Key two: technology
It’s no secret that the CT 200h utilizes the same Lexus Hybrid Drive technology that powers their HS 250h sedan and similar to the Toyota Prius's Hybrid Synergy Drive; this setup just gets better with time. It transitions between power sources seamlessly while the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) smoothly manages the flow of power en-route to the front wheels.
The overall operational refinement of the powerplant is pleasing, and consistent with the vehicle’s upscale positioning. If there’s a downside to be found beneath the hood, it is the genteel nature of the beast.
The CT 200h, while being fun to drive, is not a powerful vehicle by any stretch. It’s adequately powered, and while about-town driving is satisfying, the highway stints can leave one yearning for more gusto. The passing lane on an uphill stretch is not where the CT 200h stands out. Fill its five seats with bums, and the car will struggle to meet expectations.
Key three: styling
There’s definitely no such struggle when it comes to style. The CT 200h displays bold lines and plenty of fresh styling cues that define it as a Lexus without subjecting it to “me too” symbolism. And while I’m not captivated by the CT’s looks, I do believe that Lexus has come up with a level of distinction that’ll draw second glances and inquiries around its pedigree.
In addition to catching eyes, the CT 200h will catch plenty of cargo while leaving space to comfortably seat four adults. It can handle five occupants in a pinch, however, the three occupying the rear seat had better be friends or exceptionally tolerant of contact; this isn’t a wide vehicle.
Despite potential rear seat crowding, front seat occupants are certain to appreciate the substantial support and side bolstering that these perches provide. After hours behind the wheel, I couldn’t be more pleased with their comfort.
Thanks to its four wide doors, ingress and egress is less contortion-inducing than one may think; and with little effort, the rear seat folds flat to create a cargo hold capable of ingesting lots of gear. When the bench is in place, up to 405 litres of volume are at one's disposal. That’s pretty decent given the diminutive size of the CT 200h.
It’s no secret that the CT 200h utilizes the same Lexus Hybrid Drive technology that powers their HS 250h sedan and similar to the Toyota Prius's Hybrid Synergy Drive; this setup just gets better with time. It transitions between power sources seamlessly while the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) smoothly manages the flow of power en-route to the front wheels.
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| It’s no secret that the CT 200h utilizes the same Lexus Hybrid Drive technology that powers their HS 250h sedan and Toyota’s Prius. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
The overall operational refinement of the powerplant is pleasing, and consistent with the vehicle’s upscale positioning. If there’s a downside to be found beneath the hood, it is the genteel nature of the beast.
The CT 200h, while being fun to drive, is not a powerful vehicle by any stretch. It’s adequately powered, and while about-town driving is satisfying, the highway stints can leave one yearning for more gusto. The passing lane on an uphill stretch is not where the CT 200h stands out. Fill its five seats with bums, and the car will struggle to meet expectations.
Key three: styling
There’s definitely no such struggle when it comes to style. The CT 200h displays bold lines and plenty of fresh styling cues that define it as a Lexus without subjecting it to “me too” symbolism. And while I’m not captivated by the CT’s looks, I do believe that Lexus has come up with a level of distinction that’ll draw second glances and inquiries around its pedigree.
In addition to catching eyes, the CT 200h will catch plenty of cargo while leaving space to comfortably seat four adults. It can handle five occupants in a pinch, however, the three occupying the rear seat had better be friends or exceptionally tolerant of contact; this isn’t a wide vehicle.
Despite potential rear seat crowding, front seat occupants are certain to appreciate the substantial support and side bolstering that these perches provide. After hours behind the wheel, I couldn’t be more pleased with their comfort.
Thanks to its four wide doors, ingress and egress is less contortion-inducing than one may think; and with little effort, the rear seat folds flat to create a cargo hold capable of ingesting lots of gear. When the bench is in place, up to 405 litres of volume are at one's disposal. That’s pretty decent given the diminutive size of the CT 200h.
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| The rear seat folds flat to create a cargo hold capable of ingesting lots of gear. (Photo: Lexus) |