First Drive: Lexus CT 200h - The Green Hatch
#1
Lexus Connoisseur
Thread Starter
First Drive: Lexus CT 200h - The Green Hatch
September 28, 2010 - Paris, France - Lexus has come a long way since the inception of the world's first premium luxury hybrid vehicle five years ago. Being the front-runner in hybrid technology, Lexus is the only luxury carmaker to offer a wide array of premium hybrid vehicles ranging from a crossover, an entry-level dedicated hybrid sedan, a performance-oriented midsize luxury sedan and an ultra-luxury flagship sedan which represents the pinnacle of the Lexus Hybrid lineup. The 2006 RX 400h was the first hybrid to start it off. Most recently, the 2010 HS 250h a.k.a. Harmonious Sedan was introduced as the most fuel-efficient Lexus and the most fuel-efficient luxury vehicle in the United States, until now...
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Thanks!
Ryan
CL Ed.
Read the rest HERE.
Edit: There are a few bugs with our front page portal with the unusual random characters. You can find an alternative copy to read HERE.
Thanks!
Ryan
CL Ed.
#6
#7
I'm sure they can, but it's only a matter of whether they see enough demand in the market to justify doing it.
I bet they're losing money on the LS600hL and the GS450h with the current sales volumes, but these can be justified by being the halo cars of luxury hybrid and performance hybrid, respectively. A CT300h (again, hopefully with a 2.5L and not 2.4L) on the other hand will actually have to make money to be justified.
Last edited by Mister Two; 10-28-10 at 01:37 PM.
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#9
That's actually a completely inaccurate statement. The Lincoln MKZ hybrid is the most fuel-efficient luxury vehicle in the United States.
#10
Nobody would care about CT300h in Europe despite what pampered media says. People these days buy 4cly BMWs and MBs (always did Audis). V6 and V8 resale value is a lot lower than for 4cly engines.
#11
Lexus Connoisseur
Thread Starter
I am a huge fan of cloth interiors. I actually like the Black and Black/Red cloth interiors in the CT. It's a nice plush feeling material. It definitely isn't the velour interiors of the 80's that's for sure. One gripe I have with the cloth is that the pile is a bit long. It behaves like suede, see below:
The smart key fobs with the panic buttons are the US Spec CTs. The missing
panic button fobs belong to the Euro Spec CTs. Apparently in Europe, there is no need for a panic alarm.
Very true. European and American mindset for buying cars are completely different. What I learned first hand in Europe, they care about low CO2 emissions ratings, smaller cars with larger capacity and value. If it wasn't for the taxation rules in the EU, and the cost for a liter of petrol, the mentality and demand would be totally different. As you know here in the US, a gallon of gas is cheaper than an equivalent liter in Europe, but people here prefer to have a more powerful gas V6 or V8 over a 4cyl any day. I know for a fact I wouldn't be able to afford driving, let alone owning an IS F in Europe. I'd opt for that 6spd MT IS200d instead.
#12
The rear seat legroom is a serious joke in the CT, a far cry from the Prius. Any family looking to trade up will be quite disappointed. Lexus still can't seem to get the packaging right and this will continue to hurt them.
#13
Lexus Connoisseur
Thread Starter
I don't think the CT was ever meant to be a family car replacement. As far as rear seat legroom, it's very acceptable.Even more so than my IS F's back seat legroom. Remember, this car was made for the European market in mind. A Prius is a huge vehicle compared to many of the subcompacts roaming the streets of France.
#14
Well the Prius takes on the job of a family car and even of an adult-seating taxicab just fine while the CT's rear legroom looks comparable to that of a typical 2-door 2+2 sports coupe (barely better than the 1-series, for example, and quite a bit worse than the A3). Unlike many of us Americans, who use these cars as personal transports, the Europeans use these hatchbacks as family cars, so the rear legroom, particularly for a 4-door car, should be quite an important factor.
Last edited by Mister Two; 10-28-10 at 05:28 PM.
#15
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Well the Prius takes on the job of a family car and even of an adult-seating taxicab just fine while the CT's rear legroom looks comparable to that of a typical 2-door 2+2 sports coupe (barely better than the 1-series, for example, and quite a bit worse than the A3). Unlike many of us Americans, who use these cars as personal transports, the Europeans use these hatchbacks as family cars, so the rear legroom, particularly for a 4-door car, should be quite an important factor.
I'm on PriusChat, many members have only a spouse or no kids or no spouse. Rear seat room is not the determining factor, MPG is.
I don't think rear seat room is a priority here. What is a priority is the drive over the Prius, the luxury materials to the Prius and the image.