Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

2012 Lexus CT 200h F Sport

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-...photo-5272952/

Engine: 1.8L I4 + Electric Motor
Power: 134 HP (total) /105 LB-FT
Transmission: CVT
0-60 Time: 9.8 Seconds
Top Speed: 113 MPH
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight: 3,130 LBS
Seating: 2+3
Cargo: 14.3 CU-FT
MPG: 43 City / 40 Hwy
MSRP: $39,978 (as tested)

As we discovered the first time we spent a week with one, the Lexus CT 200h is an intriguingly Euro-centric player in the entry tier of the premium market. With a starting price of $29,120 in 2012 (plus $895 for delivery), the CT represents the least expensive way to get into a new Lexus. At that price, it seems like a reasonable choice. For just a few dollars short of $40,000, our test car – a loaded F Sport model, a new trim level for 2012 – lost pretty much all of its value proposition. Still, the CT is an entertaining small hatchback that returns excellent fuel mileage.

134 total horsepower – 98 from the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and the rest from the integrated electric motor – and 105 pound-feet of torque isn't enough gumption to earn a badge with the word 'Sport'. 0-60 takes 9.8 seconds and the top speed is just 113 miles per hour. The base Fiat 500, which has been called every variation of the world slow, is just as quick, albeit with a manual gearbox.

We've never been big fans of continuously variable transmissions, and the one used in the CT hybrid isn't going to change our minds. The engine drones at 4,000 RPM way too often, especially in Sport mode.

We wish there was an option to default the CT to Sport mode, as its more aggressive throttle mapping and quicker steering setup makes the CT much more engaging to drive. Plus, we prefer the digital tach display in Sport over the normal Eco dummy gauge that appears left of the central speedometer.

Eco mode turns the act of driving the CT 200h into a chore, yet it doesn't seem to have any meaningful impact on fuel mileage in regular driving. While it won't remember to start in Sport, it will remember to put you in Eco mode if that's how it was set when the car was last shut off. That's irritating.

F Sport mods don't make the CT 200h any quicker, but we're told handling has been improved a notch through retuned suspension bits. We found the CT F Sport's ride and handling compromise to be just right for Goldilocks. As far as appearances go, we dig the funky duds and think the F Sport bodykit and bespoke wheels are well done.
Why reinvent the gear-shifter? A little T-shaped nub sticks out of the center stack, with an offbeat h-pattern that requires an additional button labeled 'P' to put into park. Is this really necessary? Plus, a sporty car in this price bracket that doesn't offer a manual transmission really ought to feature paddles.

The 2012 CT uses an older version of Remote Touch control than the brand-new GS. Although it does include haptic feedback, it does not allow the directional controller to double as a selector. Instead, there's a separate 'Enter' button on either side. Not our favorite way to move a cursor or make selections. We also found ourselves bumping the joystick when using the climate and audio controls or when resting our arms on the console.

This is a small car. While I was able to fit my six-foot, two-inch frame comfortably behind the wheel, don't expect adults to spend too much time in the back. On the plus side, there's a reasonable 14.3 cubic feet of storage under the hatch with the seats up.

Fuel mileage remains a strong suit. We weren't able to match the EPA-estimated 43 city/40 highway, but we hauled four adults (driver included) around Phoenix, Arizona for an afternoon with the air conditioner blasting and still recorded mileage in the high 30s.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/2...k-spin-review/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I really like the CT in Ultrasonic Blue

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I haven't driven a CT yet and want to.My ES was in for service today and I asked for a CT loaner but none were available.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

a disappointing way to dilute the value of "F Sport". there's nothing sporty in terms of 'go' about this.

Fizzboy7

Had one for a month while my car was in for work. It's a nice ride, but didn't have much of a Lexus feel. Not enough luxury inside and the sound of the four cylinder didn't help. The HS had similar problems, but at least the CT has some looks.
What would help this car is much less wheel gap on the standard model (look at most Mini Cooper ride heights), some wood inside, and a traditional gear shifter with a manual shifting feature for the automatic. All these things are easy fixes and would go a long way in helping all three shortcomings.

Vladi

$40K for it? Ouch!

Aron9000

That's a good way to spend $15,000 too much for a damn Prius.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

Funny thing is you can load up a Prius V to over $40K.


Invoice
MSRP
True Market Value®



Base Price
$27,744
$29,805
$28,630


PLUS Performance Package
$2,399
$2,999
$2,657


Preferred Premium Accessory Package
$223
$352
$278


Advanced Technology Package
$3,863
$4,320
$4,059


PLUS Appearance Package
$1,899
$2,299
$2,071


Destination Fee
$760
$760
$760


Regional Adjustment
for Zip Code:



$0


Color Adjustment


$0


Total Price
$36,888 Invoice
$40,535 List
$38,455 True Market Value

Aron9000

And I'd still say you're an idiot if you pay that much for a Prius. If you want more cargo space for about $25k, you can buy a nicely equipped 4 cylinder Rav-4, and that still gets GOOD gas mileage.

If you're spending 40k, go buy a Chevy Volt, that is the technology of the future.

LexFather

More Lexus bashing on a Lexus forum. Has anyone here even driven the CT or F-sport? Nope.

Its a great little hatch in the vein of the Europeans brands people fap off too. Lexus does it and people complain. It gets a legit 40 MPG, its fun and yes the ride is harsh but its not terrible. It is sporty for zipping around the city and town clearly not the highway. Of course its small, its a small hatch. Whats to complain about. Its like complaining a SMART car or A3 is cramped. Buyers know what they are getting into

You all are judging the car not about what its purpose is but against Ferraris.

Where are the REAL enthusiasts?

The bottom line is the car was expected to fail b/c EXPENSIVE HATCHES IN AMERICA HAVE ALL FLOPPED until the CT came. The CT BLEW PAST sales goals and is doing well for the Lexus brand.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I do every d*** day!! in fact back to back with a GS450h and an F for good measure

LexFather

I know you do. The forum posters *****ing about the CT. Of course not. I've enjoyed my time behind it, it was a vehicle I was opposed to but I understand the market for it and again its a smash success. I might not buy one but I understand why people do. 40 MPG, Lexus luxury, features, good looks, small maneuverable size. and very low cost of maintenance.

spwolf

Volt is pretty poor technology wise, they will have to redesign it in few years and it wont be like today...

Lexuslvr91

I drove the CT200h a few months back. Overall the only thing that left me less than impressed was the powertrain. The ride was good and I liked being able to put it in sport mode. The interior materials were well beyond those of the HS250h as well as A3 and 1-series Coupe. But that engine. It was not fun to rev at all. It sounded too buzzy and overall simply lacked the refinement and power delivery of a car aiming at near luxury status. I thought I read about Lexus filing for the name CT300h which would indicate the CT would be using the hybrid powertrain from the ES and Camry Hybrid. I really hope so because if it was good enough to launch the midsize Camry Hybrid to 60 in 7.2 seconds imagine what it could do for the lighter CT. Also the FE would likely match the figures of the current CT200h since the larger Camry Hybrid has similar mileage figures as the CT200h.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

A CT300 would be great.Unlike the CT200,it would have my interest.