Occasionally, new cars turn up on our
metaphorical doorstep and we’re wondering why. Like the CT200h, which has
evidently been facelifted. It remains the least expensive Lexus, the base model
costing a burger less than $50k.
Apparently there are 90-odd distinct
changes but apart from the grille redesign - predictably spindle shaped – and
new wheels we were pushed telling the difference.
The
Lexus CT200h F-Sport is a visual standout from every angle, inside and out
We mainly used the car for city driving
which is appropriate as the hybrid technology works best when the EV mode
activates repeatedly. But even fanging down back roads, we saw a worst of only
7.5L/100km and overall it ran in the sixes. Lexus reckons 4.1L/100km combined.
Start up is like for a ‘conventional’ car
except that you often hear nothing (EV mode) initially. For the first couple of
days, it seemed like the CT exhibited ‘turbo lag’ but then I noticed the Sport
mode button. Much more like it, and from that time we didn’t get left behind at
the lights.
Minor
styling changes include the adoption of Lexus's large family spindle grille at
the front
A bit of a sporty goer then? Lexus reckons
the CT200h will run zero to 100km/h in 10.3sec. In the immortal words of Darryl
Kerrigan, ‘Tell ’em they’re dreaming’. Back in 2011 we registered a best time
of 11.8sec. This time we whittled that back to 11.3sec, but I believe a
vertical slope is the only way you’d trim another second off. The fettled
hybrid ’box doesn’t let the engine spin beyond 5,000rpm where it sounds unhappy
anyway. On our regular test hill the throttle was largely pinned, which the
chassis handled comfortably. Not really an F-Sport on the speed or sonics
fronts then. Certainly it has way more chassis than curry, added rigidity and
bolstered suspension imbuing it with a somewhat sporty demeanour. Except for
the leaden and lifeless electric steering, and the squealing rubber. Scotch the
‘sport’ there too.
The
cabin of the CT200h is largely unchanged, though includes a new rotary
controller for infotainment functions
Back in town, the two engines together make
this seem zippy. In EV mode only, you’ll be running dead quiet, even if you’re
going dead slow and not that far. A minor downside of the hybrid technology is
limited luggage space, partially eaten into by the battery pack. You’re looking
at around 375L. Even Prius has closer to 450L. Still, the elevated hatch floor
means a flat load space after split folding.
Lexus
has given the new CT200h mild styling upgrades, including a new rear bumper
We found the grab handle above the driver’s
head much too close for comfort, and rearward visibility restricted. Otherwise,
this is a rather comfy, well specified compact hatch with a hybrid difference.
We like that you can buy a Lexus for under
$50k but Toyota’s forthcoming plug-in hybrid technology will offer better eco-
and real-world performance, more befitting of an F-Sport model.
