Lexus unveiled today the first photos and official information of the new CT200h, the premium compact declaring war to the more established BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.

After the fan’s interest has been fueled in the recent days with a series of pictures “stolen” from a brochure for the press, Lexus has decided to reveal photos and official information of the new CT200h, the premium compact that will try to win the crown of the BMW 1 and the Audi A3.

The new hybrid model was developed on a completely new platform, with front-wheel drive, a European premiere for Lexus models. The drivetrain is a hybrid one, as its name suggests, the core of the assembly being a 1.8-liter petrol engine connected to a CVT transmission.

The Japanese were pretty chary with the details regarding the engine, but it would provide some more resources than the Prius’ 99 HP a104 lb-ft of torque, and then the hybrid power train takes over. Like its concern brother, CT200h will have three running modes, Eco, Normal and Sport, modified to provide performance worthy of a Lexus.

The electric motor that will help conventional unit will allow the model to run with zero emissions over a distance of only 1.5 miles, being kept alive by a set of nickel batteries.

Lexus CT200h’s dimensions are more generous than those of rivals in the segment, the Japanese model measuring 170 inches long, 69.5 inches wide and 56.3 inches mm high. However, the wheelbase of 102.3 inches is smaller than that of the BMW 1 Series (104.7 inches) and the trunk volume, 345 liters, is surpassed by that of the A3 (350 liters).

How many have probably noticed, the Japanese model will only be available in the hybrid version, thus trying to take full advantage of the benefits that the Toyota Group has in this segment. In the future we could see a coupe version of the current CT200h, and even a mini SUV.