Lexus CT small sedan for 2015

Lexus will look to launch a new small sedan based on the CT200h hybrid. That’s the news from this week’s Paris Motor Show, where the Japanese luxury brand debuted its V8-powered Lexus RC F.

Speaking at the event overnight, global head of Lexus design, Tokuo Fukuichi, revealed that a compact sedan is something the company is "seriously considering".

"This is also a new product that … we consider about the possibility in the market. We have a chance to develop something like this," said Fukuichi, who is also the global design chief of Toyota and Scion.

When pressed about the existence of such a car, the notoriously cagey Japanese design guru virtually confirmed a concept car would preview the small sedan at the 2015 Geneva motor show in March.

"Yes. Wait till next year, at the Geneva motor show," he said with a wide grin, unable to contain his excitement.

While it’s likely that Lexus' new compact sedan concept will be based the current CT200h hatchback model, the production vehicle may not eventuate until the second generation CT hatch arrives in 2016.

Fukuichi-san wouldn't comment on what platform the new model will use, suggesting it could be an all-new architecture, but said that a number of engine types could be used.

"We need to think about the many possibilities [for drivetrains]. We have to think about environment. We try to think about hybrid engines, turbo engines too," he said.

As Lexus continues to slowly expand its range, it also has major plans to develop more high-performance 'F' models, but an Audi S3 sedan or Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG-rivalling CT F sedan is unlikely, even if Lexus drops a hard-charging turbo-petrol engine in it.

In September 2014, Lexus F chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi told motoring.com.au that a CT F was unlikely, as was an F-badged small car .

Whatever the outcome, expect a daring and edgy new design from Lexus at the Geneva motor show in March 2015.