As I was sitting through the media presentation for the all-new
2011 Lexus CT 200h, I had a distinct feeling of deja vu.
Lexus said they were targeting younger buyers and rattled off phrases like "early adapters," "tech savvy" and "socially connected." They identified this demographic as people who are interested in "self discovery" and "personalization." Thus traditional marketing and traditional options don't quite jibe with this vehicle.
Where in the world have I heard this before? Oh! I know! About 7 years ago in a similar press review for the launch of an all-new brand: Scion.
Granted, I get that the demographic they're targeting with the CT is exactly the same as the target for the initial Scion. But I have to admit my brain is having a hard time making the leap from a Gen Yer, who 5 years ago wanted a car that cost under $20K to a Gen Yer who now makes more than $100K and wants a car that costs more than $30K.
Man, am I in the wrong profession.
I'm also having a problem with the idea that someone would go from a Scion directly to a Lexus.
But perhaps that's just me?
Then again, the CT is truly entry luxury. While pricing hasn't been officially announced, it's set to enter the market below the IS 250, which means it will cost less than $32K. Base seating surfaces are a leatherette, with leather being an up-sell. Navigation, heated seats, rear camera and premium audio are also options.
But what you do get is a nice little hybrid with engaging controls and tremendous fuel efficiency. Even I had a hard time messing that up-and I am the quintessential lead foot.
The EPA estimate for combined city/highway driving is 42 mpg, and without even trying I managed to achieve 47.5 mpg. When I did try, I was able to bump it up to 55.7 mpg.
As far as the hybrid system is concerned, as you can see, it really does deliver the fuel economy numbers. But I have to admit, that I found the system itself a little rough. It's definitely better than big bro HS. But it was still a little too ... noticeable for my tastes.
Ride and drive, however, are a different matter altogether. The front-wheel drive CT comes equipped with a 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder engine and a high-output electric-drive motor. Total system output rings in at 134 horsepower, which is plenty for this 3,130-pound vehicle.
Whether we were on the highway-which we were most of the time-or winding side roads, I liked the way the CT handled. It was smooth and spirited, though not out-and-out peppy. As it should be. This car is a h-y-b-r-i-d. And I'm glad Lexus finally created a real one.
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was smooth and seamless, and I enjoyed its steady and constant propulsion.
I liked the hatchback design, but I have to admit, some of my twitter buddies were not a fan. But, I think people who like hatchbacks will like this car. It's got a little bit of Mazda3 and a lot of Lexus thrown in. Plus, it's not only perfect for entry luxury but also for urban environments. Compact yet functional. Right up my alley.
The interior is clean and elegant. I liked the intuitive controls on the center stack and the closed-in cockpit feel of the driving position. The odd shift pattern is familiar to Prius drivers with it's R-N-D position, button-press park and flippy movements. For regular Lexus drivers and non-Prius drivers, this will take a bit of education.
I'm particularly a fan of the gauges that change depending on driving mode. Eco mode = blue; Sport mode = red. Additionally, in Eco mode, you get a hybrid gauge that monitors fuel-efficient driving. Sport mode trades this gauge out and adds a tachometer.
Overall, I think this is a well-done vehicle from Lexus ... and a hybrid that's actually a hybrid.
Want to see more pictures of the Lexus CT 200h, check out the
photo gallery. For more automotive coverage and up-to-date raves and rants on Jill's car du jour, be sure to visit her car blog,
Drive, She Said. You can follow Jill on twitter @Jill_Ciminillo.