Lexus CT 200h revealed

[Colin]

Spot on, Nick.

For this class of car, the company car market still rules pretty supreme in the UK, and as the BIK tax is now anything from negligible to punitive, then most people will either want, or if their employer has a so-called green policy, to choose a low CO2 emitting car.  Whether I will be allowed to, and able to afford another car like the S6 (assuming such cars are still available) when the lease ends on my current steed is far from clear. 

[2o6]

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/13/lexus-ct-200h-details-on-u-s-version-arrive/



"Total output has been pegged at 134 horsepower, with 98 hp coming from the 1.8-liter VVT-i four-cylinder gas engine and 80 hp provided by the electric motor. From a standstill, it will take 9.8 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour. Ease up on the gas a bit and the estimated EPA rating is 42 miles per gallon. A new suspension with aluminum gubbins and low-friction goodies designed specifically for this car features MacPherson struts up front with double wishbones in back, tuned for "spirited" handling. An aluminum hood and tailgate help lower the center of gravity and the curb weight. "


Why does the HS exist?

[cawimmer430]

134-horsepower? My BMW 118i makes more horsepower than that! 143-horsepower! 

Ask Wimmer anything about the BMW 1-Series 5-Door Hatch with whom the CT200h competes with! 

[goldenlover1101]

42 mpg doesn't seem that great for a hybrid 

[93JC]

Why does the HS exist?

Why does THIS exist?

[2o6]

Why does THIS exist?

This makes more sense than the HS.

[Xer0]

Still so very behind the Fusion Hybrid which is far larger and gets way more power.

[2o6]

Still so very behind the Fusion Hybrid which is far larger and gets way more power.

It's not a luxury car, or purportedly as engaging to drive. The CT is nicer, drives better (hopefully) and is only a second slower to 60. (Yes, 9.8 seconds is too slow, but the Fusion is only 8.7)


Besides, I think this 42MPG number is the combined MPG. Fusion Combined is 39MPG.

[Xer0]

It's not a luxury car, or purportedly as engaging to drive. The CT is nicer, drives better (hopefully) and is only a second slower to 60. (Yes, 9.8 seconds is too slow, but the Fusion is only 8.7)


Besides, I think this 42MPG number is the combined MPG. Fusion Combined is 39MPG.

The CT is a little bit nicer on the inside, I doubt it drives better at all, doesn't look as good as the Fusion, will likely cost a lot more, is a lot smaller, a lot slower, and barely gets better mileage if at all.  This car will be CRZ level of fail I predict.

[93JC]

This makes more sense than the HS.

HOW? This is like an HS hatchback. This makes less sense than Darth Vader pouring water from a Brita pitcher into a jug while standing in the ocean.

[2o6]

HOW? This is like an HS hatchback. This makes less sense than Darth Vader pouring water from a Brita pitcher into a jug while standing in the ocean.

Lexus says this is the lightest car they've ever produced. Lexus is putting extra effort to make this a sporty hybrid (except for the lack of power) in terms of handling and dynamics. Not only that, but it bests the mediocre HS's MPG's by a sizable margin, the HS only gets 35 combined.

[2o6]

I think it would make more sense with a traditional gas engine producing around 180HP, but the MPG benefits in a luxury car seem to be worth it.

[93JC]

[2o6]

I like the idea behind the car, and it seems to be much better executed than the HS. The CT will generally likely have more appeal in Europe, since in the UK it will emit under 100g of CO2, thus qualifing for free yearly registration......no other car in this price range can do that.

To me, someone with Morris Minor's criteria (or even Raza's) would find this attractive, a good handling, luxurious commuter car with great MPG's.

[sportyaccordy]

Yes it does. Can't drink salt water

Luxury hybrids

[2o6]

I don't understand what is wrong with saving gas on a nicer car.

[omicron]

It is obvious that I would have to kill myself if I lived in a Communist country where this Lorolla is the by-product of engine/consumption/size taxes. What a cynical, stupid car. No wonder the Russians drink.

[Cookie Monster]

Too bad, because this car looks really nice.

[omicron]

Too bad, because this car looks really nice.

Incorrect. This is nice:

[cawimmer430]

Why does THIS exist?

They want to make inroads in Europe among other markets and this car might be their chance. But as usual, Lexus seems to think one silly engine option will cut it.

I wonder if it will come with cheaper trim levels such as cloth seats, plastic hubcaps etc..

[sportyaccordy]

I don't understand what is wrong with saving gas on a nicer car.

If it's for an image thing, w/e.

But on a 40K+ car, gas is like less than 10% of the cost of ownership. Even if gas was free, it wouldn't make owning something like a new GS460 much cheaper. Not to mention, over the life of the car hybrids actually have about the same or a bigger carbon footprint, don't save any money, require more maintenance, etc....

Diesel + "smart start" or super mild hybrid tech (i.e. all electric accessories) seems like a smarter idea to me.

[2o6]

If it's for an image thing, w/e.

But on a 40K+ car, gas is like less than 10% of the cost of ownership. Even if gas was free, it wouldn't make owning something like a new GS460 much cheaper. Not to mention, over the life of the car hybrids actually have about the same or a bigger carbon footprint, don't save any money, require more maintenance, etc....

Diesel + "smart start" or super mild hybrid tech (i.e. all electric accessories) seems like a smarter idea to me.

Mild Hybrid would be just as heavy but with no MPG benefit. Not only that, but the CT will start at around 27-28K.


In comparison to say a Camry V6 XLE at that price, yes you lose space, but you gain at least 20MPG, and get a much, much sharper drive, thus the Lexus CT making more sense.

[MX793]

Yes it does. Can't drink salt water

Luxury hybrids

I don't think a Brita can remove salt from water.

[cawimmer430]

Incorrect. This is nice:

I saw the Sportcross version of that Toyota, excuse me, Lexus, today. It even had cloth seats! Damn! 

[omicron]

I saw the Sportcross version of that Toyota, excuse me, Lexus, today. It even had cloth seats! Damn! 

Definitely my favourite Lexus of all. As a sedan, thanks.

[CALL_911]

I saw the Sportcross version of that Toyota, excuse me, Lexus, today. It even had cloth seats! Damn! 

That thing was awesome. SO much better than the comparable Chrysler, pardon me, Mercedes, which was a flaming pile of dog turd.

[Raza]

I like the idea behind the car, and it seems to be much better executed than the HS. The CT will generally likely have more appeal in Europe, since in the UK it will emit under 100g of CO2, thus qualifing for free yearly registration......no other car in this price range can do that.

To me, someone with Morris Minor's criteria (or even Raza's) would find this attractive, a good handling, luxurious commuter car with great MPG's.

I require a stick, decent 0-60, and a gasoline or diesel engine. 

[sportyaccordy]

Mild Hybrid would be just as heavy but with no MPG benefit. Not only that, but the CT will start at around 27-28K.


In comparison to say a Camry V6 XLE at that price, yes you lose space, but you gain at least 20MPG, and get a much, much sharper drive, thus the Lexus CT making more sense.

A Camry Hybrid is, from what I understand, cheaper, not much less fuel efficient, and knowing Toyota prob not much less fun to drive.

What Toyota really needs to do is stop dicking around, ditch the Camry Hybrid and make a Corolla/Matrix hybrid... which is, IIRC, what this car is, with a 5-8K markup. Actually, a top of the line Corolla is like 10K less than this car, and while prob not as well equipped is prob not far off, lighter, faster w/stickshift, etc. Hybrids are just fkcing pointless

[2o6]

A Camry Hybrid is, from what I understand, cheaper, not much less fuel efficient, and knowing Toyota prob not much less fun to drive.

What Toyota really needs to do is stop dicking around, ditch the Camry Hybrid and make a Corolla/Matrix hybrid... which is, IIRC, what this car is, with a 5-8K markup. Actually, a top of the line Corolla is like 10K less than this car, and while prob not as well equipped is prob not far off, lighter, faster w/stickshift, etc. Hybrids are just fkcing pointless

It also is not a luxury car, and is very cheap inside. The Corolla is tuned for comfort, so it really doesn't handle well either.


The Camry Hybrid starts at 26K, and only gets 35 combined, and is blasted universally for it's driving dynamics. Reviewers who have driven the CT have praised it's handling and dynamics.

[Atomic]

Not bad but it is way too huge.

this seems like an advantage, greg. for a lexus, i would expect a roomy vehicle for the premium of toyota's upscale brand. it does look sharp!