2011 Lexus CT Hybrid

Lexus says the CT uses Toyota's MC platform, same as Prius, but has a shorter wheelbase and "was highly modified in various areas. Engineers worked to improve driving dynamics with double-wishbone rear suspension, performance dampers and extensive use of high tensile strength sheet steel and aluminum."

A double-wishbone suspension lets the tires follow the road much better than the solid rear axle common among smaller cars. Performance dampers — shock absorbers — in this case mean stiffer. And the high-strength steel and aluminum lower the weight.

So, plenty of right thinking and right stuff.

But CT lacked a rip-snortin' factor: no push-you-back-in-the-seat acceleration, even using the sport mode that improves response at the expense of gas mileage.

On the other hand, flogged hard, the CT still managed a worthy 39.6 miles per gallon in the 'burbs.

Considering the rising price of gas, fuel economy seems to be what everyone wants to talk about these days. During our recent trip to theNew York auto show, we saw automakers rolling out many new and redesigned models aimed at maximizing fuel efficiency.
And it wasn’t just the traditional economy-type cars being touted. Mercedes showed off its A-Class concept a small three-door hatch designed to compete with sportier luxury compacts such as the Mini Cooper and Volvo C30. BMW also debuted its all-electric ActiveE, based on the small 1 Series coupe.
These introductions beg the question: Is there a market for a premium, fuel-thrifty small car? Lexus thinks so. Our Lexus CT 200h (“h” is for hybrid) is a compact hatchback about the size of an Audi A3. The CT offers luxury amenities not found even on the high-end Prius, such as power seats. It shares the Prius’ 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine coupled to an electric motor and a nickel-metal-hydride battery. It’s safe to assume that Toyota hopes Prius owners might consider the CT when they’re thinking of trading up from their car.

 While it seems Lexus scored on hitting its fuel economy numbers (some drivers reported observing 40 mpg+), so far the CT 200h hasn’t lived up to the brand’s hallmarks of delivering a quiet, relaxing and luxurious driving experience. Nor is it particularly sporty.

Fifth hybrid model in the Lexus lineup a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that works with an electric motor, battery and generator. The system has a total power of 134 hp (100 kW) and is for 2011 Lexus CT-200h Hybrid to accelerate 0-60 mph [96 km / h] in 9.8 seconds. The manufacturer claims that the hybrid model EPA-estimated value of 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway, using regular 87-octane gasoline.
Standard on all 2011 Lexus CT-200h Hybrid Includes smart access with pushbutton start / stop and touch sensors on the outside of the front door handles, leather steering wheel, six speaker audio system with CD player and Bluetooth, integrated satellite radio (with complimentary 90-day trial), USB / iPod connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels and dual zone automatic air conditioning. 2011 Lexus CT-200h F-Sport  Hybrid is also equipped with a standard eight airbags supplementary restraint.
2011 Lexus CT-200h Hybrid Optional features will be sixth-generation navigation system with rearview camera, moonroof, heated seats and premium sound package that the Lexus Premium Sound system with 10 speakers and six-CD changer, Homelink, and electro-chrome rear view mirror with compass underwater covers.

2011 Lexus CT200H Hybrid

The 2011 CT Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in two trims, the 200h and the 200h Premium.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 134-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 43-mpg in the city and 40-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2011 CT Hybrid is all-new for 2011. 
Lexus ballyhoos CT's base price, which by Lexus standards is, indeed, low. But if you want your new CT equipped to Lexus standards, plan to spend a little more.
Offered in base and Premium trim, the base CT has all the safety stuff (eight air bags, traction and stability control, brake override and more) and a few perks (heated mirrors, tilt/telescope wheel, power driver's seat, keyless entry/start, dual-zone climate, Bluetooth, six-speaker CD with satellite radio), but it also has vinyl seats and no sunroof. And you can't gussy it up much, unless you consider Premium Floor Mats a big upgrade, because there are no factory options to speak of on the base car.
To get access to those, you've got to go to the $31,775 Premium model, which adds heated front seats and a sunroof.
That's what we drove, but ours was loaded with options: boffo 10-speaker audio, leather, navigation, back-up camera, Lexus Enform personal assistance service and more. And that explains why our car cost 22 percent more than the $29,995 base price we were enthused about.
But, hey, it was equipped like a Lexus.
It is, however, powered like a Toyota.
Under its skin, CT 200h is a Prius, sharing Prius's basic platform and its hybrid hardware: CVT automatic transmission, 1.8-liter gas I-4, nickel-metal hydride battery pack and electric motor. Like Prius, CT's total system horsepower is a modest 134.
On the road, it's the slick suspension and quick steering that please — certainly not CT's straight-line acceleration, which is about 10 seconds from zero-to-60.
Anyway, it's fuel economy where CT really shines, earning EPA ratings of 43 city/40 hwy — wildly impressive by luxury-car standards, though lower than Prius's 51/48. For that, blame CT's slightly heavier curb weight, its slightly less-aero body and its stickier, more-aggressive tires, which contribute to the nice handling manners.
Drivers have the option of four drive modes: EV (pure electric; low-speed/short-distance); Eco (maximum mpg); Normal; and Sport (better throttle response).
In just under 300 miles of mixed city/hwy driving, we registered 43 mpg.
Room is fine front, OK in back, where head room is good but leg room is close.
Worth noting: the marvelous mouse-like controller for the car's various systems. Located on the center console, it falls easily to hand and, if you've used a computer mouse, it's utterly intuitive.
Go easy on options and — if you're not in a hurry — CT 200h is a fine, affordable and frugal gateway into the Lexus family.
Fifth hybrid model in the Lexus lineup a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that works with an electric motor, battery and generator. The system has a total power of 134 hp (100 kW) and is for 2011 Lexus CT-200h Hybrid to accelerate 0-60 mph [96 km / h] in 9.8 seconds. The manufacturer claims that the hybrid model EPA-estimated value of 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway, using regular 87-octane gasoline.
Standard on all 2011 Lexus CT-200h Hybrid Includes smart access with pushbutton start / stop and touch sensors on the outside of the front door handles, leather steering wheel, six speaker audio system with CD player and Bluetooth, integrated satellite radio (with complimentary 90-day trial), USB / iPod connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels and dual zone automatic air conditioning. Hybrid is also equipped with a standard eight airbags supplementary restraint.
2011 Lexus CT-200h Hybrid Optional features will be sixth-generation navigation system with rearview camera, moonroof, heated seats and premium sound package that the Lexus Premium Sound system with 10 speakers and six-CD changer, Homelink, and electro-chrome rear view mirror with compass underwater covers.