The Lexus CT has been hailed as the car that drives into the future. Launched as a hybrid version of the Toyota Prius, the CT has often been confused with its counterpart owing to their uncanny resemblance and similar design. The CT, however, stands out from the Prius as being sportier and tech-intensive with a few modifications.
It sports a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder inline engine together with an electric motor. The two combined produce a wholesome 100kW and 207Nm of torque. Being pricier and sportier, the Lexus steps up with features like increased safety mechanisms and greater fuel efficiency. It is a 5-door hatchback with a posh interior fitted with high-tech gadgets.
However, the Lexus only comes with a one engine option unlike other cars in its league like Mercedes B250e and the Audi A3 e-Tron.
History
The Lexus brand started in 1983 debuting with its flagship LS 400 as a luxury car set apart from more affordable counterparts like the Toyota Corollas. Toyota had the American market in mind during the design of Lexus models, and no expense was spared to make their newest production car a roadworthy success.
The Lexus CT, however, stepped into the spotlight with its debut in 2011. It became the first luxury hatchback hybrid car in history. Yet the design for the new CT hatchback was still similar to their previously launched Lexus IS Sports Cross. Some say the CT drew some inspiration from it. Despite this observation, it is evident that the CT's closest look-alike is the Toyota Prius. So close, in fact, that both the Prius and the CT share a powertrain and chassis.
2011-2013
Being launched recently, the CT has not had much going on in its development. When the 2011 CT200h came out, most of the world had already gotten a taste of the Toyota Prius. It's no wonder that automobile enthusiasts referred to it as the sporty, luxurious Prius. The 2011-2013 versions of the CT came powered by a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine with an electronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) which produced a whopping 100 kW max power output and 207Nm of torque. This powertrain drives the car in full sport mode while the electric motor-generators provide power to the drivetrain while on electronic vehicle (EV) mode. It also contains a planetary gear system that unifies power from the engine and both electric motor-generators to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
The 2011 CT has a front-wheel drive and a redefined Prius shape that is more aerodynamic. The interior has a premium feel that is far above its peers. Its seats have laced outlines and heated portions. The speedometer hooks with a digital display, and an optional 8-inch LBS screen occupies the upper dashboard. The lower dashboard contains a multi-functional music system, a driving mode shift lever and Lexus' remote-touch multifunction controller.
The seats, dashboard and side panels come in a variety of colour options, too. Lexus offers the CT in different packages which are differentiated by prices. The standard trim consists of keyless entry through the smart access key, a telescope steering wheel with audio controls, and a full spoiler at the rear of the car. The premium package comes with a 6-speaker sound system with a CD player, an XM satellite radio, power-operated sunroof, and Bluetooth connectivity.
CT's fuel efficiency is unrivalled. The new hybrid boasts its fuel consumption of 4.4L/100km, which is way more efficient than its hybrid competitors like the Honda Insight.
2014 - 2017
The 2014 CT 200h came with a significant design uplift with its iconic Lexus Spindle Grille. However, the body and shape of CT's new line remained similar to the previous release. It got 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof-mounted shark-fin antenna, a redesigned steering, and upgraded display screens. In 2015, Lexus re-released the previous 2014 model but included some new colour options and renamed it the 2015 CT model.
The 2016 CT was similar to its 2015 counterpart with minor adjustments. The engine details and powertrain remained the same as the 2011 CT. Another improvement was the inclusion of chrome-plating to replace plastic plates in previous CT's.
2017's CT got technological upgrades from its 2016 counterpart. It featured new automated systems like rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED light to replace headlamps, and adaptive fog lights. This release also featured Lexus Enform Navigation system and Siri Eyes Free updates. The 2017's visual upgrades were a mesh-pattern grille and inserted fog light inserts.
Due to low sales in the American market, the Lexus decided to scrap off the 2017 model and redesigned a new range of cars, the Lexus UX. Still, CT200h production in other countries continued.
2018 - present
Lexus 2018 CT got a major makeover as part of the new generation of CT's. It has new L-shaped LED driving lights that match the sportier design. The new CT also got new leather colour options, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, and a 10.3-inch display screen to replace the old 7-inch screen on the previous model. The new model comes in three options: the Luxury, the F-Sport, and the Sports Luxury, each with increasing options from Luxury to Sports Luxury.
The F-Sport comes with automatic lights and wipers, 10.3-inch multimedia display, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, a reversing camera, and eight airbags. Lexus included its own styled F-Sport grille, a stylized steering wheel, metallic pedals, an automatic dimming rear-view mirror, a sports-style bumper, sporty side-kits, an expanded rear spoiler, and an alloy wheel design.
The Sports Luxury comes with an AEB, pedestrian-detecting, premium Mark Levinson stereo system, lane departure warning, steering assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The CT still contains the same 1.8-litre inline hybrid engine system with duo-electric motor generators, producing 100kW and 150Nm of torque and consumes 4.4L/100km.
The Lexus CT’s 2019 release hasn’t had much improvement from the previous year’s model with minor technical upgrades. However, there is speculation that a new generation of the CT200 hybrid will be rolled out soon with the Lexus design team describing the 2020 or 2021 models as bolder, sportier, and more exciting.