Lexus CT 200h - twice as good as new
Lexus is the leader in the saturation of the lineup of its cars with hybrids - four lineups, three of which are hybrid. They were missing only in the compact line. Now such a car is entering the market, but this is not a hybrid version of the IC, but a completely new car offered only with this drive.
Another novelty is the body. The Lexus CT 200h is a compact hatchback, although I get the impression that the stylists have gone a little towards the Toyota Avensis station wagon. This model reminds me of a front apron layout with narrow, bulging headlights and body-attached taillights. The layout of the radiator grille with a chrome-plated bar with harpoon endings, as well as the tailgate with large, tapering lanterns and a window that overlaps the sides of the body, are very characteristic.
The car is 432 cm long, 176,5 cm wide, 143 cm high and has a wheelbase of 260 cm. The trunk has a capacity of 375 liters, with most of this size taken up by the storage compartment under the floor. In front of it are the batteries for the electric motor.
Inside, there is a sleek instrument panel that lacks a separate center console, although its elements are in the right places - a flip-down navigation screen at the top, air intake vents below it, and below, a dual-zone air conditioning panel, which is a standard element of the lowest level. At the bottom of the tunnel is a massive console, which, given the number of switches on it, seemed too big to me. In addition to the automatic transmission lever, it also contains the controls for the radio. The Remote Touch driver is notable because it looks and works like a computer mouse. Thanks to this, it is easy and intuitive to operate the functions available via the LCD screen: navigation, radio with telephone installation and other vehicle systems.
An important point is the large handle in the center. With it, the character of the car changes, moving from Normal mode to Eco or Sport mode. This time it's not just about the transmission. Enabling Eco not only reduces throttle response to hard throttle acceleration, it also changes the A/C control to maximize energy savings. The softening of the car's response to acceleration means that its driving style is defined as relaxed. To be honest, during the first test drives, I did not notice much difference in the response of the car between the Normal and Eco modes. I'll wait with an estimate for a longer test.
Switching the vehicle to sport mode causes the electric motor to support the internal combustion engine more, and the threshold for the VSC stabilization system and TRC traction control is lowered, allowing full use of the vehicle's dynamics. .
With the Sport function turned on, the difference is not only felt, but also visible on the dashboard, or rather on the small dial located to the left of the large, centrally located speedometer. In Eco and Normal modes, it indicates whether the vehicle's transmission is running in economy mode, consuming more power during acceleration or regenerating power. When we switch the car to sport mode, the dial turns into a classic tachometer. In addition, the horizon above the instrument panel is illuminated in blue in Eco modes and red in Sport mode.
In fact, the one driving mode I haven't mentioned yet is the all-electric EV, where the car is driven by the electric motor alone. There is such an opportunity, but I can’t rather treat it as a real way of transportation, because the energy in the batteries is enough for 2-3 kilometers, despite the maximum speed limit of 45 km / h. This may change in the next generation when the CT 200h is likely to become a plug-in hybrid, ie. with more powerful and rechargeable batteries also from the mains.
The electric motor used in the car has a power of 82 hp. and maximum torque of 207 Nm. The 1,8-liter internal combustion engine develops 99 hp. and maximum torque of 142 Nm. Together, the engines produce 136 hp.
The hybrid drive drives the car smoothly and quietly, but dynamically enough when needed. Smooth driving, credit goes to the use of a continuously variable CVT transmission, among other things. Of course, the presence of several modes of operation of the car suggests that in practice it is impossible to combine driving with acceleration of 10,3 s with fuel consumption close to 3,8 l / 100 km. During the first trip with this car we drove about 300 km, mostly in normal mode, trying to maintain satisfactory dynamics, but the fuel consumption was at that time % higher than indicated in the technical data.
The suspension of the car is stiff and even stiff, although at the last stage of operation it absorbs shocks quite effectively. Combined with a low stance and seats with clearly defined side bolsters for good grip, this gives a sporty driving feel.
The economy of the car is due not only to its low fuel consumption, which also translates into low emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. In some Western European countries, buyers of this Lexus can expect quite significant benefits arising from tax breaks or exemptions from certain fees. According to Lexus, in France and Spain, discounts allow you to "earn" 2-3 thousand euros. In Poland, where we pay road tax in the price of fuel, there is nothing to count on, which is a pity, because additional benefits could increase the popularity of such cars.
The Lexus CT 200h is pleasant to drive, well-equipped and reasonably priced for a Premium brand. Prices in Poland start at PLN 106. Lexus Polska hopes to find 900 buyers in our market, which will account for half of the sales of all cars of this brand.
