Lexus adds entry-level luxury hybrid

The all-new HS 250h, which bears no relationship to the Lexus IS 250 models, is based on the architecture of Toyota's hybrid-only model, the popular Prius hatchback.

With a starting price of $34,200 (plus $875 freight), the HS 250h offers a full measure of luxury not available in the Prius, and it also comes with a trunk rather than the hatchback-style cargo area of the Toyota hybrid.

It's also 9 inches longer than the Prius, at 184.8 inches, but it has the same 106.3-inch wheelbase (a clear indication that the vehicles are built on the same basic chassis).

The HS 250h doesn't share its drive train with the Prius, however. Its 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine and accompanying electric drive motor are similar to those in the Toyota Camry hybrid, as is the continuously variable automatic transmission.

Total combined horsepower of the gasoline engine and electric motor is 187, compared with 134 for the Prius.

EPA fuel-economy estimates are 35 mpg city/34 highway, which is close to the slightly heavier Camry's 33 city/34 highway. But that's way below the 51/48 of the redesigned 2010 Prius.

Still, this is a big move forward in fuel economy for the Lexus line, and the first four-cylinder engine ever offered in one of the tony brand's vehicles. The next-most-fuel-efficient Lexus vehicle is the IS 250 sedan, whose 2.5-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission deliver EPA ratings of 21 city/29 highway.

The HS 250h is 4.5 inches longer than the IS; and borrowing from its Prius heritage, it's higher as well — at 59.3 inches, it's the highest car Lexus has. But it doesn't have the awkward chopped tail of the Prius — the odd styling that lets everyone know the Prius is not your ordinary car, but a bona fide, green-loving hybrid.

Bringing a dedicated, entry-level luxury hybrid to market (the first automaker to do so) makes sense, as Lexus sales have fallen sharply along with other luxury brands during the recession, and even people who spend this much money on their cars want to be able to save money on gasoline if they can.