2014 Lexus CT 200h Hybrid FWD

Model Highlights

The Lexus CT 200h is a full hybrid compact 5-door replete with Lexus fit and finish and priced around $32,000. The CT 200h was created and developed originally for the European market, but is available in the U.S. and aimed directly at America's young, highly discerning and environmentally conscientious customers. The driver-centered cabin is designed with clearly defined display and operational zones. Audio and telephone controls share the steering wheel, while three multi-function stalks are just behind, only an inch away. The shift lever is mounted high on the console, inches from the wheel. A console-mounted "mouse" operates the display on a large, central, pop-up eye-level screen for multiple control functions at a glance. Seating surfaces are trimmed in a soft synthetic, but leather is available. Front seats are designed in the deeply bolstered sports style. The rear bench is also bolstered as two separate sports seats and folds flat in a 30/70 split to add carrying capacity. Lexus-level safety is standard, as is dust and pollen filtration in the dual-zone climate control system. Several factory option packages are available: Navigation includes a 6-disc premium system with 10 speakers, an electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, Lexus HomeLink and navigation with a high-resolution multimedia display. The Luxury Package includes auto-dimming outer mirrors, driver memory seat, rain-sensing intermittent wipers and perforated leather seating surfaces. A pre-collision system and a dynamic cruise control can be included as factory installed options. The CT F Sport package includes 17-inch glossy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, mesh grille, aluminum pedals, a large rear spoiler, scuff plates and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The front-wheel-drive hybrid system uses a highly efficient Atkinson cycle, 1.8L 4-cylinder engine and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The engine is supplemented by a pair of 650-volt motor/generators. The system's total combined output is 134 horsepower, which is capable of delivering 0?60 mph times of 9.8 seconds and EPA fuel economy of 43 mpg city, 40 highway. The electric-assisted rack and pinion power steering includes power-splitting traction control. The CT offers four driving modes: Normal, EV, ECO and Sport. EV allows the CT to operate on battery power as much as possible. ECO smoothes throttle response and reduces climate control usage to maximize fuel efficiency. The Sport mode changes the character of the CT, changing the instrument illumination, replacing the hybrid power monitor with a tachometer in the gauge cluster, tightening the steering response and turning the traction and stability control's intervention thresholds down.