2011 Lexus CT 200h
by Jim Prueter -11/2010

All-new entry level Lexus is long on mileage, short on looks

Lexus will introduce the CT200h, its fifth hybrid vehicle and second hybrid-only model, following the HS 250h sedan. Using a version of the Toyota Prius’ hybrid synergy drivetrain, the CT 200h will be the least-expensive vehicle in the luxury brand’s lineup. While pricing has yet to be announced, the automaker says consumers can expect a starting price around $30,000.

Last year, Toyota and Lexus combined to sell more than 530,000 hybrid vehicles globally, with 250,000 bearing the Lexus moniker.

“The CT’s role is to expand the Lexus hybrid lineup by looking for an new group of buyers, with three-quarters of CT sales coming from outside the brand,” says Charles Hubbard, dealer educator for the brand.

Chief competitors in this segment are Audi A3, BMW 1 series and Volvo C30. None of those models offer a hybrid version, although the A3 is available with diesel power. Sales of those models have been less than exciting at 1550 per month combined. Lexus’s goal is to sell about 1000 CT units per month in this relatively small market segment, thereby nearly doubling segment’s sales numbers.

With the CT 200h, Lexus says it’s targeting mostly male buyers in their 30s and 40s, half of whom will be married with a household income of around $100,000. About 75 percent will come from outside the Lexus family and will be move-ups from non-luxury brands. Lexus says these are shoppers who are looking for something youthful, sporty and technologically advanced to match their lifestyles.

The CT 200h is based on the same platform Lexus’ parent company, Toyota, uses for the Scion tC and Toyota Corolla, and will be offered in one model with three variations. Those variations include option packages with a premium audio system, navigation with rear backup camera and leather upholstery that replaces the standard NuLuxe high-grade vinyl seating material. Dealer and port-of-entry installed options number 28, the most for any Lexus model.

I had the opportunity to test drive several CT 200h vehicles at a media event in New Orleans back in early November. The test cars were preproduction models almost identical to what will be in showrooms March 1. Our 100-plus-mile drive route was a combination of city, highway and twisty but flat two-lane blacktop roads through rural Louisiana bayous.

Power comes from a 1.8-liter gasoline engine rated at 98 horsepower, and an 80-horsepower electric motor. Together, they produce 134 net horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard. The CT will accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in 9.8 seconds and boasts a combined EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 42 miles per gallon.

There are four available driving modes: normal, eco, sport and EV. A rotary knob at the base of the center stack allows the driver to select the driving mode. When sport mode is selected, a tachometer appears in place of the hybrid recharge gauge display on the left side of the instrument cluster.

While Lexus representatives at the media event went to great lengths to emphasize the CT’s “sportiness,” we found little to regard it in that manner. Sport mode releases the system’s full 650 volts, allowing the engine to rev higher, with more dynamic software mapping for the throttle and electric power steering, while reducing the abruptness of the stability and traction control electronics.

In eco mode, the CT feels slow and major controls torpid in response. Normal mode improves the responsiveness but still no need to brace yourself for “pin you to the back of your seat” acceleration. The trade-off, of course, is excellent mileage.

The electric-only EV mode is purely slight-of-hand. In theory, it is possible to drive up to one mile at speeds of 25 mph, but apply the tiniest amount of pressure to the throttle and the gasoline engine shudders alive and takes over for the EV mode.

We were, however, impressed with the vehicle’s handling prowess and super-firm suspension; it was quick to respond and well behaved on the twisty bayou route. But the price for better handling is harsh ride quality, tossing occupants from side to side on rough New Orleans municipal streets.

Outside, the CT 200h five-door hatchback reflects what appears to be some anxiety in its design, like Lexus still isn’t sure of itself with this product. The look is squat, wide with a low roof, a front end that mirrors the Lexus IS and a truncated back end that isn’t nearly as finished nor as confident as the front. From a side profile, it looks like an amalgamation of a Subaru, Dodge Caliber and a previous generation Chevy Malibu Maxx.

Inside, the cabin errs toward function versus luxury. Lexus dresses it up a bit with available aluminum, ash, or bamboo trim inserts. NuLuxe upholstery is standard and feels surprisingly nice to the touch. Bear in mind that while the words “vinyl” and Lexus seem in conflict, both Mercedes and BMW use faux leather in most of their models.

NuLuxe is offered in three colors: black, ecru and camel. Full-perforated leather seating is optional and is only available in black or water grey. Regardless of seating color, the dashboard is black.

We found the front seats to be well bolstered, comfortable and nicely supportive on our 100-plus-mile test drive. Front seat room is generous but the wider-than-normal center console limits side-to-side leg movement. Only the driver’s seat is power operated. Rear passenger room is diminutive and best left for children.

The CT 200h has considerable blind spots; fat rear-roof pillars and useless rear side windows eliminate over-the-shoulder glance-ability. A blind-spot warning system would be a welcome addition, but is unavailable. A rear backup camera — which does help — is optional, viewable inside the rearview mirror or the navigation screen, if that option is selected, when the reverse gear is engaged.

The CT comes standard with eight supplemental airbags: driver and front seat passenger, knee and side airbags, and side curtain airbags. It has not been crash tested as of this writing.

The CT 200h is built at Lexus’ dedicated hybrid production facility in Kokora, Japan.

We think the CT 200h makes an excellent addition to the Lexus lineup and is far superior to the HS 250h, introduced last year. It is, however, a small vehicle. It isn’t intended to be a single solution for environmental challenges, but does help Lexus expand their hybrid product offerings.

We found the CT 200h to be a fun-to-drive hybrid, far better than Prius, Honda Insight, Nissan Altima hybrid and others. It is for the kind of person who loves to drive, wants the firmer ride and better handling rather than purely excellent gas mileage alone. It definitely deserves a test drive if you’re in the market for an inexpensive green luxury car.