Lexus shows final look of Evoque-sized LF-NX

Images of the final production version of the dramatic Lexus LF-NX concept have been leaked online, months ahead of the Range Rover Evoque rival's official debut.

The pictures, which appeared in a presentation given by Toyota North America CEO James Lentz, show a production model resembling a toned-down version of the original concept. The model is tipped to take the NX name for production, slotting in below the larger RX SUV in Lexus's line-up.

The NX will be based on the architecture of the Toyota RAV4 and will offer hybrid power as well as a new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine - Lexus's first - which Lentz confirmed at the presentation.

He added that it would "pave the way for turbos, for the future, in Lexus models - and turn a few heads along the way".

Lexus has recently trademarked 'NX200t', which correlates with both the 'NX' moniker of the concept and the turbocharged powerplant. The denomination could also relate to the the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine seen in the concept.

The manufacturer has also trademarked GS200t and RC200t, suggesting the new turbo powerplant may make its way into other models.

As yet Lexus has issued no technical details about the new engine, although it is known it is based on the 2.5-litre 'AR' four-cylinder employed in the IS 300h hybrid.

The LF-NX concept was designed to gauge the reaction of European buyers to a more aggressive and distinctive design than previously offered. Design project manager Nobuyuki Tomatsu said: "We want this to be a very influential car — one to make its rivals look boring.”

Speaking on the positioning on the NX, Lexus boss Mark Templin told Autocar last year: “It will be a great product for us because if you forecast where the segments of growth are between now and 2020 that is one of the biggest ones. There is a big shift to SUVs all over the world.”

Lexus declined to comment on the images when contacted by Autocar.