Lexus sources have confirmed that the firm's upcoming compact luxury SUV will debut at next year's Geneva Auto Show.

The new model is expected to carry the NX 300h tag, after that name was trademarked by Lexus back in November.

NX fits the company's naming system and 300h implies the new vehicle will use a similar drivetrain to that of the ES 300h sedan, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and hybrid system.

According to Automotive News, Lexus chief Kazuo Ohara has already confirmed the crossover will debut in concept form at this year's Tokyo Auto Show, in November. The full production mode will debut in Geneva, the following March.

The new car is expected to share a platform with Toyota's RAV4 crossover, and will slot below the successful RX 450h hybrid SUV. Lexus kicked off U.S. sales with the LS400 sedan, but it's the RX line which really boosted the automaker's presence in the U.S.

As customers seek ever greater efficiency and look to downsize their vehicles, a more economical crossover could prove even more popular.

Despite this, Lexus hasn't yet decided whether the new model will be sold in America. Key rivals include the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, and only the latter is on sale in the U.S--without a dedicated hybrid or diesel model to boost efficiency.

The NX 300h name was trademarked alongside NX 200t--suggesting the new model could also get a 2.0-liter, turbocharged variant.

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