Lexus HS250h is small, hybrid-only

Detroit Auto Show 2009 As expected Lexus has turned up at Detroit with a hybrid-only small, luxury sedan.

MPG? L/100km?
Based on the upcoming, next-generation Toyota Prius, the new HS might be front-wheel drive but features a larger 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine — the new Prius is expected to have a 1.8-litre engine. When working in tandem with an electric motor, the HS250h has a combined power rating of 140kW. Apart from admitting that it will be rated as a super ultra low emissions vehicle, or SULEV, Lexus hasn't released fuel economy ratings for the car.

All the leaves are green
Thanks to the shape of the tail lights, the car looks quite a bit like the progeny of a romantic affair between a Saab 9-3 and a Lexus IS250. The HS250h goes on sale in America late in the northern summer.

Curvy
While the dashboard design remind us of the current Corolla, there'll be way more tech on board. Everything from Bluetooth hands-free, satellite radio (US only), hard-disk sat nav to iPod connectivity will be available.

Remote Touch
The Remote Touch control system, which debuted last year in the next-generation RX off-roader, turns up for duty in the HS too. This controller allows the driver to control many in-car functions, including the navigation system.

Casual voice recognition
There's also a next-generation voice recognition system, which Lexus claims is able to understand more conversational commands for audio, climate control and navigation systems.

How much izzit?
Lexus has yet to announce US pricing of the HS250h, nor whether it will be available in Australia.