2013 Lexus CT 200h Hatchback

The 2013 CT 200h Base Hatchback is a great value with an MSRP of $31,850.00. Gas mileage might also be an important consideration and this Hatchback boasts a respectable 43 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.

Performance Review

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Engine: 1.8L in-line 4 DOHC with VVT-i variable valve timing

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Electric / unleaded fuel

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Fuel economy: Gasoline:, 43 MPG city, 40 MPG highway, 42 MPG combined and 500 mi. range

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Multi-point fuel injection

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11.9gallon fuel tank

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Power (SAE): 134 hp

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Secondary power: 98 hp @ 5,200 rpm; 105 lb ft @ 2,800 rpm

Lexus CT 200h Driving Impression

The 2012 Lexus CT 200h is expected to see few changes after being introduced midway through the 2011 model year. The 2011 debuts as the newest gas/electric hybrid car from Toyota's luxury division. This premium-compact car is smaller than the Lexus HS 250h, the brand's other dedicated hybrid. CT 200h is a 4-door 5-passenger hatchback that pairs a 98-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor for a combined 134 horsepower. It uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves much like an automatic. The energy for the motors comes from a 168-cell, 201.6-volt nickel/metal-hydride battery pack that’s boosted to 650 volts.

The car can run on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy, and no plug-in charging is necessary. Drivers can select from four different powertrain modes, including: Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV. Normal is for everyday driving.

The CT, a lower and wider car than the HS 250h, can be driven in one of three modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. In Eco and Normal modes, output power from the motors is boosted to 500 volts. In Sport, it’s increased to 650 volts for added performance. There’s also an EV-only mode, but its realistic emissions-free range is only a little over one mile. Stability control intervention, throttle pedal sensitivity and electronic power steering assist all change based on drive mode.

Optional are adaptive cruise control and Lexus' Pre-Collision System, which readies maximum braking force and seatbelt tensioners if an unavoidable crash is detected. A sunroof, leather upholstery, navigation system with real-time traffic and weather data, rearview camera, and driver-seat memory are also optional. This evaluation is based on drives of a 2011 CT 200h. Riding on 17-in. wheels, the Lexus CT 200h looks like it has been lowered by the factory. LED daytime running lights are reminiscent of a certain unnamed German manufacturer, but they don’t look out of place on this car. The taillights are LEDs, while the headlamps are halogen. LED headlamps, however, are optional.