Lexus has strategically combated its brand view of catering to a particular lifestyle and has come out with new Lexus CT200h. The idea that Lexus, just like Mercedes-Benz, serves the more mature car buyers has been pushed aside with the arrival of sporty Lexus CT200h, which gives a much needed breath of fresh air. This car is sure to get Lexus more buyers from diverse market segments.
The LF-Ch concept used in the CT200h was shown at the Frankfurt motor show in the last fall. The CT200h is the practical version of that concept. The youthful and hip Lexus CT 200h has been exhibited in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show 2010. It was one of the most awaited cars at the show. However, that was just a sneak peak; this car will be officially launched and marketed in Japan in early 2011.The “h” in CT200h, of course, stands for hybrid, meaning it would be available only in gasoline-electric system. CT200h uses 1.8-liter petrol engine with an electric motor combination and can drive for up to 2km on electricity alone. It is expected to have the same 3.9L/100km fuel economy. The new CT200h by Lexus, when arrives in the UK showroom in 2011, is anticipated to give fierce competition to the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series in lucrative luxury car market of Europe. This car is said to be a replacement for entry-level car Lexus sedan HS250h in Europe.
According to Lexus, the CT200h was custom designed, keeping in mind the European market. This statement is backed up by the five-door layout of CT200h. There are four driver-selectable driving modes, available in the CT200h: Normal, Eco, EV and Sport. In Normal mode, the car can operate on battery at the speed of 28 mph. The EV mode forces the car to rely only on battery power for 1.2-mile stretches. Switching the car to Eco dulls throttle response and maximizes the climate-control system to save more fuel. The Sport mode is the most exciting mode, in which it tightens up the steering, ups throttle aggressiveness, and lowers the stability-control threshold.
European head of Lexus, Andy P. Feiffenberger, has predicted that the Lexus CT 200h full-hybrid hatchback will win over younger drivers because of its advanced modern design. The key youth feature of the car is the driver-selectable driving modes of CT200h “Sport” and “Eco”. Sport, as the name indicates, offers faster acceleration and more direct response. The instrument illumination turns red in sports mode to reflect the passionate driving strength.
The CT200h incorporates the “mainstream” hybrid technology into a sportier dynamic to encourage the youth to this green car. It is relatively low in height and has sporty wheels to target to a comparatively younger market. The excellent green credentials of CT200h make it a very viable choice.
The Lexus CT200h is anticipated to be priced around 21,000 Euros in Europe. Lexus is advertising the CT200h as the first full hybrid vehicle. Hopefully, the excitement will pay off when this car shows up early next year and provides us a driving experience to remember.
