Instrumented Test
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Heavy on image, light on power.
As the realm of hybrids expands, we sometimes uncover ourselves contemplating vehicles that bring to thoughts a question posed in an old nation song: “Is your mouth writin’ checks that your body cain’t cash?” At the small, sporty end of the hybrid spectrum, there’s the Honda CR-Z, which we’ve characterized as getting lots of flash but not significantly performance to back it up. Add the Lexus CT200h to this exclusive group. It’s a slick compact hatchback with a sport label that appears like a cocky small street tiger augmented by the allure of hybrid fuel economy. Emphasis on the “looks like.”
To be fair, the CT200h delivers on fuel economy. EPA rated at 43 mpg city and 40 highway, it delivered 36 mpg while in our hands. That’s impressive thinking about how often the accelerator pedal was mashed against the floor as we attempted to wring a small much more overall performance from its “what’s-your-hurry” powertrain.
Hybrid Synergy as Sport?
The powertrain is Toyota’s familiar Hybrid Synergy Drive, entailing a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a pair of AC permanent-magnet electric motors, a single to power the generator and starter, an additional that powers the front wheels by means of a continuously variable automatic transmission. It can operate in pure electric mode at low speeds or as a booster for the engine.
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This is a sophisticated and well-liked-promoting hybrid method. But it is as sporty as a slab of tofu. Total output is 134 horsepower, which translates as zero to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds. That type of performance makes thrifty subcompacts such as the Honda Fit and the Ford Fiesta 1. EcoBoost appear like NHRA Top Fuel dragsters.
The CVT doesn’t help, either. Lexus extols the transmission’s “ability to rapidly discover the optimal gear ratio to improve the driving knowledge.” But “quickly” does not imply “instantly.” Like all CVTs, this one particular takes some time to catch up to the power supply when the driver stabs the throttle. And in this case there are no paddle shifters to offer an ersatz stepped-gear shift encounter.
For that matter, there’s hardly even a shifter—just a small dashboard toggle lever that enables the driver to pick drive and reverse, the latter accompanied by a especially irritating chime. Is the chime there to warn passersby that the car—extremely quiet beneath electric power—is backing up? Nope. No chime audible outdoors the automobile. The chime is for the benefit of those inside the car, who may well not otherwise know they’re going backward.
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There are 4 operating modes: EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport. Engaging Sport mode causes a digital tachometer to materialize on the left side of the instrument binnacle—cool, but irrelevant with the meager power on tap. In Eco mode, the system delivers substantially much less energy for equivalent throttle pressure, and forward progress becomes even a lot more deliberate.
Platform Versus Powertrain
Assessed strictly in terms of dynamics, the CT200h is considerably a lot more worthy of the sport label than the technique that propels it. Sinews are firm, the electric energy steering is precise and fast (2.7 turns lock-to-lock), physique motions are minimal, ride good quality is just supple enough, the bucket seats provide lots of lateral support, and interior noise levels are low. Optional F Sport trim ($ 1180), as installed on our test vehicle, includes interior and exterior appearance upgrades as nicely as a sport-tuned suspension, which additional enhances dynamic manage. Our test car was also equipped with a Premium package ($ 900), Navigation package (including navigation, a backup camera, and upgraded infotainment system, $ 3490), and front and rear park help ($ 500), bringing the tally to just under $ 40K.
Lexus calls the CT200h “efficient and exhilarating.” It’s hard to argue with the “efficient” portion, and for that matter, the pricing. The aforementioned traits plus an eye-catching, nicely appointed interior are obtainable beginning at just north of $ 30K. But dialing “exhilarating” into this ride would demand a distinct powertrain.
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