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2011 Lexus CT 200h
A hatchback that's not only a hybrid, but also a Lexus?

By Malcolm Gunn

2011 Lexus CT 200hMore is better and apparently Lexus believes this applies to its expanding lineup of gasoline-electric hybrids.

The impending launch of the CT 200h that shows up in early 2011 brings to five the number of gas-electric hybrid models from Toyota's up-market branch. Some  are regular Lexus cars fitted with hybrid systems, while others, such as the HS 250h sedan, are available only with hybrid propulsion.

The new CT 200h slots into the same category as the HS, although the CT is more modestly sized and combines a practical hatchback shape with the sort of exemplary fuel economy for which Lexus hybrids are famous.

The small Lexus is also aimed at a distinctly younger audience and casts a similar shadow to the youth-oriented Nissan Versa hatchback. It also shares that car's overall length and distance between the front and rear wheels.  The CT's slinkier shape means considerably less usable cargo space than the Versa, yet its flat-folding back seats add a level of practicality that fans of this body style will appreciate.

2011 Lexus CT 200hFortunately, the CT's styling exudes a certain Lexus look that should ensure it won't be confused with hatches costing thousands of dollars less. The front end evokes images of the IS-series sedans, while the unique-to-Lexus rear access door straddles the line between hatchback and wagon. Lexus doesn't use either term in describing its latest vehicle, leaving the descriptor up to the viewer.

The CT's Toyota-Prius-based hybrid system consists of a 98-horsepower 1.8-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine that combines with a 60-kilowatt electric motor to produce a net total system output of 134 horses. That's considerably less than the output produced by the HS 250h's 187 combined horsepower (a powertrain that's largely borrowed from the Camry Hybrid). The heavier-by-about-250-kilograms HS can muscle its way to 60 mph (96 km-h) in a Lexus-timed 8.4 seconds, while the CT reaches the same velocity in a more sedate 9.8 seconds.

However, current and prospective hybrid car buyers are likely more concerned about fuel efficiency than all-out performance. In this respect the CT should wind up with an estimated city and highway rating below 5.0-l/100 km, easily earning it the title of Lexus's thriftiest vehicle.

2011 Lexus CT 200hAs with all Lexus/Toyota hybrids, an efficient continuously variable transmission completes the drivetrain.

Assisting in the CT's fuel-saving process is a choice of EV (electric only), ECO, Normal and Sport drive modes. The EV setting allows the car to travel up to 1.6 kilometres at speeds up to 40 km-h on battery power alone. The gas engine will engage and assist the electric motor if rapid acceleration is called for. The Sport mode adds a bit more hybrid-style zing by increasing the electric motor's voltage to 650 from the Normal setting's 500-volt output.

The CT's gauge package indicates which of the hybrid's drive systems are in operation as well as the real-time fuel efficiency as dictated by your driving style.

Other energy-efficiency helpers include available light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that consume less power than standard halogen headlights, and a special amplifier for the audio system that requires less operating power.

Along with the CT's sporty driving persona, Lexus engineers have tried to ensure that the car's road manners differentiate it from the rest of the pack. For example, the chassis setup features a special front and rear damper system that's integrated with the engine mounts to help prevent chassis vibrations and road noise from entering the cabin.

CT customers can expect a full suite of the usual Lexus creature comforts and safety features, although you'll pay extra for leather seats since environmentally friendly faux-leather coverings come standard.

Once the shock wears off of seeing a Lexus this small and with an extra door in back, the CT 200h stands a good chance of capturing the attention of a younger group of buyers who can afford to spend about $35,000 on a cool and green hybrid ride. That would make Lexus's least expensive model an attractive choice in more ways than one.

What you should know: 2011 Lexus CT 200h

Type: Four-door, front-wheel-drive entry-luxury hybrid hatchback
Engines (hp): 1.8-litre DOHC I4 (98) with 80-horsepower electric motor (134)
Transmission: Continuously variable
Market position: The CT is a true niche vehicle that employs a traditional hatchback format as seen on many modestly priced models, but provides lots of Lexus-style premium features along with a fuel-saving powerplant.
Points: A save-the-planet powertrain inside an upscale car that hits the enviro-fast lane, although with leisurely acceleration; Practical hatch design looks more Toyota than Lexus; Fuel economy beats larger Lexus HS 250h, but lags well behind less-expensive Toyota Prius; Attractive estimated price makes strong case for an affordably loaded hybrid.
Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; front knee airbags, anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control.
L/100 km (city/highway):  4.8/4.9 (est.)
Base price (incl. destination): $35,000 (est.)

By comparison    

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Base price: $35,000 (est.)
Low price plus unique high-tech gas-electric drive will tempt green buyers.

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Base price: $43,800
New-for-2011 luxury hybrid is easy on gas and gets great fuel economy.

Lexus HS 250h
Base price: $41,900
A step up in space and power for about $7,000 more than a CT 200h.

Malcolm Gunn is an automotive writer based in Moncton, NB, and a regular contributor to CarTest!

Posted January 7, 2021. © CarTest.ca TM


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