The name Lexus for any car enthusiast brings to mind many emotions. In recent years the brand, essentially Toyota’s luxury division, has gained a lot of respect and in around twenty years of existence, a short period for a car manufacturer, the ‘L’ logo now commands as much respect as any top marque out there.
Being invited to test drive the new CT200h was a challenge in itself as it was the first hybrid car I would set foot into, let alone spend half a day driving around Malta’s roads. Based on Toyota’s Prius the CT200h has turned what was a competent, good looking hybrid into a luxurious low-slung stunner yet still managing to extract roughly the same consumption from their petrol / electric dual motors.
In this market sector conventional buyers might opt for an Audi A3 or a BMW 1-series but those wishing to depart from the norm should consider the Japanese-built Lexus CT200h luxury hybrid, which I must add is offered at very respectable prices. Not only does this car have a badge that will make onlookers solemnly nod in respect, plus an options list that could make its competitors blush, it also offers something its rivals can only dream of: hybrid propulsion that delivers low-emission, high-economy driving. The car I was handed over was the mid-range CT 200h SE-L.
The CT200h simply looked great. Sitting in the bright sunshine in a metallic pearl finish this car simply oozed class. Its front end has a keen, purposeful appearance, like it’s angry with the road ahead. The ‘hybrid’ badges on the left and right sides spoil any illusion that the CT200h is a tarmac burner, but the prominent ‘L’ emblem on the front and rear will remind onlookers that you’re driving something slightly more special than other hybrids and executive cars.
The back half of the CT200h looks great too, in fact I loved the rear view better, and the rear light clusters are very concept looking. Another aspect that makes this car so enjoyable to look at is its very low stance, low enough in fact to raise some questions about driving over rough local roads although I did, and did not scrape anywhere so maybe it’s just an illusion as to its real ride height.
Once inside, the car is equally impressive, it has a reassuringly expensive appearance and feel, and is littered with buttons, lights and enough gizmos to keep most tech heads entertained for hours, but what caught my eyes most were the beautiful seats in pitch grey alcantara leather. The dashboard itself is like no other and although sporting the traditional twin dials also has all dual-aircon controls and other switches running along a central horizontal line that is very eye-catching indeed. Leather abounds, from steering wheel to instrument panel cowl, door sides and central console. The ride is low, low enough to make it difficult to indulge in the local habit of driving with your right arm hanging out over the door, but this only helps to give the car an even sportier appearance. The car has an automatic gearbox and at first glance one might even be forgiven for having to look for the shifter, for small it is and hardly used except to shift from Drive to Reverse.
Despite its relatively exotic styling, the 200h is powered by the same components as the third-generation Toyota Prius. It uses a 98bhp 1.8-litre engine that ticks over using the Atkinson cycle - a combustion process optimised for economy rather than performance. This is paired with an 81bhp electric motor that helps provide a combined power output of 134bhp. That’s not a terribly impressive power figure on paper and yes the car is no hot hatch when driven on Eco mode but that was to be expected! Twist the car’s driving-mode knob into the ‘Sport’ setting and the CT200h is transformed and can manage 62mph in 10.3 seconds from standstill. In this mode the car has enough power to keep up with the flow of fast-moving motorway traffic and also enough on tap to burst forward and overtake the Sunday drivers.
Lexus has done its utmost to make the car handle effectively through clever weight distribution. The car’s hybrid-propulsion components are mounted as close to the floor of the vehicle as possible, helping it to maintain a low centre of gravity, and components located furthest away from the centre of gravity like the bonnet, tailgate and bumper reinforcements are all made from lightweight aluminium.
The CT200h’s suspension is also in for much praise. I drove around country roads at varying speeds and found the car had perfect poise and road holding was also excellent. Whereas the Prius uses comparatively decrepit torsion-beam rear-suspension technology, this car uses the slightly fancier double-wishbone variety, which, although heavier by nature, is widely used in sports cars, as it offers better stability when you’re driving like a maniac.
The CT200h’s hybrid main target remains its fuel consumption and at an impressive 68.9mpg on the combined cycle is considerably more than most of its diesel-engined competitors.
The CT200h trumps all its rivals in terms of low emissions. The car emits carbon dioxide at a rate of just 94g/km. That’s up to a whopping 29g/km less than the BMW 1-series! It’s an even better picture as far as nitrous oxide emissions are concerned. The 200h spits out just 3.3mg/km of the stuff, compared to the hundreds of mg/km spewed out by its rivals’ diesel engines.
The Lexus CT200h has totally changed my perception of hybrids. I expected a silent, lethargic vehicle that would not be that much fun to drive. Nothing is further from the truth for I immensely enjoyed driving this car and greatly recommend a test drive. Yes the car is silent, at low speeds its is more like gliding than driving but in Sport mode the engine makes sure you know it is there, so in effect one can drive according to his taste, or pocket. Available now from M.Debono Limited in Zebbug prices start from €34,695.
CT 200h SE-I
The CT 200h SE-I featuring 16” or 17” alloys, can be specified with a number of equipment packs. You can upgrade to parking sensors, Full Map satellite navigation and DAB radio.
Active safety
& driving dynamics
• 4 driving modes: Normal, Eco,
Sport, EV
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
• BAS (Brake Assist System)
• EBD (Electronic Brakeforce
Distribution)
• EPS (Electric Power Steering), speed sensitive
• TRC (Traction Control)
• VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Security
• Anti-theft system: siren, intrusion sensor and immobiliser
• Speed sensitive auto door lock
• Two motion door lock: double lock
Interior comfort
& convenience
• 6-way manually adjustable front seats
• Dual zone climate control air
conditioning system
• Electrochromatic inside rear-view mirror
• Fabric upholstery
• Outside rear-view mirror, heated
• Push button start
• Storm Black inlay
• Tilt and telescopic leather steering wheel
Exterior
• Front fog lamps
• Halogen headlights
• LED Daytime Running Lights
• LED tail and brake lights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Rear privacy glass
• Rear spoiler
Passive safety
• Curtain shield airbag
• Driver and front passenger 2-stage airbag
• Driver and front passenger knee airbag
• Driver and front passenger side airbag
Audio, communication
& information
• 6-speaker audio system
• Bluetooth® mobile phone
connectivity
• USB multimedia connection
Wheels
• 17” alloy wheels and tyres (215/45R17)
CT 200h SE-L
The CT 200h SE-L, featuring 16” or 17” alloys, can be specified with a number of attractive equipment packs. You can upgrade to Full Map satellite navigation, DAB radio and the Convenience Pack.
Active safety
& driving dynamics
• 4 driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, EV
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
• BAS (Brake Assist System)
• EBD (Electronic Brakeforce
Distribution)
• EPS (Electric Power Steering), speed sensitive
• TRC (Traction Control)
• VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Security
• Anti-theft system: siren, intrusion sensor and immobiliser
• Speed sensitive auto door lock
• Two motion door lock: double lock
Interior comfort
& convenience
• 6-way manually adjustable front seats
• Cruise control
• Dual zone climate control air
conditioning system
• Electrochromatic inside rear-view mirror
• Leather upholstery with front seat heaters
• Outside rear-view mirror, heated
• Push button start
• Storm Black inlay
• Tilt and telescopic leather steering wheel
Exterior
• Front fog lamps
• Halogen headlights
• LED Daytime Running Lights
• LED tail and brake lights
• Parking Assist Sensors (front and rear)
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Rear privacy glass
• Rear spoiler
Passive safety
• Curtain shield airbag
• Driver and front passenger 2-stage airbag
• Driver and front passenger knee airbag
• Driver and front passenger side airbag
Audio, communication
& information
• 6-speaker audio system
• Bluetooth® mobile phone
connectivity
• USB multimedia connection
Wheels
• 17” alloy wheels and tyres (215/45R17)
CT 200h SE-L Premier
Featuring 16” or 17” alloy wheels, LED low-beam headlights and satellite navigation operated by Remote Touch, the SE-L Premier is the most highly equipped CT 200h. You can also choose to upgrade to Adaptive Cruise Control with Pre-Crash Safety system.
Active safety
& driving dynamics
• 4 driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, EV
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
• BAS (Brake Assist System)
• EBD (Electronic Brakeforce
Distribution)
• EPS (Electric Power Steering), speed sensitive
• TRC (Traction Control)
• VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Security
• Anti-theft system: siren, intrusion sensor and immobiliser
• Speed sensitive auto door lock
• Two motion door lock: double lock
Interior comfort
& convenience
• Cruise control
• Dual zone climate control air
conditioning system
• Electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
• Electrochromatic inside rear-view mirror
• Leather upholstery with front seat heaters
• Smart Entry and Start System with Push button start
• Storm Black inlay
• Tilt and telescopic leather steering wheel
Exterior
• Electrically adjustable, foldable, heated and electrochromatic outside rear-view mirror
• Front fog lamps
• LED low beam headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights
• LED tail and brake lights
• Parking Assist Sensors (front and rear)
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Rear privacy glass
• Rear spoiler
Passive safety
• Curtain shield airbag
• Driver and front passenger 2-stage airbag
• Driver and front passenger knee airbag
• Driver and front passenger side airbag
Audio, communication
& information
• Bluetooth® mobile phone
connectivity
• Parking Assist Monitor
• USB multimedia connection
Wheels
• 17” alloy wheels and tyres (215/45R17)