Instead of the torsion beam found in the Corolla, the CT 200h has a trailing arm multilink rear suspension to help accommodate the battery pack. Up front are lateral performance dampers to help stiffen the frame, counteract noise and vibration and provide a livelier ride.
Unfortunately, under the hood lies the same lacklustre 134 hp engine and Hybrid Synergy drive system as the Prius. As in the Prius, the parallel hybrid system can run on either gas or in electric-only mode, but generally uses a combination of both.
Inside, the well-crafted interior continues the same standard set by the hatchback's design. While Europeans have long embraced the idea of premium small cars, we North Americans are still slow to accept that luxurious doesn't necessarily mean large.
The CT 200h's cabin is as well put together as any of the larger sedans in the lineup, with genuine leather and a host of niceties such as satellite radio, Nav system with backup camera, optional bamboo trim, sunroof and LED running lights. Personally, I loved the fat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the side mirrors that angled to help while backing up. The shift lever, however, situated high up on the centre stack, was a bit contrived and took some getting used to.
After pushing the engine start button, the driver can select from Eco, Normal or Sport modes. Although you're rewarded with fuel-sipping economy and extra green lights (in lieu of little gold stars), the performance is positively narcoleptic – okay for when you're not in a hurry. Choosing the EV button cues the CT 200h to switch to electric power alone, but I often found it unavailable, and only up to 50 km/h, when the gasoline engine kicked in.
Unfortunately, under the hood lies the same lacklustre 134 hp engine and Hybrid Synergy drive system as the Prius. As in the Prius, the parallel hybrid system can run on either gas or in electric-only mode, but generally uses a combination of both.
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| Under the hood lies the same lacklustre 134 hp engine and Hybrid Synergy drive system as the Prius. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
Inside, the well-crafted interior continues the same standard set by the hatchback's design. While Europeans have long embraced the idea of premium small cars, we North Americans are still slow to accept that luxurious doesn't necessarily mean large.
The CT 200h's cabin is as well put together as any of the larger sedans in the lineup, with genuine leather and a host of niceties such as satellite radio, Nav system with backup camera, optional bamboo trim, sunroof and LED running lights. Personally, I loved the fat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the side mirrors that angled to help while backing up. The shift lever, however, situated high up on the centre stack, was a bit contrived and took some getting used to.
After pushing the engine start button, the driver can select from Eco, Normal or Sport modes. Although you're rewarded with fuel-sipping economy and extra green lights (in lieu of little gold stars), the performance is positively narcoleptic – okay for when you're not in a hurry. Choosing the EV button cues the CT 200h to switch to electric power alone, but I often found it unavailable, and only up to 50 km/h, when the gasoline engine kicked in.
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| The CT 200h's cabin is as well put together as any of the larger sedans in the lineup, with genuine leather and a host of niceties. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |