An Identity Crisis: Will The Revamped Lexus CT200h Struggle To Find A Niche?

The claim is the brand-new CT200h is a sporty hybrid Lexus. Well, call it one out of three. It doesn't feel sporty, and it isn't as plush and quiet as a Lexus should be.

Ah well, it's definitely a hybrid, and the saintly 96g/km CO2 figure will be catnip to company-car buyers as it lines up against the BMW 118d and Audi A3 2.0TDi.

To turn the Toyota Prius powertrain into something sporty was a tall order.

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TauronB2G - 9/28/2010 1:51:47 PM

-3 Boost

Too bad its hideous!

izfuney - 9/28/2010 3:05:10 PM

+5 Boost

In all fairness , Jeremy Clarkson et all have always hated Hybrids,
If i was a auto journalist who got to drive every car for the fun of it , without wondering about
1) getting to work
2) affordability
3) insurance
4) dependability and cost to run ..

I would absolutely LOVE Ferrari's, Lamborghini's, Ford GT etc etc.. I too would pooh pooh at such plebian transport such as Corolla's and Fiesta's.
But it is not so .. cars for me have to first 1) perform their required duty 2) Be fun 3) be affordable and easy to run

Hence i like Hybrids, they are cool new technology that are game changers, while being dependable ( referring to Toyota Hybrids here) cost efficient and cool . Plus if Lexus can dial in more fun into the Hybrids and through in some nice luxury for not so much more change .. more power to it .

As for looks , it looks pretty damn good, if not typically unique. Would take it anyday and everyday over an A3 or BMW 1

izfuney - 9/28/2010 3:06:45 PM

+3 Boost

"throw in some nice luxury ..."

thstone - 9/28/2010 4:07:07 PM

-3 Boost

It will find a very, very, very small niche of about 3200 cars per year. The days of selling 20,000 of a "hybrid-anything" are long over.

knowitall1985 - 9/28/2010 5:01:43 PM

+4 Boost

I'm sure your an expert in this field.LOL

dl767captain - 9/28/2010 6:01:40 PM

+1 Boost

I can see this becoming a very popular car for people who don't need something bigger than the IS but need a little bit more utility than a sedan. I actually drove the car during one of their events, it's not the fastest car i've driven but it's pretty fun around the corners.

JUGNU - 9/29/2010 6:08:51 AM

+1 Boost

Agree with izfuney

It looks better than A3 and 1 Series hatch and i will pick it over both.

JUGNU

Wimmer - 9/29/2010 9:07:00 AM

0 Boost

I have a 2007 BMW 118i 5-Door and I love it. It's a nice little car. Can't say the same for the Lexus CT which is a nice car, but in terms of design I can't get over its Toyotaesque styling. A turn-off.

My car:

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/9339/bmwwimmer001.jpg

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/8457/bmwwimmer002.jpg

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/176/bmwwimmer003.jpg

Whelan - 9/29/2010 9:11:21 AM

+1 Boost

I still say it needs a turbo 4 with a stick and optional AWD.

MercBasher - 9/30/2010 12:29:51 AM

+1 Boost

I like the Euro-style design and dimensions of this vehicle. Good for city driving, and leave the long distance to some giant SUV like the Lexus LX