pagemaster

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...llCars/248136/

Lexus is likely to introduce an estate variant on the next generation of its Lexus IS - and make the model range hybrid-only.

The Japanese firm's BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class rival is in its second generation, and a third edition is due in 2011. But while the original model did offer an estate variant, called SportCross, the current car - introduced in 2005 - has never been available in a wagon.

Lexus insiders now admit that this policy has hurt sales of the car in Europe, where it must face the 3-series Touring and A4 Avant.

The next IS is also likely to only be available as a hybrid, fitting in with the firm's current push towards this technology. It already has two standalone hybrid models, the HS250h and the CT200h.

It is unclear how this switch could affect the prospects of a successor to the V8-engined IS F.

RXSF

hmm I wonder why they would make an IS wagon when they have the CT

pagemaster

Looks like Lexus is trying to turn the IS into their worldwide bread and butter vehicle. I would still like to see adaptive variable suspension in the IS

GiantsFan

iTrader: (9)

I HIGHLY doubt the IS will be going hybrid only...

QuachmanES

iTrader: (4)

Especially if they DO make the IS hybrid-only (which I doubt). The CT 200h would be completely redundant. Except as a slightly less powerful/slightly better gas mileage version?

Initial B

iTrader: (2)

OMG OMG yes, I hope the make a wagon available. and maybe they'll make the back seat useable for non-double amputees while they're at it. woot

encore888

+1 this is an Autocar UK article...in Europe Lexus is going hybrid-only, I'm 99.999% sure that's what this means...in Europe the ISh will be sold only. Other markets will get both gas and hybrid 3IS.

RXSF

a hybrid 3IS? lol they better get Lithium batteries going because I dont know how many batteries they can fit on that platform.

BLK98GS3

+1 That back seat is almost useless for a grown man.

mmarshall

The first IS wagon, the SportCross, flopped and fell on its face in the American market.....it was only offered a year or two and then dropped. Of course, the Sportcross was RWD only.....if a new IS wagon comes out, Lexus, IMO, would be wise to give it an AWD opton. Heck.....I'd look at one myself.

Jetfire

iTrader: (3)

+1. that's the way i see it too.

europe loves wagons a.k.a estates. they also like their fuel efficient diesels and hybrids.

2IS has diesel now but hybrid would be a smarter choice for 3IS in europe.

TRDFantasy

Yes, the IS could go hybrid-only in Europe only, as the strategy for Lexus in Europe is putting heavy focus on hybrid models.

F performance models will still be sold too.

Same reason why BMW offers tons of wagons, as well as Audi and Benz?

Compared to CT, IS wagon would be bigger, more luxurious, faster, etc.

RXSF

BMW and Merc only have C/3 wagons and then the E/5 Wagons. This is two entry level "wagon" type vehicles in the same category of near luxury

jadu

iTrader: (42)

yay, just like the 1IS

encore888

Wagon is great, but we want a non-convertible IS coupe too!!!