Nice new interior; better to drive; astonishing technology
F Sport isn’t really sporty (maybe it should just be ‘GT’)
‘Encore’ is the acclaimed Lexus ownership pampering package which rival German brands hate. Lexus has just facelifted its entry-level CT 200h hybrid compact hatchback and guess what? From $39,990, CT 200 h buyers still get those same pampering privileges as buyers of the $250,314 LS 600hL.
Can’t get that with a 1 Series.
Lexus has sold more than 10,000 hybrid vehicles in Australia since 2006 (and they account for 42 per-cent of the brand’s sales in the first three months of this year). As CT 200 h buyers comprise a high percentage, that’s a lot of new Lexus customers enjoying the experience.
Lexus Australia chief Sean Hanley says the CT 200h attracts the youngest buyers of any Lexus nameplate. Surprisingly, for many the hybrid drivetrain isn’t a prerequisite at the time of purchase and actually becomes a bonus.
Lexus CT 200h Overview
As mid-life updates go, this update for the Lexus CT 200h is comprehensive – new looks inside and out plus chassis, steering and suspension improvements. Lexus has also simplified the model range – the previous ‘Prestige’ grade has gone with ‘Luxury’, ‘F Sport’ and range-topping ‘Sports Luxury’ remaining.
Lexus says all models benefit from extra specifications but there have been no price rises and in fact prices for F Sport and Sports Luxury have been reduced.
On the technology front, the updated CT 200h debuts ‘Lexus Enform’ which offers apps and services including internet-based searching for local businesses and services and even weather forecasts. There’s also ‘Enform Concierge’ – a quick-dial service connecting drivers to a customer assistance centre.
The full lineup is:
Luxury $39,990
F Sport $48,990
Sports Luxury $56,990
But there are various option packs to ramp things up for Luxury and F Sport variants. For example, $3,250 adds a leather interior, seat heaters, 17-inch alloy wheels and fog-lights to the entry-grade Luxury model.
Lexus CT 200h Engine
No headline-grabbing changes under the bonnet - but a couple of significant ones.
Greater refinement has been a focus in developing the updated Lexus CT 200h and among the technology is the world’s first engine inlet duct silencer plate (it’s plastic). The rear engine mount has been repositioned.
As we know, the Lexus CT 200h is powered by a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol-electric hybrid engine. The petrol engine delivers maximum power of 73kW at 5200rpm and the electric motor provides 60kW (combined power is 100kW). Peak torque of 142Nm is delivered between 2800-4400rpm.
Drive is to the front wheels via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 4.1l/100kms and exhaust C02 scores 95g/km – both figures are the best-in-segment.
Lexus CT 200h The Interior
We’ve always liked the Lexus CT 200h inside – Lexus designers have worked well with the confined spaces of a compact hatchback to deliver a modern look which is just a little out of the ordinary. And things have improved with detail changes in the updated lineup.
Most obvious right off the bat is the new-design steering wheel (similar to the Lexus IS model and only 370mm in diameter), new colours and trim, greater simplicity (less buttons) and more soft-touch materials. There’s also a new gear-lever, Lexus Display Audio with a fixed display screen, second-generation Lexus Remote Touch and a switchable instrument panel.
Addition of the Lexus Display Audio’s fixed display screen has enabled standard fitment of a reversing camera. In Luxury model, audio control is via a rotary dial Lexus Remote Touch, but F Sport and Sports Luxury get a mouse-type control.
Navigation goes to an SD card-based system which includes SUNA live traffic updates.
Audio switches to a 10-speaker (up from six speakers) with bamboo fibre speakers. Or you can go to a 13-speaker Mark Levinson system with DAB+ radio.
Available on F Sport or standard in Sports Luxury models is radar-based active cruise control.
Lexus CT 200h Exterior & Styling
The updated looks bring the CT 200h in line with other models styled with the ‘L-Finesse’ styling philosophy. For example the front sees the currently trendy Lexus ‘Spindle’ grille.
The grille itself adds horizontal lines (to enhance width) and there are new headlights (PES LEDs on Sports Luxury).
F Sport models are identified by a full-length mesh grille, contrasting black roof, a larger tailgate spoiler and more aggressive bumpers front and rear.
Wheels are also new – 16-inch alloys on Luxury and 17-inch alloys on Sports Luxury and F Sport (the latter with a machined face and blacked-out centre sections).
You’ll also notice some aero enhancements – ‘shark fin’ aerial, tail-light fins and door fins.
And big news for those who worry about minor nicks – the updated CT 200h debuts Lexus’ self-healing paint.
Lexus CT 200h On The Road
Improving the driving dynamic was a ‘Big-Ticket’ item on the engineers’ ‘To-Do List’ in developing the updated Lexus CT 200h. Chassis stiffness got special attention with, for example, extra body braces added to the rear floor and front cowl and 20 extra spot welds in the rear hatch.
Suspension too got a ‘fixer’ with changes to springs, dampers and anti-roll bars to provide more compliance over bumps while the unique sports tune for F Sport was re-done (firmer again) and electric power steering recalibrated for crisper turn-in.
So Lexus confidently sent us off on a route which included some of the excellent swoops and curves around Cottage Point alongside Pittwater on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. And then it rained.
Never mind – the qualities of the Lexus CT 200h shine through regardless of the conditions. It’s a bit like the Lexus IS in fact – a degree of finesse and sportiness you don’t expect.
Sure, a 1465kgs petrol-electric hybrid isn’t a cause for a racing heartbeat over your favourite stretch of twisty roads but you have to admire Lexus for the all-round excellence of the CT 200h. It felt planted and precise even in the slimy conditions we encountered and there’s no doubt refinement levels are up on the previous generation.
Heading back to the airport we encountered the start of the afternoon rush through grid-locked Cremorne and Neutral Bay and of course these are the conditions made for the Lexus CT 200h – mostly zero emissions electric driving and plenty of maneuverability (turning circle is just 10.4-metres).
Lexus CT 200h Issues
The F Sport looks great but a so-called ‘sporty’ version of a petrol-electric prestige hatchback does stretch ones imagination.
Lexus CT 200h Verdict
As a brand, the Lexus standards remain a dream for many so-called rivals. The combination of model range, quality, after-sales care and dealership numbers are all the best in the business.
When the CT 200h was launched some of our media colleagues flagged the question that a petrol –electric prestige compact hybrid was stretching the Lexus brand qualities too far. Sales success since then has jettisoned that idea where it belongs – into the bin.
In fact the CT 200h has been doing exactly what Lexus said it would do –bring new customers into the showroom.
It’s all the best of Lexus in a concentrated form.
If you’re not impressed by that, you don’t understand the automotive business.
Lexus CT 200h The Competition
Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz also have premium compacts (with lower starting prices than the Lexus CT 200h in fact) and while diesel versions are impressively fuel-efficient, Lexus CT 200h stands alone in offering zero-emissions pure electric running.
On the other hand, there’s no doubt the Audi A1, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series are all sharply-priced and great drives.
