DRIVEN: Lexus Hybrid Boosts Drivability Along with MPGs

The trouble with hybrids is that they can be a bit like health food. You know it's good for you, but it can be so boring.

Thankfully, the Lexus CT 200h manages to avoid this trap, offering a driving experience that is nearly as impressive as the gas-mileage numbers. This sophisticated compact hatchback manages to have all the advantages of a hybrid, while remaining first and foremost a fun car to drive. Plus, with a starting price of only $29,120, the CT also represents the least expensive way to get into a Lexus.

The Lexus hybrid provides a premium experience while helping to clear the air. (Photo: Lexus) Sharing the same powertrain as its Toyota Prius cousin, the CT boasts an impressive 42 combined mpg, stacking up well against the Prius? 50 mpg. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine and two electric motors crank out 134 horsepower, so while the CT certainly isn't going to be the fastest off the line, its nimble handling, low stance and finely tuned suspension makes the CT a very satisfying drive.

That is, as long as you don?t set it to ?Eco? mode.

As the name would suggest, ?Eco? offers the best gas mileage, but it leads to maddeningly slow acceleration and very light steering. Everything feels better in ?Normal? or ?Sport,? stiffening up the suspension and boosting the power, while still scrimping on gas. Lexus also offers the CT with an F Sport package, which adds body modifications and a tuned up suspension, but doesn't do much for the power, so it's probably not worth the higher price tag.

With its low, aggressive stance, standard 17-inch wheels and softly angular curves, the CT has a lot of curb appeal. The look is distinctly Lexus, but at the same time evokes the designs of European hatchbacks by Volvo and the erstwhile Saab.

The premium interior boasts a full change of upscale features. (Photo: Lexus) While the hybrid aspects of the CT lean toward the practical, the interior pushes things back into the luxury department. A standard model comes loaded with heated side mirrors, keyless ignition, Bluetooth with audio streaming, plus a six-speaker sound system. My test model came with the Premium trim, which added a sunroof, an upgraded 10-speaker sound system, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, a back-up camera and plenty of other goodies.

Just as the body style leans towards European sophistication, the interior follows suit, offering soft-touch surfaces and minimalist style in place of Lexus? typical wood-laden opulence. The radio and navigation cluster is a bit busy though, and the shifter, which sits high and angled on the dashboard, is awkward to use.

Lexus? excellent Remote Touch controller makes up for the any dashboard drawbacks. Essentially a mouse that sits within easy reach of the driver, the Remote Touch makes the navigation and computer controls remarkably quick and easy to access.

With its sporty styling, upscale refinement and hybrid technology, the Lexus CT carves out a nice niche for itself. While it can?t keep up with something like the BMW 1 Series in speed or handling, it certainly competes in luxury, style and affordability, making the CT an intriguing choice. Plus there?s the whole great gas mileage thing.
Details

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door hatchback, front-wheel drive.
Engine: Hybrid drive with 1.8-liter inline-4 and two electric motors, 134 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, 142 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm;
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic.
Wheelbase: 102.4 inches.
Overall length: 170.1 inches.
Curb weight: 3,146 pounds.
EPA mileage rating: 43 city, 40 highway.

Source: http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/driven-lexus-hybrid-boosts-drivability-along-with-mpgs/

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