Next-generation Lexus IS to get hybrid only lineup, wagon variant

When the Lexus IS originally made its debut in Europe, it was offered with an estate (station wagon) variant called SportCross. However, Lexus eventually dropped the estate version but now admits that the policy has hurt sales of the model in Europe where it faces competition from the 3-Series Touring and A4 Avant.

To fix all that, Lexus is now working on an estate variant of the next-generation Lexus IS. The third-generation of the IS lineup is due out in 2011.

Sources also say that the IS is likely to be offered as a hybrid only, moving forward with the strategy with standalone hybrid models like the HS 250h and the CT200h.

We just hope they leave the V8 IS-F untouched (or touch it up with some more power).

– By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar