The 2010 Lexus HS 250h will go on sale later this year in the U.S. with prices starting at $34,200; however, Lexus has ruled out selling its dedicated hybrid model in Europe. Instead Europe will get a hybrid variant of the Avensis and the Lexus IS.

“Selling the HS 250h here would be an emphatic no because of Toyota’s plans to put a hybrid in every range by 2020,” Lexus told AutoCar. ”The car would be premium d-segment and a direct competitor to the Avensis and the IS, which already meet premium needs.”

Power for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h will come from the company”s first 4-cylinder 2.4L Atkinson engine mated to the Lexus Hybrid Drive System. That gives it the ability to make a total of 187-hp allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds while averaging a combined fuel-economy of 35 mpg.

2010 Lexus HS 250h:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: AutoCar