The 2011 Lexus CT 200h borrows the basics from the 2011 Prius, combines a 98-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 650-volt (battery peak 36-hp) electric motor system, altogether making 134 horsepower, but mates it with slightly different electronic controls that make the powertrain feel a bit sportier. A Sport mode changes the feel of the steering and allows the system's full 650 volts of assist at partial throttle. Overall, while the CT doesn't drive quite like lux hot hatches like the Audi A3 or Volvo C30, it's hands down the sportiest-handling compact hybrid. Twist it to the left and you enter Eco mode, which has muted throttle responses and limits drive voltage (except under full throttle) to 500 volts. If you're going to Sport, from Eco or Norm, the projected face of the analog Eco gauge at the left of the gauge cluster changes and it becomes a tachometer; and just to remind you, the color projected down onto the gauge cluster changes from blue to red.
The CT is about four inches shorter in wheelbase than the Prius and about five and nearly six inches shorter overall, but somehow Lexus has delivered a surprisingly roomy interior, thanks to a very well thought out seating position. Feature-wise, Lexus has also positioned this one well for the younger set, offering commonly desired tech features like Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming, full iPod control, XM Satellite Radio, keyless ignition, and Lexus Safety Connect all standard.
Lexus showed the LF-Ch concept at last fall’s Frankfurt motor show, and now the company is showing the production version, the CT200h. The individual outputs of the electric and gas portions as well as the combined system output remain unspecified, but the presence of the 1.8-liter has us a bit worried. There are four driver-selectable driving modes available in the CT200h: Normal, Eco, EV, and Sport. In Normal mode, the car can operate on battery-only power up to speeds of 28 mph, while EV mode forces the car to rely only on battery power for 1.2-mile stretches. Lexus's computer-mouse-style Remote Touch controller lives on the center console. The CT is 170.1 inches long, 69.5 inches wide, and 56.3 inches tall, and there are 102.4 inches between the axles. For comparison, a Prius is 5.5 inches longer, 0.8 inch narrower, and 2.4 inches taller, while riding on a 3.9-inch-longer wheelbase.
So why haven’t hybrids caught on in Europe? Sure, automakers, (including Lexus and parent company Toyota), have offered hybrids in Europe, but not for Europe.
And so Lexus crafted the CT200h, specifically tailored for European tastes, while exhibiting trademark Lexus quality, luxury and the company’s sophisticated hybrid drive.
To get the most out of the hybrid setup, Lexus has built in four different drive modes that let you customize the driving experience: Sport, Eco, Normal and EV. Switch to Sport mode and not only does the throttle sensitivity pick up, but a more direct steering program is also engaged. With 200 volts of power normally available, Sport mode pumps up to 650 volts, meaning that even slight throttle applications make a big difference. Switching between the modes is simple with a dial on the center stack, rather than the buttons in the Prius - although EV mode is still engaged via a button. And in case you can’t tell what mode you’re in (which would be hard as they are quite defined) the dash lights up blue in EV or ECO mode, while there’s a red glow in Sport mode.
The CT maintains the serene driving experience we’ve come to expect from Lexus over the years, (even being an entry-level model), while delivering a more driver-focus experience than we expected.
With a MacPherson strut front suspension and double-wishbone rear, Lexus actually credits much of a car’s driving dynamics to a rigid chassis and two innovative strut bars – yes, strut bars. As a result, the CT is solid while retaining the trademark Lexus comfort and smoothness.
In most other Toyota/Lexus products you step down on the pedals, whereas in the CT you press against them. Overall, its what you might call, (cliché alert) a very European driving experience.
A Leather Package includes high-grade perforated leather on the seats, a driver’s seat memory and heated front seats – although for some reason Lexus chose to make the heated seat operation a silly push out dial (like the audio controls on a 1990s Pontiac) rather than a more convenient button.
Standard features on all CT200h models include full power items, Smart Access keyless entry and a push-button ignition, LED daytime running lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, iPod hookup and control, Bluetooth, use of eco plastics for dash and trunk areas and the OnStar-like Safety Connect system.
