The Lexus LF-Ch concept will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show and will lead to a production FWD, 5-door hatchback designed to rival the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series.

While the concept wears hybrid badges, expect the production vehicle to offer a range of powertrains starting with a plain-old earth-killing inline-four and ending with a full hybrid capable of limited-range and low-speed electric-only operation. We'll get a better idea of which Toyota platform this is based on when we see it live later this month.

The press release follows:

Lexus LF-Ch

* Premium compact concept with Lexus Hybrid Drive
* Practical 5-door body, meeting the core needs of customers in the premium compact market

Reinforcing Lexus' position as the only manufacturer to offer a range of hybrid vehicles, the LF-Ch concept will make its world premiere the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

LF-Ch combines stylish design and full hybrid technology in a practical 5-door compact package to fulfil the needs of the most demanding premium compact segment customers.

Benefiting from an electric-only driving capability, a key feature of Lexus Hybrid Drive, LF-Ch will allow for virtually silent urban driving with zero emissions.

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