Lexus LF-SA concept teased ahead of Geneva debut, tipped to preview new small car

The image appears to have leaked out via Twitter, shortly after which Lexus bit the bullet and released it officially. In increasingly typical fashion, it’s a vague teaser image designed to build suspense without giving too much away.

The general consensus is that the LF-SA previews a new compact model for the brand, a contention not lessened by the brand’s cryptic statement that “the LF-SA concept explores unexpected territories for the brand in a bold and emotional execution”.

Whether this potential production Lexus concept, if it is what we expect, will preview an edgier new CT or an even smaller Audi A1 rival potentially called the SA and based loosely on the Toyota Yaris, or the even smaller iQ, is not clear. 

Lexus certainly could use additional models to take on its German rivals that seemingly have competitors in nigh-on every vehicle segment there is. As we know, sales of premium small-cars in Australia are booming.

All that being said, the LF-SA might just be something else entirely.

Whatever its dimensions, the LF-SA sports Lexus’ L-Finesse styling language, meaning boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and a mammoth ‘spindle’ grille. It also has wide haunches and tapering sides that narrow as they near the roof.

“In a future world which many people see as increasingly influenced by technology and virtual experiences, the LF-SA concept is also a driver-focused vehicle, reflecting Lexus’ vision that real experience will remain ultimate luxury,” the company’s statement says.

The LF-SA joins a long line of Lexus concept cars, most of which have reached production in toned-down forms. These include the LF-CC, LF-LC, LF-Gh and LF-NX.