Lexus has been pretty active while its parent, Toyota Motors has seemed in no way able to distract people who’ve seemed unceasingly focused on recalls and safety concerns. In the midst of this, Lexus’ reputation has been largely unaffected and the brand is hoping that it will continue to garner positive attention with the production release of the popular LF-CH Concept.

The vehicle, officially named the CT200h, was created to be the “first and only full hybrid vehicle in the premium concept segment”, according to Lexus. It was designed with the European market in mind, and fittingly will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The LF-CH Concept was seen as a potential competitor to premium compact models from Audi and BMW, though the CT200h doesn’t look like it will be able to compete on the basis of performance alone, being that the “h” in the title stands for hybrid.

The hybrid CT200h will be powered by a combination of a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The total output is documentent at 134 hp, which is a far cry from the 187 hp achieved by the HS250h sedan and is very short of what European competitors get using conventional power plants.

These performance comparisons come in to play when considering the CT200h’s positioning in the European market. If the car is released on this side of the pond, it will be the first of its class in North America, so competition would be a future concern. Comparisons to the A3 and the 1-series will become a more pressing issue to North American consumers if and when Audi and BMW decide that there is enough demand to bring their luxury compacts to our shores. In the meantime Lexus has the opportunity to test the North American, and I’m one person who hopes that they take advantage of this.

If you happen to be taking a trip out to Geneva this weekend, don’t forget to take a good look at the Lexus LFA. With only 500 specimens being produced, the chances of you seeing one up-close again are not very high.