Let it be known: Today's Canadian shopper is after a flexible, upscale and highly fuel-efficient small car that has plenty of options. One of them is the
Lexus CT 200h.
An entry-level hybrid from the world's most successful premium hybrid brand, it ticks all the mandatory boxes where versatility and efficiency are concerned. The 2012 Lexus CT 200h is also a little on the sporty side, and very lifestyle-ready.
Total Package
Over the course of a week, I enjoyed the CT's good maneuverability, great headlight performance in after-dark driving, and smooth power delivery. The nicely trimmed interior feels upscale and rich, and the modern displays and instruments and readouts create a fresh, dynamic flare.
Included in the 2012 Lexus CT 200h were a sunroof, high-intensity LED headlamps, navigation, Bluetooth, a backup camera, a full leather interior, a driver computer and a touch-pad activated central-command system. The latter enables the manipulation of hundreds of controls with little more than a few millimeters of finger movement.
Of course, the real important list of goodies for mileage-minded shoppers is largely under the 2012 Lexus CT's skin.
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| The latter enables the manipulation of hundreds of controls with little more than a few millimeters of finger movement. (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Synergy Drive
At its heart is the Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which consists of both a lightweight aluminum 1.8L gasoline engine and an electric motor. This setup allows both gas and electric propulsion systems to take turns powering the vehicle, or to combine their efforts, depending on the situation.
The CT 200h can cruise in low-speed and low-load situations strictly on stored power. In drive-thru lines, parking lots, residential areas and rush-hour traffic, the gasoline engine rarely needs to run. Drivers can even engage an Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, forcing electric-only operation in anticipation of short, low-speed trips.
You get those rewarding, smugly satisfying, fuel-free moments on each and every drive in the 2012 Lexus CT 200h. With numerous displays, gauges and light-up indicators, the CT also keeps drivers well apprised of what its hybrid drive system is up to.
A generator driven by the gas engine automatically recharges the batteries as needed, as does energy captured during braking. So, you don't plug the CT in when you get home at night, and it'll never let its drive battery drain to empty.
CVT, VVT
Features like variable valve timing (VVT) work to optimize efficiency and output whenever the gas engine is running in the 2012 Lexus CT 200h. Total system output is rated at a modest, but responsive, 134 horsepower, with decent low-end torque available for on-demand acceleration.
The CT 200h's slick and seamless CVT transmission helps here, too. With no pre-set gears, it functions as an automatic transmission that delivers engine power in a smooth and endless surge. In most situations, revs stay virtually stationary as the vehicle accelerates. This enhances refinement, eliminates the sensation of shifting, and helps deliver improved responsiveness and mileage.
The drive-by-wire throttle system in the 2012 Lexus CT 200h even smooths throttle inputs in its “NORMAL” or “ECO” drive modes to run the engine more smoothly and efficiently. Dial up “SPORT” from the selector, and throttle responses are exaggerated making the CT 200h more responsive and eager. In this mode, the instrument cluster accent lighting turns red, and the power output meter changes into a tachometer. Slick.
It's a smooth, relaxed driving experience all around in the 2012 Lexus CT 200h.
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| Total system output is rated at a modest, but responsive, 134 horsepower.(Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Gripes
Complaints? I wished for a bit more throttle response in non-SPORT modes; wind noise was higher than expected; and the sport suspension calibrations combined with the poorly maintained roads of my home town made for an often stiff, busy ride in the 2012 Lexus CT 200h. Also, a fairly shallow rear hatch area left me wishing for a bit more cargo room at times.
After 1,400 kilometers with the CT 200h, I'd managed an overall test average of 6.2L/100km. Relative to hundreds of other vehicles tested in my locale, and with my driving habits, I was delighted with the result. Yours will vary.
The TDI Factor
Incidentally, 6.2L/100km is exactly the same as I achieved in a
Volkswagen Jetta TDI -- which boasts improved fuel economy by way of the fuel itself, rather than with electric motors and batteries.
In the TDI, I enjoyed liquid-smooth, torque-rich performance, great ride quality, and lightning fast DSG-actuated gearshifts. In the 2012 Lexus CT 200h, the cabin's look and feel, combined with the constant, real-time stream of information about the hybrid drive system were among my favourite aspects. Ditto for the ability to dial in extra greenness or extra sportiness when desired.
Both machines are quiet; both drive and operate like normal cars; both are smooth and refined; and both are luxurious and nice to look at (depending on equipment, of course). Get a Golf Wagon, and both are flexible and roomy, too. In many real-world circumstances, both will turn in the same mileage.
Again; choices.
Which one is better? That's up to you. I recommend test drives of both to help you decide for yourself.
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