|
|
|
|
03/10/2011
REVIEW by MURRAY HUBBARD
|
|
|
Until now we have not warmed to hybrid cars, but having spent a week in a Lexus CT 200h we have finally found an enjoyable one, with a nice driving feel and a friendly price tag.
The Lexus CT200h is possibly best described as a long hatch. There is nothing fancy about the design, just good solid, clean lines with a snappy front and modern rear end.
As a petrol/electric hybrid the Lexus CT200h not only combines two technologies, but also gives the driver choices. You can simply leave the setting on normal, select EV (electric vehicle) Eco, or, if the conditions become more demanding such as hilly country, you can select Sport. There are measurable differences between the modes, this is not just a gimmick.
Lexus CT200h has a 1.8-litre petrol engine and two electric motors/generators. It can operate on electric motor only at speeds up to 45 km/h, though not for any real distance. Reversing is done driving on electric power only.
A key to having people make the switch to new technology is making the vehicle’s interior seem familiar. We found the Lexus CT200h easy to understand from the moment we hopped into the driver’s pew. The gear shifter is a little different, coming out of the lower dash, but is simple in function.
Like many cars these days the Lexus hybrid has a push-button start with the keys remotely held in your pocket or in the centre console. The handbrake comes off automatically when you select drive or reverse and when your trip is finished you simply push a `B’ button next to the shifter which automatically engages the handbrake while selecting `Park’ for the transmission.
Being the top of the line model our review vehicle was fitted with the Lexus `mouse’ system to operate the satellite navigation system. We found this a little unwieldy compared to other systems but with practice we are sure it would probably become second nature.
It comes as no surprise that the Lexus CT200h is highly specced in the safety stakes, with eight airbags, stability control, traction control, ABS brakes, brake assist, emergency flashing brake lights, and daytime running lamps.
With the hybrid battery stored under the rear of the vehicle’s boot, the luggage compartment is compromised to the tune of 375 litres capacity but capable of the majority of family needs. Fold the 60/40 split rear seat and this blossoms out to 985 litres.
On the road the Lexus CT200h feels almost like a conventional car, even on sporting roads involving tight corners, sweeping bends and hills. Switch from ‘normal’ to ‘sport’ and you go from sedate eco car to sporty hatch. There is a nice engine note and the system changes the throttle response, ups the electric drive voltage and steering feedback.
What we like about this Lexus system is that it gives the driver control over the road conditions. There is more grunt to go up hills or pass another vehicle, improved suspension and steering to tackle steep winding roads. Yet, when the roads again become flat and straight you simply dial in EV, Eco or Normal and return to full hybrid mode.
The 0-100 km/h sprint is covered in a reasonable 10.3 seconds. Lexus state the fuel consumption is 4.1 litres per 100 km, however over a week’s road test we recorded 5.3 L/100 km. That’s 25 per cent higher than the official figure in running that comprised a mix of motorway and suburban driving.
Our main disappointment with the CT200h is the fuel consumption. To be honest, if we were forking out our hard-earned on a fuel-efficient compact five-door we would probably stick with something like the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion diesel.
MODEL RANGE
Prestige: $39,990 (CVT)
Luxury: $48,990 (CVT)
F Sport: $49,900 (CVT)
Sport Luxury: $55,900 (CVT)
SPECIFICATIONS (Lexus CT200h 1.8-litre petrol/electric hybrid five-door hatch)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.8 litres
Configuration: in-line
Head Design: DOHC 16 valve, VVT-i
Compression Ratio: 13:1
Bore/Stroke: 80.5 mm x 88.3 mm
Maximum Power: 73 kW @ 5200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 142 Nm @ 4400 rpm
HYBRID SYSTEM
Series/parallel
Output: 100 kW
Voltage: 650
Power: 60 kW
Torque: 207 Nm
High voltage battery 168 cell
Voltage: 650
DRIVELINE:
Manual Transmission: N/A
Automatic Transmission: CVT
Final Drive Ratio: 3.267:1
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4320 mm
Wheelbase: 2600 mm
Width: 1765 mm
Height: 1440 mm
Turning Circle: metres
Kerb Mass: 1370 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 45 litres
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: MacPherson strut, coil springs, gas dampers
Rear Suspension: Independent with coil springs, gas dampers
Front Brakes: Vented discs
Rear Brakes: Solid discs
PERFORMANCE:
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 10.3 seconds
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Type: 95RON
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/02): L/100km
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 9/10
Air Pollution Rating: 8.5/10
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Four years/100,000 km |
|
|
|
|
|
Print Article
Submit Feedback
Email This Article
