Lexus CT200h Hybrid 2014 1.8 Premium (A) First Drive Review
04 Jun 2014|18,206 views
This year, Lexus celebrates a decade of hybrid motoring. It fitted its first petrol-electric drivetrain on the RX crossover back in 2004. Since then, the 'atas' division of Toyota has spawned a hybrid lineup consisting of no less than six models - the most comprehensive in the industry.
The 2014 model looks very much like its predecessor - but with real differences hidden underneath the sheet metal
Hence, it's safe to say that the Japanese marque has a soft spot for the earth-saving 'blue' technology (hybrid models are denoted by a bluish tinge on the badge).
Just last week, these models embarked on a road trip to Kuala Lumpur, and we were part of it.
Among them was the CT, a hybrid-only model created four years ago. It is also the first and only compact luxury hybrid in the market. Despite its 'special calibre', the second gen CT is still the most affordable model in Lexus' stable.
Hence, it's safe to say that the Japanese marque has a soft spot for the earth-saving 'blue' technology (hybrid models are denoted by a bluish tinge on the badge).
Just last week, these models embarked on a road trip to Kuala Lumpur, and we were part of it.
Among them was the CT, a hybrid-only model created four years ago. It is also the first and only compact luxury hybrid in the market. Despite its 'special calibre', the second gen CT is still the most affordable model in Lexus' stable.
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Exterior
As if it was drawn using the same stencil, the new CT heavily borrows its look from its forebearer. Only this time, the reworked front fascia looks more dynamic now, and sports Lexus' proprietary spindle grille. Thus, it will still take a second closer glance to notice that this is the 2014 model.
Likewise, work to the rear is very limited. The ends of the rear bumper are now lowered by 20mm - although you wouldn't really be able to tell from the naked eye.
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Interior
The CT's cabin feels instinctively Lexus, so much so that you'll be able to tell of its identity even without the 'L' moniker on the steering wheel.
CT's cabin may not be adequate for five on long road trips, but is suitably sized for urban commuting
The layout of instruments, such as the tall centre console, is familiar to the rest of the family. It also gives an impression that you are seated low in the cabin, which makes for a more engaging drive. The majority of cabin trims feel premium, with only a handful such as the pop-up heated seat controls that feel less luxurious.
The CT's cabin feels instinctively Lexus, so much so that you'll be able to tell of its identity even without the 'L' moniker on the steering wheel.
The layout of instruments, such as the tall centre console, is familiar to the rest of the family. It also gives an impression that you are seated low in the cabin, which makes for a more engaging drive. The majority of cabin trims feel premium, with only a handful such as the pop-up heated seat controls that feel less luxurious.
There are, of course, some quibbles about the car. Being the smallest and youngest, the CT's cabin isn't the most capacious in Lexus' lineup, with the rear bench better saved for two adults.
Restricted by the batteries, the CT's boot stands at a less impressive 375 litres, too. That said, it still features a fold-flat design that allows it to swallow more loot when the occasion calls for it. And even without doing so, we found enough space to pack luggage for two for the road trip up north.
Premium grade gets goodies such as Mark Levinson audio, reverse camera and factory-fitted navigation system
Restricted by the batteries, the CT's boot stands at a less impressive 375 litres, too. That said, it still features a fold-flat design that allows it to swallow more loot when the occasion calls for it. And even without doing so, we found enough space to pack luggage for two for the road trip up north.
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The Drive
One of the greatest improvements in the new CT lies in its level of refinement. Driving into the heart of the city, the genteel side of its character was on full display.
Often creeping away from the lights in electric mode, the cabin of the CT is so quiet that you can almost hear your breathing. For the passengers, especially, it provides a temporal relieve from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The petrol-electric powertrain remains unaltered from the previous gen with a total output of 134bhp and 142Nm of torque
On the highway, the CT manages with slight wind and road noise obtrusions. However, at speeds which will otherwise have us ticketed and our driving license forfeited on local expressways, it needs to muster most of its might.
Compared to its full fledged GT cousins, the CT feels more at home in the city.
Work on the chassis, such as increased spot welding, has made the CT more rigid than before. This translates into real world benefits, such as more solid, better controlled body movements over potholes and rough road surfaces. It also lends the hatchback greater stability on the highway.
One of the greatest improvements in the new CT lies in its level of refinement. Driving into the heart of the city, the genteel side of its character was on full display.
Often creeping away from the lights in electric mode, the cabin of the CT is so quiet that you can almost hear your breathing. For the passengers, especially, it provides a temporal relieve from the hustle and bustle of the city.
On the highway, the CT manages with slight wind and road noise obtrusions. However, at speeds which will otherwise have us ticketed and our driving license forfeited on local expressways, it needs to muster most of its might.
Compared to its full fledged GT cousins, the CT feels more at home in the city.
Work on the chassis, such as increased spot welding, has made the CT more rigid than before. This translates into real world benefits, such as more solid, better controlled body movements over potholes and rough road surfaces. It also lends the hatchback greater stability on the highway.
On the downside, handling, while not awful, isn't the most engaging of the bunch. The light steering works great in tight corners, but could certainly do with more weight and feedback.
The CT can feel overly enthusiastic in 'Sport', and we reckon it is best enjoyed in its default 'Normal' mode
Conclusion
The new CT has gained credible improvements, particularly in its cabin and drivetrain areas. Couple those with the refined characteristics of the hybrid drivetrain, the CT's preposition as a posh city car is further enhanced.
While it may not be the most powerful and sporty of the lot, the compact hatchback adheres to Lexus' motive of being an intelligent luxury car that is focused on creature comfort.
Conclusion
The new CT has gained credible improvements, particularly in its cabin and drivetrain areas. Couple those with the refined characteristics of the hybrid drivetrain, the CT's preposition as a posh city car is further enhanced.
While it may not be the most powerful and sporty of the lot, the compact hatchback adheres to Lexus' motive of being an intelligent luxury car that is focused on creature comfort.
This year, Lexus celebrates a decade of hybrid motoring. It fitted its first petrol-electric drivetrain on the RX crossover back in 2004. Since then, the 'atas' division of Toyota has spawned a hybrid lineup consisting of no less than six models - the most comprehensive in the industry.
Hence, it's safe to say that the Japanese marque has a soft spot for the earth-saving 'blue' technology (hybrid models are denoted by a bluish tinge on the badge).
Just last week, these models embarked on a road trip to Kuala Lumpur, and we were part of it.
Among them was the CT, a hybrid-only model created four years ago. It is also the first and only compact luxury hybrid in the market. Despite its 'special calibre', the second gen CT is still the most affordable model in Lexus' stable.
Hence, it's safe to say that the Japanese marque has a soft spot for the earth-saving 'blue' technology (hybrid models are denoted by a bluish tinge on the badge).
Just last week, these models embarked on a road trip to Kuala Lumpur, and we were part of it.
Among them was the CT, a hybrid-only model created four years ago. It is also the first and only compact luxury hybrid in the market. Despite its 'special calibre', the second gen CT is still the most affordable model in Lexus' stable.
Exterior
As if it was drawn using the same stencil, the new CT heavily borrows its look from its forebearer. Only this time, the reworked front fascia looks more dynamic now, and sports Lexus' proprietary spindle grille. Thus, it will still take a second closer glance to notice that this is the 2014 model.
Likewise, work to the rear is very limited. The ends of the rear bumper are now lowered by 20mm - although you wouldn't really be able to tell from the naked eye.
Interior
The CT's cabin feels instinctively Lexus, so much so that you'll be able to tell of its identity even without the 'L' moniker on the steering wheel.
The layout of instruments, such as the tall centre console, is familiar to the rest of the family. It also gives an impression that you are seated low in the cabin, which makes for a more engaging drive. The majority of cabin trims feel premium, with only a handful such as the pop-up heated seat controls that feel less luxurious.
The CT's cabin feels instinctively Lexus, so much so that you'll be able to tell of its identity even without the 'L' moniker on the steering wheel.
The layout of instruments, such as the tall centre console, is familiar to the rest of the family. It also gives an impression that you are seated low in the cabin, which makes for a more engaging drive. The majority of cabin trims feel premium, with only a handful such as the pop-up heated seat controls that feel less luxurious.
There are, of course, some quibbles about the car. Being the smallest and youngest, the CT's cabin isn't the most capacious in Lexus' lineup, with the rear bench better saved for two adults.
Restricted by the batteries, the CT's boot stands at a less impressive 375 litres, too. That said, it still features a fold-flat design that allows it to swallow more loot when the occasion calls for it. And even without doing so, we found enough space to pack luggage for two for the road trip up north.
Restricted by the batteries, the CT's boot stands at a less impressive 375 litres, too. That said, it still features a fold-flat design that allows it to swallow more loot when the occasion calls for it. And even without doing so, we found enough space to pack luggage for two for the road trip up north.
The Drive
One of the greatest improvements in the new CT lies in its level of refinement. Driving into the heart of the city, the genteel side of its character was on full display.
Often creeping away from the lights in electric mode, the cabin of the CT is so quiet that you can almost hear your breathing. For the passengers, especially, it provides a temporal relieve from the hustle and bustle of the city.
On the highway, the CT manages with slight wind and road noise obtrusions. However, at speeds which will otherwise have us ticketed and our driving license forfeited on local expressways, it needs to muster most of its might.
Compared to its full fledged GT cousins, the CT feels more at home in the city.
Work on the chassis, such as increased spot welding, has made the CT more rigid than before. This translates into real world benefits, such as more solid, better controlled body movements over potholes and rough road surfaces. It also lends the hatchback greater stability on the highway.
On the downside, handling, while not awful, isn't the most engaging of the bunch. The light steering works great in tight corners, but could certainly do with more weight and feedback.
Conclusion
The new CT has gained credible improvements, particularly in its cabin and drivetrain areas. Couple those with the refined characteristics of the hybrid drivetrain, the CT's preposition as a posh city car is further enhanced.
While it may not be the most powerful and sporty of the lot, the compact hatchback adheres to Lexus' motive of being an intelligent luxury car that is focused on creature comfort.
Conclusion
The new CT has gained credible improvements, particularly in its cabin and drivetrain areas. Couple those with the refined characteristics of the hybrid drivetrain, the CT's preposition as a posh city car is further enhanced.
While it may not be the most powerful and sporty of the lot, the compact hatchback adheres to Lexus' motive of being an intelligent luxury car that is focused on creature comfort.
Car Information
Lexus CT Hybrid CT200h 1.8 Luxury (A)
CAT B|Petrol-Electric|24.4km/L
Horsepower
100kW (134 bhp)
Torque
142 Nm
Acceleration
10.3sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Lexus CT Hybrid
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