DCAWD.com

Chantilly, France—The newest addition to the Lexus lineup is the CT 200h. Powered by a 1.8 liter inline-4 and Hybrid Synergy Drive’s trademark two motor generators and planetary gearbox, the CT hybrid generates a combined 134 horsepower. The power for the motors comes from a 201.6-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack.

The CT, a lower and wider car than the HS 250h, can be driven in one of three modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. In Eco and Normal modes, output power from the motors is boosted to 500 volts. In Sport, it’s increased to 650 volts for added performance. There’s also an EV-only mode, but its realistic emissions-free range is only a little over one mile. Stability control intervention, throttle pedal sensitivity and electronic power steering assist all change based on drive mode.

In Sport mode, the computer will keep the engine revving for better throttle response and improved engine braking. What’s more, the instrument panel illumination changed from blue to red and the left-most gauge switches from a charge indicator to a tachometer.

Riding on 17-in. wheels, the Lexus CT 200h looks like it has been lowered by the factory. LED daytime running lights are reminiscent of a certain unnamed German manufacturer, but they don’t look out of place on this car. The taillights are LEDs, while the headlamps are halogen. LED headlamps, however, are optional.

Once in the Lexus, the ergonomics are noteworthy. Your legs extend straight out and the steering wheel is almost perpendicular to the ground, as in a formula car, and the dual-tone dash spreads wide in front of you. The drive selector lever is standard Toyota hybrid equipment, but the rest of the design is relatively new for Lexus.

Leather seating surfaces are available, but the standard upholstery will be an environmentally friendly, non-petroleum-based material called NuLuxe. While it’s certainly not real leather, it looks nice with its molded-in surface texture.

To reduce chassis vibration and improve harmonic damping, Lexus utilizes unique strut-braces with inline dampers at both the front and rear positions. MacPherson struts up front team with independent trailing arms in back. High-strength steel is generously employed around the rear hatch opening to chassis rigidity and crash-test performance while minimizing weight.

Driving the car is an enthusiast-friendly experience. In Sport mode, the CT responds surprisingly well to corners with predictable mild understeer that’s easily detectable through the steering wheel. All while getting a claimed 42 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. We’d like more aggressive regen-braking in Sport mode, and of course, some added horsepower wouldn’t hurt either. But that would come at the expense of efficiency, which is this car’s raison d’être.

Look for the Lexus CT200h to arrive next year, sometime after it goes on sale in Europe. No prices have been announced.

PGT wrote:I just drove a CR-Z last night and was very impressed.

scheherazade wrote:I find myself jealous...
Why oh why do I like that car...

-scheherazade

scheherazade wrote:I don't think these kinds of products help the image of a 'luxury' brand.
It blurs the lines between the basic lineup (toyota) and the upscale lineup (lexus).

PGT wrote:kind of like how we pay a premium for water....put a nice label on it....

Sabre wrote:That picture is VERY sexy.... I need to go drive one of these things!

scheherazade wrote:I don't think these kinds of products help the image of a 'luxury' brand.
It blurs the lines between the basic lineup (toyota) and the upscale lineup (lexus).

How very american of you! Keep in mind that in other parts of the world, they have the same badge on the outside. American's would have a hard time paying for a Honda TL, but have no problem paying for a Acura TL... It's just silly that we're caught up on the idea that a company can't make low and high end products without a big difference in price too! If they sold the Honda TL, people would expect it to be priced much cheaper just because of the name... Very sad...