subject: Lexus to shake up small luxury car market [print this page] Lexus to shake up small luxury car market
Lexus first compact 5 door for the small luxury car segment is a full hybrid and Lexus hope it will become the entry model for new Lexus customers. The Lexus CT 200h is a full hybrid, capable of running on its petrol engine or electric motor alone, or with both working in combination.
Driving through an electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT), the system gives the Lexus small luxury car 0 to 62mph in 10.3 seconds. Combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for the CT 200h in the UK are 68.9mpg and 96g/km respectively.
From start-up and at speeds less the 28mph the Lexus CT 200h operates on the electric motor; the driver can also select Electric mode manually. Once the car reaches the limit of its range under electric power, or exceeds 28mph, it then switches the petrol engine back on.
The Lexus CT 200h has been designed and manufactured specifically to deliver superior handling, a comfortable drive and the level of refinement expected of a Lexus. To achieve this, the CT 200h is built on a new platform; it has been given the lowest possible centre of gravity and features a high-rigidity lightweight body shell.
As well as class leading CO2 levels the Lexus CT 200h also offers the highest level of safety equipment in its segment and is designed to meet the highest, five-star Euro NCAP independent crash test standard for all-round protection of occupants and pedestrians.
The Lexus CT 200h has already been presented at the Paris Motor Show and it will be available for order from the end of this year, Lexus anticipate deliveries to start from early 2011. Lexus already offer the Cheap Lexus IS in Dorset, it will be interesting to see if this EV is as popular as the IS and as good
