Car manufacturers are going all out to introduce new models with bigger displacements that deliver more vigour with lesser fuel consumption. It seems like it's an ongoing trend, making it the next big thing.
There are diesel-powered cars such as the Volkswagen GTD, the electric ones like the Tesla Roadster and there are the hybrids - the cars that go oh so silently, transiting between electric and gasoline.
And they're all for the same reason - to save fuel and go green.
An entry-level luxury hatchback, the all-new Lexus CT200h, is an excellent addition to the brand, completing the comprehensive range of hybrid cars in its stable. The RX400h was introduced in 2005 as the first full hybrid while the world's first full hybrid performance sedan, GS450h, was premiered in 2009. A couple of years later, we have the CT200h.
Making a foray into this competitive market segment, the smallest but newest Lexus raises the biggest question on our minds, as it will go against strong boys like the Audi A3, Volvo C30 and even the BMW 1-Series. Can the Japanese marque keep the newborn's head above the shady waters?
Exterior
The facial expression of the car sports a stern frown, reminiscent of a predator staring at its prey, ready to pounce at a moment's notice. The sharp contour lines on the bonnet as well as the recessed fog lamps add extra dimensions and aggression, giving the car an overall wider and planted stance.
There are diesel-powered cars such as the Volkswagen GTD, the electric ones like the Tesla Roadster and there are the hybrids - the cars that go oh so silently, transiting between electric and gasoline.
And they're all for the same reason - to save fuel and go green.
An entry-level luxury hatchback, the all-new Lexus CT200h, is an excellent addition to the brand, completing the comprehensive range of hybrid cars in its stable. The RX400h was introduced in 2005 as the first full hybrid while the world's first full hybrid performance sedan, GS450h, was premiered in 2009. A couple of years later, we have the CT200h.
Making a foray into this competitive market segment, the smallest but newest Lexus raises the biggest question on our minds, as it will go against strong boys like the Audi A3, Volvo C30 and even the BMW 1-Series. Can the Japanese marque keep the newborn's head above the shady waters?
Exterior
The facial expression of the car sports a stern frown, reminiscent of a predator staring at its prey, ready to pounce at a moment's notice. The sharp contour lines on the bonnet as well as the recessed fog lamps add extra dimensions and aggression, giving the car an overall wider and planted stance.
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Similarly to all its hybrid siblings, the CT200h has a blue-tinted badge that will make onlookers solemnly nod in respect. But we reckon it has to be the LED daytime running lights that steal the show, being the next new thing for Lexus and probably the most prominent addition to the hatch's exterior.
When viewed from the back, the CT arguably resembles a squat version of the RX450h, with similar-looking rear light strips that stretch from the C-pillars to the boot area. The wide-based bodywork and low roof may not be the best-looking, but it's distinctive enough to let bystanders know that it's not another Prius on the road.
In terms of design, we reckon the CT200h is a tad conservative and could do with some hot hatch belligerence to tempt buyers over from its strong competitors. However, given the gentleman-like status of Lexus, designers and engineers decided to tackle its trendy target audience from another angle.
Lexus offers dynamic exterior and interior colours of 10 and eight respectively to suit buyers' personal preferences, allowing up to a total of 80 possible colour combinations. Although the interior of the test car appeared less trendy, the Red Mica Crystal Shine colour on the exterior boosted the CT200h's sporty outlook.
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Interior
Lexus did an excellent job of creating as much space as possible in its smallest car as it's surprisingly roomy for a car of its size. Cabin amenities are what you would expect of a car bearing the L-badge, with touches that exude a reassuringly expensive feel.
But what really deserves a mention is the placement of the Lexus Remote Touch Controller which is located at the spot where shift levers usually are. It's a breath of fresh air as it's easy to reach from a relaxed sitting position.
Having characteristics of a computer mouse, the controller enables the cursor to move smoothly and effortlessly onto icons on the retractable LCD multi-display screen, making complicated technologies from German rivals blush.
Located above the Remote Touch Controller is the circular dial that toggles between the four unique drive modes and the sleek chromed-surface shift lever. Like some hybrids available in the market, the Normal, ECO and EV driving modes bring on a blue light in the cabin to signify a relaxing drive.
Lexus did an excellent job of creating as much space as possible in its smallest car as it's surprisingly roomy for a car of its size. Cabin amenities are what you would expect of a car bearing the L-badge, with touches that exude a reassuringly expensive feel.
But what really deserves a mention is the placement of the Lexus Remote Touch Controller which is located at the spot where shift levers usually are. It's a breath of fresh air as it's easy to reach from a relaxed sitting position.
Having characteristics of a computer mouse, the controller enables the cursor to move smoothly and effortlessly onto icons on the retractable LCD multi-display screen, making complicated technologies from German rivals blush.
Located above the Remote Touch Controller is the circular dial that toggles between the four unique drive modes and the sleek chromed-surface shift lever. Like some hybrids available in the market, the Normal, ECO and EV driving modes bring on a blue light in the cabin to signify a relaxing drive.
Sport mode, on the other hand, immediately switches the cabin lights to red. These lights, when driving at night, are no means a form of distraction. But instead, they enhance the occupants' mood, as do the firm leather benches (comes standard for premium and plus), giving the CT a sweet disposition.
The CT200h does not disappoint buyers looking for a compact car that offers a fair amount of space as the interior length of 1.7 metres translates into sufficient legroom for occupants all round. Moreover, with the hybrid battery located beneath the load space floor and intrusion of suspension component into the boot compartment minimised, the hatchback Lexus offers a luggage capacity of 375 litres - more than adequate for a couple of golf bags for your Sunday game. Knock the rear seats down and it significantly increases to a maximum of 985 litres.
The CT200h does not disappoint buyers looking for a compact car that offers a fair amount of space as the interior length of 1.7 metres translates into sufficient legroom for occupants all round. Moreover, with the hybrid battery located beneath the load space floor and intrusion of suspension component into the boot compartment minimised, the hatchback Lexus offers a luggage capacity of 375 litres - more than adequate for a couple of golf bags for your Sunday game. Knock the rear seats down and it significantly increases to a maximum of 985 litres.
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The Drive
The CT200h starts with a push of a button, triggering the lights on the instrument panel that let the driver know the baby is ready to roll. Step on the accelerator in the Normal mode and the car progresses off the lot in a silent and sound manner.
On the highways, the car doesn't have any problem keeping up with the pack in the Normal mode as it has sufficient power in our back-to-back traffic situations. However, it doesn't offer enough power to set the roads on fire. It feels a tad underpowered in this mode, especially when moving off from a standstill and can leave you wanting when attempting to overtake the hot hatch in front.
But a different story beholds when the cabin lights are red.
In the Sport mode, the hybrid power gauge changes to a tachometer, giving the driver the green light to push the car harder and faster. In this mode, the gearbox responds quicker to your inputs while throttle sensitivity picks up. The car handles better with its communicative and ideally weighted steering, which just begs the driver to throw the CT200h at bends. It's almost effortless at lower speeds and confidence-inspiring at higher velocities.
The CT200h starts with a push of a button, triggering the lights on the instrument panel that let the driver know the baby is ready to roll. Step on the accelerator in the Normal mode and the car progresses off the lot in a silent and sound manner.
On the highways, the car doesn't have any problem keeping up with the pack in the Normal mode as it has sufficient power in our back-to-back traffic situations. However, it doesn't offer enough power to set the roads on fire. It feels a tad underpowered in this mode, especially when moving off from a standstill and can leave you wanting when attempting to overtake the hot hatch in front.
But a different story beholds when the cabin lights are red.
In the Sport mode, the hybrid power gauge changes to a tachometer, giving the driver the green light to push the car harder and faster. In this mode, the gearbox responds quicker to your inputs while throttle sensitivity picks up. The car handles better with its communicative and ideally weighted steering, which just begs the driver to throw the CT200h at bends. It's almost effortless at lower speeds and confidence-inspiring at higher velocities.
That said, regardless of driving modes, transitions between electric and gasoline power are so seamless and silky that you simply forget you're driving a hybrid. And there is nothing to complain about the way its suspension settles quickly over dips and bumps, either.
While the CT200h may fall short on power, it's not a slouch by any means. For Lexus' first compact, its ride quality is impressive, surpassing even the standards of some of its German peers.
Conclusion
No longer a fashionable passing trend, hybrid cars are slowly, but steadily attracting the petrol-powered car buyers. And if you're the green driver whose heart is set on a hybrid car that's not too hard on the pocket, there are plentiful options you can choose from. But they may not come with the style, luxury and sporty features.
The Lexus CT200h is no tarmac shredder, but it does deliver the qualities that most hybrid cars can't. So the answer to the biggest question? A definite yes.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
While the CT200h may fall short on power, it's not a slouch by any means. For Lexus' first compact, its ride quality is impressive, surpassing even the standards of some of its German peers.
Conclusion
No longer a fashionable passing trend, hybrid cars are slowly, but steadily attracting the petrol-powered car buyers. And if you're the green driver whose heart is set on a hybrid car that's not too hard on the pocket, there are plentiful options you can choose from. But they may not come with the style, luxury and sporty features.
The Lexus CT200h is no tarmac shredder, but it does deliver the qualities that most hybrid cars can't. So the answer to the biggest question? A definite yes.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
