29th 2009 at 9:59AM 
Lexus LF-Ch Concept - click above image for hi-res gallery
Earlier this month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, we got our first glimpse at Lexus' LF-Ch, a five-door hatchback concept. The car is said to presage a premium hatchback model for Toyota's upscale line – but that model isn't likely to come to the U.S. – word is that the production model is being crafted with Europeans in mind. That's something of a pity considering how visually dynamic the LF-Ch is, but not unexpected considering the chilly sales reception premium hatchbacks have received in the States – Mini excepted.
In any case, if you're interested in seeing something like the LF-Ch in American Lexus showrooms, while we would normally suggest that your best course of action would be to inundate Lexus with pleading love letters, syrupy poetry, and, well, whatever else you care to cram into an email or phone call, this time, Lexus has set up a feedback channel of sorts for the LF-Ch on its website. It's actually a survey that asks rather generic questions like "Which angle of the car do you like best?" and "Do you like the exterior color?" Yet it also asks meatier questions, like whether the showcar's five-door bodystyle is an attribute or a demerit, or whether hybrid technology for a car like the LF-Ch would be a deal-maker or a deal-breaker.
Us? We're in favor of anything that might invigorate Lexus' traditionally safe-as-houses lineup. You refresh your memory by checking out our high-res below before clicking on the link below to tell Lexus how you feel.
Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lexus LF-Ch Concept
Gallery: Lexus LF-Ch Concept
[Source: Lexus]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Ed 10:06AM (9/29/2009)
No, it can stay right where it's at.
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DiRF 10:14AM (9/29/2009)
Seconded.
Chris 10:27AM (9/29/2009)
Thirded. That thing's fugly.
jv2k 10:33AM (9/29/2009)
Thirded.
Not a bad car, but a small luxury hatch wont sell in the US and honestly I know I'm not interested in the car either.
zamafir 10:53AM (9/29/2009)
Bring it over. It's not going to sell in europe. It will lease very well to highschoolers and college students still grumbling that the RSX is gone. I don't care for a benign hatch based on an uninvolving toyota fwd chassis, but that doesn't mean it won't sell like hotcakes in the key markets.
Maybe that's the odd part about the request to tell lexus, their bread and butter aren't enthusiasts (hell, who's is aside from pagani) and the sort of people who would make a viable case for this model aren't going to be hanging out here.
xcrunk 10:55AM (9/29/2009)
Seriously, I fourthed'ed this one.
Fugly and then some. I will personally write to them to NOT build this car. Plus I already seen this car driving down the 405 last week blasting rap music.
Taglane 2:34PM (9/29/2009)
lol. Hell naw I don't want this in America.
future-autos.blogspot.com 6:52PM (9/29/2009)
This could either be a major success, or a major failure. What kind of power and handling will it have? Premium hatches and hot hatches CAN sell, as proven by the MINI, the Subaru WRX (yes, look at the price- it's premium), and I'm sure the coming Lancer sportback in turbo trim will sell real nicely, too, as will the BMW X1 (look at the specs, it's 1 inch lower and 4 inches longer than a Toyota Matrix - it's a hatchback). But if it's not a HOT hot hatch, it won't sell.
fmwso 7:27PM (9/29/2009)
like others said, thanks but no thanks.
naggs 9:42PM (9/29/2009)
thats why it doesn't work, it looks like some terrible custom civic hatch show car
Imag 10:06AM (9/29/2009)
Dear Lexus,
I appreciate the build quality of your cars. I like the looks of this one. I will be in the market for a five-door for my wife in a year.
However, I don't want something that drives like a really good toaster. I want it to handle and be fun. Looks aren't everything. You have to have driving dynamics. Not all Americans want reliable Buicks. If you get it to drive right and have some soul, I may be picking one up. Otherwise, don't bother bringing it here.
Thanks for listening.
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audi_arena 10:53AM (9/29/2009)
Dear Imag:
There has been luxury cars available in the US that fit your description for decades.
Sincerely,
BMW and Audi
Allen 10:08AM (9/29/2009)
This one is probably best left overseas for now. I think it is a good looking car, but America just isn't all that interested in premium hatchbacks or wagons.
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HotRodzNKustoms 10:09AM (9/29/2009)
No! Go away!!!!
I like hatchbacks and all but this one just rubs me the wrong way.
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Danimal 10:15AM (9/29/2009)
Me too. It's just trying too hard. It's very clear Lexus is desperate to attract younger crowd since this has a Scion level of over-styling. (I'm not putting down Scion, it kinda works for that brand)
But while the Scion buyer likes the way it looks they probably won't be able to afford it if it carry's a Lexus luxury price tag.
Learn from the design, class it up, and apply cleaner versions to your other models. This is a decent CONCEPT, but it should stay that way.
Obviously DaMinority 11:08AM (9/29/2009)
If by rubs you mean heinously chafes, I agree completely.
jonnieoh 10:18AM (9/29/2009)
The author's comment, "but not unexpected considering the chilly sales reception premium hatchbacks have received in the States – Mini excepted." really irks me.
Why do automotive journalists perpetuate this myth, that hatchbacks don't sell in America? Yes, you mentioned the one exception of the MINI, but there are thousands of VW Golfs and GTI's on the road, for more than the past 3 decades. What about the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe? They're hatchbacks, (hate to break it to you). The PT Cruiser, Volvo C30, Honda Fit, Subaru Impreza/WRX, etc. There are surely more examples, but I think I proved my point.
It's almost a self-fulfilling prophecy... When everyone reads over and over again, that hatchbacks don't sell in America, you're perpetuating this myth. The fact is, you're just plain wrong. There are thousands of Americans who love the functionality of a hatchback, and when you add higher performance like the MINI, WRX and GTI provide, the wonderful no-compromise "Hot Hatch" is the result. Having your cake, and eating it too is the best!
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Danimal 10:32AM (9/29/2009)
"...PREMIUM hatchbacks..."
The mini and MAYBE the golf would be the only ones I would consider premium.
Kenny Lind 10:45AM (9/29/2009)
You left out the Audi A3. I very much would like one of those.
I might be interested in this Lexus IF it was going to be a real Lexus and not just a rebadged European Toyota like the dreadful Lexus HS - I hate that car.
Obviously DaMinority 11:15AM (9/29/2009)
Right Danimal, 'premium' is the key word. The C30 sales are abysmal, the 318ti and that C from Merc were terrible sellers, too, even though they tried to hide their 'hatch' design. I think it might be about time that this changes in the US. But if you're "I'll do it when someone else proves it's popular" Toyota (Okay, Prius excluded) you'd wait and see.
I don't consider the Golf premium, but I suppose some might. Nothing else mentioned could possibly be considered premium. Hatches might be on the sales banner again, but premium hatches aren't. It's interesting that Toyota and Buick are both considering this.
The A3 is clearly a wagon, but premium, and I even don't hate it, but it doesn't burn up the sales...