2011 Lexus CT 200h- Sporty Lexus hybrid impresses

The Lexus CT 200h is a first for the Japanese luxury car brand. Essentially, it is luxury compact sport hatchback with hybrid power and is priced very attractively with a starting price of $30,950.

The CT 200h is an all-new model for 2011 and powered by the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor as found in the current-generation Toyota Prius. The drive motor is driven by electrical power from the battery pack or the engine-driven motor, and drives the front wheels. The battery pack is located under the rear cargo area, ahead of the rear axle. Power output is the same with 134 horsepower.

The major difference is obviously in the styling. The CT 200h is shorter than the Prius, but wider and smaller inside with less room.

The CT 200h is a svelte sport compact with flare to it. I like the slightly tapered roof line and the hunkered- down profile. The rear window wraps nicely around the sides and the effect is of a rather rakish looking vehicle. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are standard, although a Premium Package delivers 17-inch, ten-spoke alloys.

Interior wise, a less grand Lexus cabin features metal-type accent trim on the dash, the doors and on the three spokes of the steering wheel. Leather stitching on the steering wheel and console, also add finesse in an otherwise average interior for a Lexus. The dash and instruments are well designed with easy to read gauges and decent controls and ergonomics. The driver can monitor the hybrid action with a special display. The CT 200h is rated by Energuide at 4.5 L/100 km in city driving and 4.8 L/100 km on the highway. A half tank of fuel cost me about $25… not bad at all!

Standard trim includes a leather-like seating material called NuLuxe. Although real leather is still optional. Even on the base $30,950 CT 200h, the equipment list is good: with dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, six-speaker Lexus audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and four-way manually adjustable passenger seat. In addition: power windows with auto up and down for all windows, power-adjustable heated mirrors with integrated signal lamps and puddle lamps, halogen headlamps, fog lamps and LED daytime running lights are all standard.

An optional $4,950 Premium Package gives you added leather seating, an upgraded audio system with ten speakers and six-disc CD changer, driver’s seat memory system for the seat and mirrors. Also included, is a garage door opener, power moonroof, auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and a backup camera and compass integrated into the mirror.

A higher spec Technology Package is also available racking the price up to $39,350 and offers voice-activated navigation system with integrated backup camera in the display, LED headlamps and headlamp washers.

Like the Prius, the hybrid drive system in the CT 200h has four drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport and EV (electric vehicle). Normal mode offers a longer throttle while Eco mode adjusts air conditioning settings and practically puts the throttle to sleep for the best possible fuel economy. Sport mode provides quicker more direct electric power steering settings. EV mode is ideal for low speeds for example in parking lots.

Having driven the Prius in many occasions, the driving sensation of the CT 200h is familiar and it is an easy comfortable car to drive. The actual fuel economy you achieve will of course depend very much on your driving style, but I found the figures to be pretty close to the estimates.

At $1,950 less than the popular IS 250 Lexus sedan, there are hopes the CT 200h will attract younger, eco-conscious buyers to the brand. And it has a good chance of succeeding as the CT 200h offers good looks, four doors, hatchback versatility and a hybrid drive train for greater fuel efficiency.

2011 Lexus CT200h priced from $30,950.