Lexus to develop RAV4 based hybrid crossover to challenge BMW and Audi

According to new reports, Lexus has confirmed their plans to develop a new hybrid crossover, with the aim to rival the likes of the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3.

Earlier this year,  Lexus' Executive Vice President Kazuo Ohara had announced for a pre-production concept to be unveiled later this year, possibly at the Tokyo Motor Show in November.

Now, it appears the automaker will also be displaying the production-ready premium compact SUV/crossover at Geneva Motor Show 2014.

In terms of powertrain, it will inherit the same hybrid powertrain used in IS 300h, which comprises of an Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, 2.5-litre engine working together with a high torque motor. The regular engine will churn 178bhp and 300Nm of torque while the combined output will develop 220bhp.