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Lexus adopts a softly, softly approach with compact hatch ; ROAD TEST The latest hybrid model from Lexus, the CT 200h, is put through its paces by... [Derby Evening Telegraph (England)](Derby Evening Telegraph (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Lexus adopts a softly, softly approach with compact hatch ; ROAD TEST The latest hybrid model from Lexus, the CT 200h, is put through its paces by Robert Maddox THERE'S so much good about the new compact Lexus that you feel like shouting about the car from the rooftops. But Lexus wouldn't like you doing this because the CT 200h is at the forefront of the brand's new Quiet Revolution. S This is a car that can be run for short periods on electricity alone making it then supremely quiet as well as emission-free. It's the latest hybrid model from the prestige operation of Toyota and even when its petrol engine is providing the power is the cleanest- running premium compact car around with emissions so low that it's exempt from road tax in the UK. The 200h is the Lexus designed to take on the popular Audi A3 and 1-Series BMW and it is not only the brand's first compact executive car but is also the first full hybrid vehicle in its class. It joins a line-up of hybrid Lexus models that also includes the RX 450h luxury crossover car, plus the GS 450h and 600h luxury saloons. Never before has Lexus produced a more affordable new model; nor has there been a vehicle from the firm representing tougher competition for the German manufacturers. It was introduced into UK showrooms in March and has now become the most popular Lexus in this country with more than 2,200 sales up to the end of July. In the CT 200h, Lexus has produced a handsome hatchback that's hi- tech and highly equipped. It also represents no compromise in the brand's hallmark standards of luxury, quality and comfort while further offering the potential for the careful driver to enjoy diesel-like, 68mpg-plus economy while running on cheaper unleaded petrol. Company car drivers will welcome the fact that the CT 200h offers the lowest, 10% rating for benefit-in-kind car tax. Meanwhile fleet operators earn the advantage of first-year, 100% write-down allowance against company car tax. The hatchback's low emissions are thanks to the exceptional efficiency of its full hybrid power- train, which means the all-new models outperforms all its similarly powered small luxury car rivals because none of these comes close to achieving a sub-100g/km figure. Power is provided by a fourcylinder 1.8-litre petrol engine and an electric motor with a combined output of 134bhp. The 60kw electric motor works together with the petrol engine to boost acceleration as well as being the sole source of power when in Electric Vehicle mode. The hybrid system constantly motors driving conditions and the way the car is being driven to give the most efficient means of delivering power with drive to the front wheels through an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission. The petrol engine is also used to charge the nickel metal hydride battery of the hybrid system. Being a full hybrid, CT 200h can run on its electric motor alone at speeds of up to 30mph. This is ideal for smooth, silent progress in slow traffic as it can reduce tailpipe emissions to zero, with the driving range determined by the level of battery charge and local conditions. The electric motor only mode is engaged automatically but can also be selected manually, with the latter option allowing you to drive quietly in residential areas at night. The instrument panel includes a moving diagram showing energy flows. There is also an electric blue battery charge gauge. A real plus is the ability to change the way the car behaves simply by turning a controller on the centre console. There is a choice of Normal, ECO and Sport modes. Switch to ECO mode and the car's systems are adjusted to deliver maximum efficiency with throttle responses moderated when the driver presses hard on the accelerator. This is the one to choose if you want to enjoy 60mpgplus motoring. If a more rewarding driving experience is sought, the Sport mode makes a real difference as it lets the driver exploit the full potential of the CT 200h's dynamic qualities by increasing power delivery from the electric motor and maximising performance and agility. Engine revs are held higher as the driver accelerates and settings for the throttle and electric power steering are also adjusted to give sharper response to driver inputs. There is then a real edge to the way the car behaves. Engaging the Sport further sees the electric blue battery charge gauge changing to a rev counter with the background lighting then having a racy red tinge. Lexus has kept things simple by selling just three versions of the CT 200h. There are SE-I, SE-L and SE-L Premier models, priced from Pounds 23,485, with all having more kit as standard than equivalent Audis and BMWs. Dual-zone climate control comes as standard no matter which version you choose. Also common to all versions are alloy wheels (16 or 17-inch according to customer pref-erence), a USB port and Aux socket for connecting portable music players, Bluetooth for mobile phone connection and audio streaming, front fog lights, automatic wipers and dark-tinted rear privacy glass. Choose an SE-L or SE-L Premier model and the package deal is enhanced by leather upholstery and heated front seats, with the top car further coming with smart entry and starting, a high quality Mark Levinson 13-speaker audio system, a DVD changer, full map HDD navigation and electrically adjustable front seats. The Premier edition was my transport and it was everything you expect a Lexus to be in being luxurious, supremely comfortable and finished to the highest standards. Was I sitting comfortably at the wheel? You bet I was thanks to having the benefit of a whole range of seat adjustments and a steering wheel adjustable for both height and reach. The front seats also offer good support with their heaters operating pro-actively with the air conditioning system. Those taking a back seat enjoy plenty of headroom but legroom could be an issue for some. Seat backs fold down to increase the capacity of the boot which is shallow but proved more accommodating than I expected when using the model for a short break in North Yorkshire. There's enough room for three small cases and other items to be stowed under the boot cover with further space offered in a useful compartment under the floor. Capacity grows from 375 litres when the seats are in position to 965 litres when they are folded. The dashboard is extremely well laid out and topped by a flip-up screen for the HDD satellite navigation system which has a Remote Touch controller that looks like a cross between a joystick and a computer mouse. The joystick controls the cursor on the central display screen that also shows you what's behind when the reversing camera is activated. In a world first for the luxury hatchback market, a Pre-Crash Safety system is offered with adaptive cruise control in a Pounds 2,700 package deal in the case of the Premier version of the CT 200h. The pre-crash system employs a front-mounted radar to detect obstacles even when cornering to determine whether a collision is imminent, alerting the diver by a buzzer and a warning light. Traction control and vehicle stability control are standard on all versions, along with anti-lock braking with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution. All three models also have eight airbags fitted as standard. These include airbags to protect the knees of the driver and front passenger. Lateral performance dampers were also fitted to the car on test. A Pounds 450 extra, these improve rigidity and reduce body vibrations to improve ride and steering responses. The healthy initial demand for the CT 200h suggests that Lexus was wise to adopt a hybrid only approach when entering the compact premium sector. The firm has produced a vehicle without a rival when it comes to offering cleaner motoring with a touch of class. [email protected] LEXUS CT 200H SE-L PREMIER AT A GLANCE MODEL ASSESSED: Lexus CT 200h SE-L Premier. PRICE: Pounds 30,635 in standard form. Other versions from Pounds 23,485. ENGINE: Four-cylinder, 1.8-litre petrol power plant mated to electric motor. Together they produce 134bhp. Drive through front wheels through an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission. PERFORMANCE: 112mph top speed. Rest to 62mph in 10.3 seconds. FUEL CONSUMPTION: 68.9mpg combined. Test average, 58mpg. Fuel tank capacity, 45 litres. CO2 EMISSIONS: : 94g/km. VED Band A. Exempt from road tax. Benefit in kind, 10%. INSURANCE: Group 17E. DIMENSIONS: Length 4,320mm; width 1,765mm; height 1,440mm. STANDARD FEATURES: Full map HDD navigation system, Mark Levinson 13-speaker audio system with DVD changer, electrochromatic auto-dimming door mirrors, powered front seats with lumbar support, LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, cruise The driver can choose ECO and Sport settings at the turn of this dial. The button to the left engages the Electrical Vehicle mode. The Remote Touch controller for the satellitenavigation system. control, reversing camera. Features shared with SE-L version include heated front seats and leather upholstery. Features common to range include, front, side and curtain airbags, airbag to protect driver's knees, rain-sensing wipers, multifunction display, anti-lock brakes with brake-assist system and electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, vehicle stability control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering column adjustable for height and reach, alloy wheels (either 16 or 17-inch according to customer preference), dual-zone climate control, a USB port and Aux socket for connecting portable music players, Bluetooth for mobile phone connection and audio streaming, front fog lights, automatic wipers and dark-tinted rear privacy glass "If a more rewarding driving experience is sought, the Sport mode makes a real difference." ROBERT MADDOX (c) 2011 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |