The 2011 CT Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in two trims, the 200h and the 200h Premium.
Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 134-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 43-mpg in the city and 40-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
The 2011 CT Hybrid is all-new for 2011.
Lexus ballyhoos CT's base price, which by Lexus standards is, indeed, low. But if you want your new CT equipped to Lexus standards, plan to spend a little more.
Offered in base and Premium trim, the base CT has all the safety stuff (eight air bags, traction and stability control, brake override and more) and a few perks (heated mirrors, tilt/telescope wheel, power driver's seat, keyless entry/start, dual-zone climate, Bluetooth, six-speaker CD with satellite radio), but it also has vinyl seats and no sunroof. And you can't gussy it up much, unless you consider Premium Floor Mats a big upgrade, because there are no factory options to speak of on the base car.
To get access to those, you've got to go to the $31,775 Premium model, which adds heated front seats and a sunroof.
That's what we drove, but ours was loaded with options: boffo 10-speaker audio, leather, navigation, back-up camera, Lexus Enform personal assistance service and more. And that explains why our car cost 22 percent more than the $29,995 base price we were enthused about.
But, hey, it was equipped like a Lexus.
It is, however, powered like a Toyota.
Under its skin, CT 200h is a Prius, sharing Prius's basic platform and its hybrid hardware: CVT automatic transmission, 1.8-liter gas I-4, nickel-metal hydride battery pack and electric motor. Like Prius, CT's total system horsepower is a modest 134.
On the road, it's the slick suspension and quick steering that please — certainly not CT's straight-line acceleration, which is about 10 seconds from zero-to-60.
Anyway, it's fuel economy where CT really shines, earning EPA ratings of 43 city/40 hwy — wildly impressive by luxury-car standards, though lower than Prius's 51/48. For that, blame CT's slightly heavier curb weight, its slightly less-aero body and its stickier, more-aggressive tires, which contribute to the nice handling manners.
Drivers have the option of four drive modes: EV (pure electric; low-speed/short-distance); Eco (maximum mpg); Normal; and Sport (better throttle response).
In just under 300 miles of mixed city/hwy driving, we registered 43 mpg.
Room is fine front, OK in back, where head room is good but leg room is close.
Worth noting: the marvelous mouse-like controller for the car's various systems. Located on the center console, it falls easily to hand and, if you've used a computer mouse, it's utterly intuitive.
Go easy on options and — if you're not in a hurry — CT 200h is a fine, affordable and frugal gateway into the Lexus family.
Fifth hybrid model in the Lexus lineup a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that works with an electric motor, battery and generator. The system has a total power of 134 hp (100 kW) and is for 2011 Lexus CT-200h Hybrid to accelerate 0-60 mph [96 km / h] in 9.8 seconds. The manufacturer claims that the hybrid model EPA-estimated value of 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway, using regular 87-octane gasoline.
Standard on all 2011 Lexus CT-200h Hybrid Includes smart access with pushbutton start / stop and touch sensors on the outside of the front door handles, leather steering wheel, six speaker audio system with CD player and Bluetooth, integrated satellite radio (with complimentary 90-day trial), USB / iPod connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels and dual zone automatic air conditioning. Hybrid is also equipped with a standard eight airbags supplementary restraint.
2011 Lexus CT-200h Hybrid Optional features will be sixth-generation navigation system with rearview camera, moonroof, heated seats and premium sound package that the Lexus Premium Sound system with 10 speakers and six-CD changer, Homelink, and electro-chrome rear view mirror with compass underwater covers.
