Driving a Lexus is always a pleasure, even if the car is not an entirely new model (it was introduced here three years ago), but one with a minor facelift. Why? Because you can always count on a car that is well put together. There is not a hint of interior rattle, the windows operate noiselessly and the body panels are aligned precisely, with shutlines as narrow and uniform as gaps on a fine-tooth comb.
The engine transmits barely any vibration into the cabin, the brakes do not squeal, the seats do not creak and the springs do not squeak. Every stalk and switch is pleasing to the touch, and operates as if there is an air cushion between every physical contact point. That goes for even the entry-level CT200h, a Lexus that is available only with a 1.8-litre petrol-electric drivetrain. The car exudes a quality beyond what you would normally expect of a product in its price range.
The facelifted car wears Lexus’ current corporate spindle grille, which does seem to suit it quite well. Visually, it gives the hatchback a lift in the sportiness department, and so does the optional darkened roof, a first for Lexus. The new 10-spoke aluminium wheels are pretty sporty-looking, too.
But, as before, the CT200h is not nearly as sporty as its styling suggests. Its acceleration is leisurely, taking more than 10 seconds to reach 100km/h from standstill. To get it up to a trot in a hurry, you need to have a heavy right foot. Or you could switch to Sport mode, which improves throttle response noticeably.
Lexus claims it has made adjustments to the suspension as well as enhanced the body rigidity and aerodynamics to give the car more agility, stability and comfort. But this is not apparent. Lexus also says more than 90 improvements were made to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Again, this is not apparent, mainly because the original model is already very refined.
As for its performance, the hybrid hatch is still decidedly laid-back. Its high-compression engine (13:1 ratio) is tuned for efficiency rather than effervescence. Left in the default Normal drive mode, the CT200h is often one of the last cars to leave a junction when the lights turn green. In Sport mode, things liven up significantly. Stomping on the right pedal has the same result. But somehow, you tend to drive gingerly in the CT. Perhaps it has to do with a prominent gauge on the instrument panel that shows how economically you are driving.
The CT200h is clearly an economy champ then, aided by its electric system, continuously variable transmission, and restrained throttle. But if you can ignore the dashboard’s hypnotic fuel efficiency gauge and keep the drive mode permanently in Sport, you may be able to have some fun at the wheel. If not, you can always sit back and enjoy the Lexus for what it is: a well-made hybrid hatchback that is smooth, silent and comfortable.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE 1798cc, 16-valves, inline-4, petrol-electric hybrid
MAX POWER 98bhp at 5200rpm (total system output 134bhp)
MAX TORQUE 142Nm at 4400rpm (total system output 207Nm)
GEARBOX CVT
0-100KM/H 10.3 seconds
TOP SPEED 180km/h
CONSUMPTION 24.4km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 95g/km
PRICE INCL. COE
$219,000 (after $20k CEVS rebate)
