Lexus Australia raises hand for hybrid IS

A hybrid version of the next-generation Lexus IS has taken the top spot on Tony Cramb's shopping list for the Australian Lexus product range.

During the media launch for the CT200h, the chief executive of Lexus Australia discussed different variants of the IS proposed for the next generation of the company's popular small sedan. While he was not free to go into great detail, Cramb did agree that Lexus needs to broaden the appeal of the IS range -- and adding different variants is the simplest way to do that.

"It makes complete sense to go down that path..." he told the Carsales Network. "All of those sorts of things are definitely being looked at and the other thing that makes sense for IS is hybrid. There's all kinds of different opportunities from a product point of view. [But] What's specifically available to Australia is still being discussed with Japan."

One thing that does seem apparent though, Lexus Australia will not follow its European counterparts down the hybrid-only track. Cramb is obviously pleased with the sales of the IS 350 model (pictured) and not only does he want to continue growing that model's customer base, but he sees potential for the same thinking to apply to the larger, more expensive GS, when that is replaced by an all-new model next year.

"I think the IS 350 is a sign of things to come," Cramb explained. "It's a good quality car, at a very good price; it's an excellent competitor in the marketplace -- good performance credentials, it's very capable and very agile as a car...

"And... from the performance side of the GS launch next year, it's the same thing. You'll get a serious competitor into that range."

We'll know more next year, but that reads like the importer will adjust pricing and specification of the next-gen GS range to make way for an affordable hero model along the same lines as the IS 350.

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