Lexus readying battery-powered hatch

Lexus will launch a concept car previewing its first pure-electric model at the 2019 Tokyo motor show this October.

According to

Referencing the original LF-SA concept, the brand's VP, Koji Sato, told the British mag: "We feel that our future could resemble this design", suggesting the forthcoming Tokyo concept could stay true to the original.

Back in 2015, Lexus claimed the 3.4-metre LF-SA (Small Adventurer) would be an indirect replacement for its current CT – but maintained it wouldn't be a cheaper model.

Featuring an advanced interior that's said to place the dual infotainment screens on either side of the steering wheel, it's not known if the first pure-electric will revolutionise Lexus interiors going forward.

Technical details are few and far between, but Sato admitted that Lexus engineers are designing a new platform that will reportedly be shared with Toyota.

New in-wheel electric motors could also be on the cards, as well as four-wheel steering to ensure the production LF-SA will offer agility and parking prowess that will be unmatched.

With the final design set to be signed off by Toyota's president, Akio Toyoda, it's thought that the concept could hint a change in direction for Lexus' striking design language.

As well as a pure-electric powertrain, traditional petrol, petrol-electric hybrid and even hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains are all being explored.

Set to be on sale by 2021, Lexus hopes the entry-level LF-SA will attract buyers moving up from non-premium brands.