Is the 2012 CT 200h a dynamic game changer or just a Prius dressed up in luxury clothing? Take a look.
Lexus CT 200h Trims and Feature Highlights
The CT 200h is a compact luxury hatchback with a starting price of $29,100 for the base model, or $31,750 for the better equipped Premium trim. Lexus’ 4-door hatch fits five passengers, and, as you may have guessed by the ‘h’ designation, comes equipped with a fuel conscious hybrid powertrain. Aside from 42 combined MPG you’ll get much better exterior style than famed brother Prius, along with unique greenery on the inside- earth conscious materials, not the color.
Standard features include dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, Safety Connect, and voice activated tech. CT 200h Premium also comes with heated seats and a sunroof. Extras include navigation, backup camera, and F-Sport aesthetics.
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Lexus CT 200h Performance
Underneath the hood of the CT 200h is a 1.8 liter inline-4/electric motor combo providing 134 total horsepower. Drivers utilize front-wheel drive and an electronically controlled CVT transmission. This is the same setup you’ll find in the Prius, so you’re looking at a rather pedestrian 9.8 seconds from 0 to 60. Lexus has fitted CT with four different drive modes that allow drivers to switch between Normal, ECO, or EV (EV gives you all-electric power) and Sport mode. Switching to Sport mode turns the instrument panel red and transforms the hybrid power monitor into a tachometer, so there’s your performance inspiration. CT’s Drive Mode Select system and specialized suspension do create sharp handling, though real thrills come in the form of MPG’s.
Lexus CT 200h Fuel Economy
EPA estimates tag CT at 43/40/42 (city/highway/combined) MPG- best in segment numbers that give it a leg up in terms of luxury, practicality, and economy.
Lexus CT 200h Interior Highlights
Call the cabin approach alternative luxury; you get leather options and soft touch surfaces, but unique features like the standard NuLuxe synthetic upholstery (it’s lighter & cleaner to produce than leather), part plant-based carpeting, and available bamboo trim panels give CT a distinctive look & feel- though it’s still relatively easy to find comfort. Lexus has provided a cabin that’s very driver-centric, so expect easy to access buttons.
Passengers delegated to the back receive just under 33 inches of legroom, compared to 42” up front. Luggage space measures 14.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, though said seats fold down for extra length, and there’s a handy in-floor cargo compartment for extras. That said, you’ll still want to leave the kitchen sink at home given CT’s petite stature.
Lexus CT 200h Safety
Standard on all 2012 CT trims are four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability/traction control, Safety Connect, and eight airbags- including both driver and front passenger knee bags. Another nice standard feature is the Vehicle Proximity Notification sensor which warns pedestrians when CT approaches in quiet (motor only) mode.
Available safety extras include rain sensing windshield wipers, a pre-collision system (warns drivers of obstacles ahead and tightens seatbelts & applies brakes if a collision is imminent), and a rearview camera.
NHTSA crash ratings for the 2012 CT are unavailable, though the IIHS has made it a Top Safety Pick.
Lexus CT 200h Summary
Are you ready to cash in horsepower for greater fuel economy? The most exciting part of driving the CT 200h is almost always going to be the feeling of cruising past gas stations. But, according to Lexus’ commercial, you should have enough cash left over to create your own fun while enjoying some of that alternative luxury.
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