Highlight: This is the only hatchback hybrid in the luxury segment.
Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $39,450 (base model $32,225)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features: air bags; Daytime Running lights; electronic controlled braking; a traction control system and a vehicle stability control system; and Lexus’ safety collision notification system
Standard Equipment: 17-inch wheels; a power front driver’s seat; a leather trimmed steering wheel; pseudo leather seats; an automatic dual a/c system; a push button ignition starter; and a manually operated tilt-telescopic steering wheel
Optional Features On Test Vehicle: automatic dimming exterior mirrors with tilt feature; a memory controlled setting for driver’s seat; leather seats; rain sensing intermittent wipers; a navigation system; a rear back up camera; HD radio; Apps; a remote touch nav interface; and a power moon roof
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD
CD with satellite
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
USB Connectivity: Yes
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder/98-hp
Recommended Fuel: Premium
Standard Fuel Mileage:
43-city/40-hwy
What’s New: With the exception of a few content adjustments and an optional pre-collision braking system, which includes a radar activated cruise control system, the hatchback hybrid is a carryover for the 2017 model year.
Why:
For those yearning to go green, but with a
hatchback that wears the Lexus badge, the CT 200h is the vehicle of choice. The brand’s sporty looking hybrid hatchback is available as one model. To heighten the flair of this hatchback, the brand’s signature F-trim,
which offers a slightly modified grille and a stiffer suspension, can be a
great add-on.
Furthermore,
for music lovers seeking more than the standard audio system, a 10-speaker audio system is
available as an upgrade. This system includes a SiRi Eye mode that allows the
occupants to call contacts, get turn-by-turn voice navigation and more.
And
with this being a fuel-efficient luxury hybrid, drivers can expect a combined
fuel economy of 42 miles per gallon. Moreover, to make sure the vehicle is somewhat engaging, Lexus
engineers made sure the vehicle
is available in four driving modes: normal, economy, EV (electric vehicle) and sport.
But:
Why did Lexus make some cost adjustment on this model? In 2016, a 10-way power
front driver’s seat and a 4-way power front passenger seat were standard. In
2017, an 8-way power driver’s seat and a manually adjusted front passenger seat
are standard. Go figure?
Also
don’t expect a Lexus smooth ride in this entry-level hatchback. Occupants will
experience every bump and groove in the road. Moreover, why does this vehicle
lack a rear center armrest? It’s a Lexus; we just expect more.
And
with this vehicle aging, Lexus may find itself competing with non-premium hatchbacks
from some of the mainstream brands that are almost as fuel efficient, with
their gasoline and diesel engines, as it relates to highway driving, while also
offering a more balanced ride, premium features and a lower price point.
Lastly,
the vehicle lacks an electronic blindspot lane changing system. Surprisingly,
this safety feature isn’t on the model’s option list.
Verdict:
The last dedicated
entry-level hybrid that Lexus offered, the HS 250h, was a flop. It resembled a
premium priced Toyota Corolla. Both Lexus dealers and the brand itself would like
for all of us to forget that vehicle. However, the sporty CT 200h is the only
luxury brand offering a hybrid in a sporty hatchback configuration.
So,
for those yearning to go green and to look cool while doing it, this is the way
to go. Moreover, none of the upcoming mainstream hatchbacks planning to hit the
market can offer the service experience that has been embedded into the Lexus
DNA.
Competition: None
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