Lexus CT 200h Compact Hybrid Hatch: U.S. Sales In Early 2011

By John Voelcker

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2011 Lexus CT 200h

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A week before the New York Auto Show begins its media previews, Lexus has released more details on its CT 200h premium compact hybrid, which it says will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011.

Widespread reports (which we joined, unfortunately) had previously quoted a spokesman as saying Lexus had "no plans" to bring the CT model to the States. It appeared that the small hatchback would be restricted to Europe, where buyers actually like hatchbacks.

Leaked 2011 Lexus CT 200h images

Enlarge Photo

2011 Lexus CT 200h

Enlarge Photo

2011 Lexus CT 200h

Enlarge Photo

2011 Lexus CT 200h

Enlarge Photo

Leaked 2011 Lexus CT 200h images

Enlarge Photo

New York surprise

Then, three weeks ago, came the surprise announcement that the CT would debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Now, Lexus has filled in the blanks on the car, which originally appeared as the LF-Ch concept shown last fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The new Lexus CT five-door hatchback, which hasn't yet been designated a 2011 or 2012 model, is just 170 inches long. That's a full 15 inches shorter than the 2010 Lexus HS 250h four-door sedan, and it's almost an inch narrower as well.

Lexus is betting that buyers will opt for premium compact hatchbacks if they have sporty handling and hybrid fuel efficiency.  The CT will compete with the five-door Audi A3 and two smaller but stylish three-door hatches: the 2010 Mini Cooper and the 2011 Fiat 500.

Unlike the somewhat staid HS sedan, the CT hatchback is meant to offer "an attitude and driving dynamic unlike any other Lexus hybrid," said group VP and general manager Mark Templin. It is aimed at "eco-conscious, young consumers."

Slingshot window line

Lexus says the CT's styling combines sportiness with elegance. Its steeply raked windshield, a long aerodynamic roofline, and a falling rear roof edge adding a sense of movement to a short vehicle.

The Lexus "slingshot" side window graphic, and short front and rear overhangs, definitely give the car more of a performance attitude than the HS sedan, which can border on the slab-sided and pudgy from some angles.

New platform

Lexus says the CT was built "to combine superior handling agility and a sporty driving experience with the ride comfort expected of any Lexus," while at the same time it promises "new levels of refinement, sophistication, and attention to detail" for the CT 200h.

The CT 200h is built on a new platform, according to the company, using MacPherson struts up front and a dedicated double-wishbone and trailing-arm rear suspension design.

A unique feature in its class, Lexus says, is the front and rear body-damping system, designed to absorb and minimize undesirable vibrations through the body structure. This is the first Lexus vehicle to use such a system.

Smallest Lexus engine

Its Hybrid Synergy Drive system includes the smallest engine ever used in a Lexus, the same 1.8-liter four as in the 2010 Toyota Prius, unlike the more powerful 2.5-liter engine in the HS 250h sedan.

The system offers the usual mile or so of electric-only running, under light acceleration, at speeds up to 28 mph. Lexus did not provide power, torque, or fuel economy figures for the CT 200h.

In addition to the standard EV, Eco, and Normal modes, the CT 200h offers a Sport mode as well, which provides more responsive throttle response and quicker turns from the Electronic Power Steering (EPS).