ACTING as the vanguard of premium full-hybrid vehicles is an unenviable position when competing with dominant brands, the majority of which also trade on efficiency and high performance. Whereas previous petrol-electric Lexus models boasted significant performance gains and excellent economy thanks to full-hybrid technology, the CT 200h trades on optimal fuel efficiency, a long list of standard specification and individualistic packaging – but is that enough?
The Lexus brand cachet is certainly stellar and for droves of urbanites who dream of trading in their volume-selling hatchbacks for products bearing luxury-brand badges, the Japanese marque’s reputation for quality and high customer satisfaction will undoubtedly be major draw cards. The newcomer’s exterior treatment, however, will probably divide public opinion as much as it did that of the test team.
Inspired by the distinctive lines of the LF-Ch concept, the CT sports a pronounced grille and headlamps with LED running lights, a steeply raked windscreen, flowing roofline and slingshot window arrangement. Although not everyone who saw it in pictures was bowled over by the newcomer’s design, the car looks distinctive in the metal.
The F-Sport body kit beefs up the ends and the flanks of the CT, titanium-look alloys appreciably fill out the wheel arches and the darkened taillamps and a larger rear-spoiler contribute to the sporty appearance. Whether the somewhat-pumped-up, cartoonish looks will sit well with more mature buyers, many of whom are already in the Lexus stable, remains moot but there’s no doubt that the design is youthful.
If the exterior is an acquired taste, the cabin treatment is palpably premium, so much so that owners of IS250 compact executives may feel somewhat envious. The sporty, leather-trimmed interior combines superior ergonomics with extensive use of metallic accents and dark, softtouch surfaces. The dashboard is split into an upper display zone, with an eight-inch (203 mm) LCD multi-display screen, and a lower operation zone, with the facia-mounted shift lever and remotetouch multi-function controller that’s mostly intuitive to operate. The rear leg- and headroom are tight by compact hatch standards and, although the boot seems small, the impression is compounded by the high loading sill.
Standard interior equipment includes leather trim, dual-zone climate control, a multi-function steering wheel, auto headlamps, heated seats, Bluetooth compatibility and keyless start, which competitors of the S model (R343 300) simply can’t match. At a snip under R400 000, the F-Sport package adds keyless entry, 17-inch wheels, retractable side mirrors, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with extra lumbar support and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror. The optional Convenience Package, which adds an EMV display function, HDD navigation and voice command, a 10-speaker sound system and reverse-view camera with park assist, was fitted to the test unit and pushed the price as tested to approximately R434 000.
For many prospective customers, the CT 200h will tick enough boxes on its brand value and specification alone but, because most premium hatches are positioned as drivers’ cars, Lexus has had to ensure that its all-new front-wheel-drive platform is engaging. To that end, the newcomer strikes a good balance between ride comfort (although more compliance would have been welcome) and handling agility. The driving position is sporty, too, the front seats supportive and the steering reasonably weighted and sufficiently communicative.
Unfortunately for Lexus, its smallest hybrid is not tremendously fleet of foot. The 1,8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and 60 kW electric motor are mated with an e-CVT transmission and produce a combined 100 kW and torque peaks of 142 and 207 N.m. Although overtaking acceleration is acceptable, the zero to 100 km/h time we achieved is 0,2 seconds slower than the similarly powered Toyota Prius CAR tested in 2009.
The CT 200h offers the driver a choice of three selectable drive modes: eco and normal place the emphasis on efficiency and comfort, while sport focuses on dynamic performance. On the road, the CT feels willing but lacks midrange flexibility and the hybrid powertrain sounds anything but sonorous when driven enthusiastically. Drive it with a measured approach, however, and impressive fuel consumption returns can be realised. We achieved a figure of 6,1 litres/100 km when we tested the unit on our set fuel route.
The CT is equipped with a raft of safety features to complement the many interior appointments, but we can’t help but wonder if the smartly packaged hatch wouldn’t be a better-balanced driver’s car if it came equipped with a turbodiesel motor and an automatic transmission instead of the hybrid setup.
Furthermore, the F-Sport model is less than keenly priced, especially considering that its rivals come with full maintenance plans, but it’s a worthwhile exercise to look at its direct competitors and spec them to similar levels as the CT to make a clear comparison.
TEST SUMMARY
The CT 200h ultimately gives a glimpse of our immediate motoring future in terms of petrol-engined transport … Should the price of fuel double in five years’ time (as it has been projected), a product such as the CT 200h should be a straightforward choice. But, for now, it will appeal only to those who want to make a statement about their environmental-mindedness and taste. It’s a car that needs to be thoroughly perused, driven and considered because it appeals to buyers’ sense of efficiency, not their hearts.