First Lexus CT200h's Hitting The Streets. Destined For Long Term Success Or Veering Lexus In Wrong Direction?

When I was out today for my Morning Starbucks I got my first glimpse of the new CT200h on the street.

And my first impression was it looked not bad in white but it was hard to wrap my head around the fact that it was a Lexus.

I can't put my finger on exactly why and maybe I'll get used to it but I think it's going to take a while for me.

I know Lexus is trying to look younger, more innovative and greener than the competition but is THIS the right vehicle for them?

Or would a smaller RX Hybrid been the better play seeing it seems to be the vehicle most buyers of the marque like best?

So my questions are:

1. Will this model be a long term success for Lexus?
2. Do people really want a small Lexus hybrid car or would they prefer a smaller RX hybrid with even better gas mileage?
3. Or are BOTH a good idea for the brand?
4. And lastly, does this car elevate the Lexus brand to you or diminish it?

Spies, discuss....


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Hoorayforpeepee - 3/21/2011 12:00:06 PM

+8 Boost

I think that in the end it might be the right car at the right time for the right price for Lexus.

Never in the past have they seen the influx of youth towards the brand they have today, among all luxury brands they now combine reliability, technology and looks at the lowest price point.

Here in Canada an Audi A3 diesel starts at 35 500, the CT is 30 500 ...

LexSucks - 3/21/2011 2:45:07 PM

-7 Boost

nonofyobus,

You just cant keep me out of your mind. LOL!! I didn't even say anything here and you bring me up. Get over it dude. We all don't have to like Lexuses.

Baby - 3/22/2011 12:26:53 AM

+8 Boost

I can't keep you out of my mind either Lex~ Wink Wink. ;) But seriously LexSux with you and others like Turbospyder and ethusiastx11 etc… spouting of your hatred for anything Asian is just nauseating. How about this; anything to do with any Asian cars you guys just stay out of it and don't post anything; keep your hate to yourselves. See the problem is you have made yourselves targets because nobody likes douche bags; it's easy to spot people that just spew nonsensical and rhetorical hate and you guys are right at the top of the list….

LexSucks - 3/22/2011 11:12:40 PM

0 Boost

Baby,

I currently own a Japanese car. I don't hate on cars based on country of origin.

drell1emc - 3/20/2011 7:15:05 PM

+8 Boost

hybrids are here to stay, at least for the next 15 years. If you don't like them don't buy them. I want to wait on the diesel-hybrids. The more models available the lower the cost of production.

Designer1 - 3/20/2011 7:40:23 PM

-8 Boost

This car is ugly. Only the interior is nice. And I think it will fail as far as being a sport hybrid. It won't achieve any sport attraction.

clsboy - 3/20/2011 8:11:05 PM

-8 Boost

Ugly & over rated!!!

MorePower - 3/20/2011 8:54:22 PM

-7 Boost

I've seen one on the road and it was driven by an older gentleman(60s - 70s). Based on the commercials for this car, Lexus is veering in the wrong direction because younger buyers are ignoring this car.

Instead of these tacked-on hybrid systems and poorly designed, visually, convertible coups, Toyota should build a reasonably priced, sporty luxury coupe and redesign the GS line.

WorldofLuxury - 3/20/2011 9:07:43 PM

+11 Boost

I've seen it on the road. It looks great! I'd say it's a hit!

DeeDogg - 3/20/2011 9:25:53 PM

-7 Boost

Looks like a Mazda-3....In other words unbecoming of a Lexus.

grenouille - 3/20/2011 10:33:32 PM

+4 Boost

great looking car, very confortable and well finished. Hybrid? Well it's the future and Toyota will be throwing it in every possible model either you like it or not...they don't care if you want it or not, they will impose that technology no matter what. I wish it had a 3.5 V6 AWD and yes it will be a hit.

BobW - 3/20/2011 10:39:59 PM

-3 Boost

From the pictures I think the c-pillar rear wheel arch area looks heavy and econo-car. Not a good look for a luxury brand. Maybe it looks better in the flesh but this is a car I would never have an interest in.
BW

wac77 - 3/20/2011 11:31:18 PM

-7 Boost

I don't like the looks, but that's subjective.

Hybrid or not, it's on a FWD econocar platform. And that's the real problem -- the more Lexus relies on that type of cars, the lesser of a luxury brand it becomes.

rumnyc - 3/21/2011 3:32:32 AM

-6 Boost

i am all for luxury makers coming out with smaller car, as long as they have the right DNA.

This car basically competes with 1 series hatch/A3 and I would never choose this over either of those because I think it looks too much like a wrx, but uglier and not as much to drive.

I have sat inside the car, and the interior nice (typical lexus) but the exterior is a fail for me.

toolatetorace - 3/21/2011 10:01:24 AM

-3 Boost

Another station wagon to join the already larger amounts in the ranks Oh, thts right the station wagon name is a dirty word

knowitall1985 - 3/21/2011 10:15:46 AM

+7 Boost

I think it's the right car at the right time. If gas prices keep heading north Lexus won't be able to make them fast enough. Lexus quality warranty and service makes a big difference.

enthusiastx11 - 3/21/2011 10:59:32 AM

-6 Boost

will sell just as well as the HS. looks like a fancy civic of some sort. and not sure why anyone would buy this over a prius that gets far better mileage.

knowitall1985 - 3/21/2011 4:31:32 PM

+6 Boost

If you knew anything about cars you would. Let's start with better styling, interior materials, much better handling warranty resale service and getting more girls than with a prius.......

enthusiastx11 - 3/23/2011 11:06:34 AM

-2 Boost

better styling? than what? that is one ugly car. and the performance is weak at best. just read the reviews. 0-60 in under 10 seconds!

enthusiastx11 - 3/24/2011 12:34:43 PM

0 Boost

well, there's the 335d--lower mileage but a fantastic performance car. this lexus is a dog. a 1988 lincoln town car will beat its 0-60 time of 9.8 seconds.

in europe, the 320d--equal mileage, still very good performance, great handling.

thetruth01 - 3/21/2011 1:00:26 PM

+1 Boost

So every Lexus fan on this site likes it, and every Lexus hater hates it. SHOCKING! (I've seen a couple in SF and am suitably impressed. Again, big shock.)

mpls - 3/21/2011 5:55:23 PM

+5 Boost

Looks better than an Audi A3 and BMW 1 hatchback by miles.. perhaps it won't drive as well as the BMW, but how many people need to drive like maniacs anyway//

theoptimisticpessimist - 3/21/2011 6:06:13 PM

0 Boost

I predict it will be as successful as the 1 series, and the A3 in America.

MBdude - 3/21/2011 9:38:15 PM

-2 Boost

Almost 10 seconds to go 0-60 mph? And this is the level of performance we are supposed to get from a "premium luxury car?" Doesn't matter that the mileage figures are good... this lack of performance should NEVER have the name "Lexus" on it. Also, the styling does NOT suggest premium. Looks more econo boy-racer (rice version). This will sell about as much as the HS (very little). BIG mistake for Lexus.

outsider - 3/22/2011 8:53:30 AM

+1 Boost

I've drove both US and european spec. The european suspension and brake are much better than US version.
The concept is AOK, fuel is expensive like a gold, the car is not thirsty.