Loan Lexus CT 200h
Model Strengths:
Premium 5-door compact, gateway-to-Lexus luxury appointments; high performance hybrid technology.
Model Changes:
The Lexus CT200h carries into 2012 with very few changes. A
new F Sport package adds special wheels, aluminum pedals, black and
metallic interior trim, sport suspension and a spoiler. Several new
paint colors have been added, such as Nebula Gray and Ultrasonic Blue.
Model Values:
Luxury buyers have a growing list of options when it comes
to environmentally friendly, high-efficiency vehicles. The CT200h is
based on sibling Toyotas Prius model, but adds Lexus-style luxury
appointments. For a Lexus, its inexpensive with base prices starting
under $30,000, but the CT comes with the styling, interior appointments
and safety Lexus owners expect.
Model Summary:
The Lexus CT 200h is a full hybrid compact 5-door full of
Lexus fit and finish and priced under $30,000. The CT200h was created
and developed originally for the European market, but is now available
in the US, and aimed directly at Americas young, highly discerning and
environmentally conscientious customers.
The driver-centered cabin is designed with clearly defined display and
operational zones. Audio and telephone controls share the steering
wheel, while three multi-function stalks are just behind, only an inch
away. The shift lever is mounted high on the console, inches from the
wheel. A console-mounted mouse operates the display on a large, central,
pop-up eye-level screen for multiple control functions at a glance.
Seating surfaces are trimmed in a soft synthetic, but leather will be an
available option. Front seats are designed in the deeply bolstered
sports style. The rear bench is also bolstered as two separate sports
seats and folds flat in a 30/70 split to add carrying capacity.
Lexus-level safety is standard, as is dust and pollen filtration in the
dual-zone climate control system.
Three factory option packages are available: Premium Audio includes a
6-disc premium system with 10 speakers, an electrochromic rearview
mirror with compass, and Lexus HomeLink. The Leather Package includes
auto-dimming outer mirrors, driver memory seat, rain-sensing
intermittent wipers and perforated leather seating surfaces. The
Navigation Package has a long list of connectivity components along with
voice-command and an array of navigational aids. A pre-collision System
and a dynamic cruise control can be included as factory installed
options.
The F Sport package, new for 2012, includes 17-inch glossy wheels,
sport-tuned suspension, mesh grille, aluminum pedals, a large rear
spoiler, scuff plates and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Toyota-developed, front-wheel-drive, hybrid system uses a highly
efficient Atkinson cycle, 1.8L 4-cylinder engine and an electronically
controlled continuously variable transmission. The engine is
supplemented by a pair of 650-volt motor/generators. The systems total
combined horsepower is 134, which is capable of delivering 0-60 times of
9.8 seconds and EPA fuel economy of 43 mpg city, 40 highway. The
electric-assisted rack and pinion power steering includes
power-splitting traction control.
The CT offers four driving modes. Normal, EV, ECO and Sport. EV allows
the CT to operate on battery power as much as possible. ECO smoothes
throttle response and reduces climate control usage to maximize fuel
efficiency. The Sport mode changes the character of the CT, changing the
instrument illumination, replacing the hybrid power monitor with a
tachometer in the gauge cluster, tightening the steering response and
turning the traction and stability control down. The result is a CT that
is more responsive, more fun and also, less fuel efficient.