Lexus To Launch Updated CT 200h Next Year, Eventually Offer More Variants: Report
#166
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CT200h is a nice vehicle, best seller in the class while there were still other hatchbacks in the class... now competition stopped selling theirs because they sold poorly.
#167
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Its really hard to make a $33,000 case for a car like this. Hybrid powertrain the heart and soul of this car is nothing special in 2014 anymore, no premium technology inside the cabin, fit and finish is ok I guess and probably the only thing that this car has going on is premium hatchback looks. No other car in its line up feels like Toyota more than this.
Criticism for Toyota I have can be applied to this car as well, they are slacking with hybrid system big time. They started off great with second gen Prius and then just milked their way with the third gen and CT by marginally improving the HSD instead of making another jump. Introduction to PHEV in 2011 was a milestone to a degree but unfortunately for Lexus CT it didn't get that option that would make it more premium in premium segment.
Criticism for Toyota I have can be applied to this car as well, they are slacking with hybrid system big time. They started off great with second gen Prius and then just milked their way with the third gen and CT by marginally improving the HSD instead of making another jump. Introduction to PHEV in 2011 was a milestone to a degree but unfortunately for Lexus CT it didn't get that option that would make it more premium in premium segment.
What exactly did you expect? Those are unbelievable gains that no competitors can match to the date. New one is coming with next Prius, only 6 years after 3rd gen which is really a lot faster than general powertrain development where engine series lasts 10 years.
There is no way that 4th gen Prius powertrain can match gains made in 3rd gen.
#169
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Starts at 25,495 GBP
Lexus has added the Advance Plus trim level to the CT 200h model range.
Sitting at the top of the vehicle’s lineup, the Advance Plus offers the first two-tone paint finish of the Japanese brand, an F Sport roof spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels with dark silver finish and a sunroof. The interior has been equipped with a fabric and Tahara upholstery combination that is also exclusive to the model grade.
Standard equipment for the CT 200h also includes front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, cruise control, heated front seats and the Lexus Navigation system with Remote Dial control. The Advance Plus costs 1,250 GBP (1,640 EUR) more than the Advance trim level with on-the-road price of 25,495 GBP (33,445 EUR).
The CT 200h was facelifted in November 2013 and is powered by a 1.8-liter gasoline engine, supported by an electric motor for a combined output of 136 HP (100 kW).
Lexus has added the Advance Plus trim level to the CT 200h model range.
Sitting at the top of the vehicle’s lineup, the Advance Plus offers the first two-tone paint finish of the Japanese brand, an F Sport roof spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels with dark silver finish and a sunroof. The interior has been equipped with a fabric and Tahara upholstery combination that is also exclusive to the model grade.
Standard equipment for the CT 200h also includes front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, cruise control, heated front seats and the Lexus Navigation system with Remote Dial control. The Advance Plus costs 1,250 GBP (1,640 EUR) more than the Advance trim level with on-the-road price of 25,495 GBP (33,445 EUR).
The CT 200h was facelifted in November 2013 and is powered by a 1.8-liter gasoline engine, supported by an electric motor for a combined output of 136 HP (100 kW).
#170
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Isn't keyless entry already standard on all Lexi, let alone the CT?
#173
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#175
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A CT sedan would be great and do well which would compete with the Audi A3 sedan.
A CT wagon would have good use of space but wagon's don't sell too well in the U.S. If Lexus executed it right it could sell.
A CT coupe would be interesting. I believe that sales of coupes make up 1% of a variant or an entire model line so sales would be low but definitely exclusive.
#177
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this is a mid spec model at almost base prices (not range topper as headline says). Smart entry is standard, but not in competitors which is why they are pointing it out. But otherwise, base CT in Europe is pretty base to keep the cost down... 1 and A3 have even less equipment base.
#178
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Is Lexus planning to use their new 2.0L four-cylinder turbo engine in the CT? The Motor Report asked Lexus Australia general manager Sean Hanley:
“At the moment this engine is being assessed for its suitability (for) other Lexus models,” Mr Hanley said. “It’s a logical enhancement for 2.5 litre V6 models.”
But will it find it’s way into the much smaller CT hatch?
Mr Hanley would not be drawn, but his repetition of the statement that this engine “is being assessed for a number of models” would seem to indicate that consideration is underway.
“Our priority is on hybrid technology,” he said. “The adoption of turbo charging is not a move away from hybrid technology, it’s about choice for consumers.”
There’s not much here in the way of certainty, but it makes for an interesting discussion. The lack of power is the biggest knock against the CT 200h, and there’s a couple ways for Lexus to address the issue.
The CT is likely to continue with the Prius drivetrain as the base engine, but Lexus could:
Add the 2.0L turbo as a second engine option, or
Use the 2.5L hybrid engine, and release a CT 300h.
I’m sure price would figure into any decision, but the bigger question is how important it is that the CT remain a hybrid-only model.
Hybrid was a key differentiator when the CT was released in 2011, but the hybrid marketing message has become more evolved and competitors now have comparable gas mileage. For every Lexus hybrid but the CT, Lexus offers a gasoline engine as an option.
What makes the CT so different?
“At the moment this engine is being assessed for its suitability (for) other Lexus models,” Mr Hanley said. “It’s a logical enhancement for 2.5 litre V6 models.”
But will it find it’s way into the much smaller CT hatch?
Mr Hanley would not be drawn, but his repetition of the statement that this engine “is being assessed for a number of models” would seem to indicate that consideration is underway.
“Our priority is on hybrid technology,” he said. “The adoption of turbo charging is not a move away from hybrid technology, it’s about choice for consumers.”
There’s not much here in the way of certainty, but it makes for an interesting discussion. The lack of power is the biggest knock against the CT 200h, and there’s a couple ways for Lexus to address the issue.
The CT is likely to continue with the Prius drivetrain as the base engine, but Lexus could:
Add the 2.0L turbo as a second engine option, or
Use the 2.5L hybrid engine, and release a CT 300h.
I’m sure price would figure into any decision, but the bigger question is how important it is that the CT remain a hybrid-only model.
Hybrid was a key differentiator when the CT was released in 2011, but the hybrid marketing message has become more evolved and competitors now have comparable gas mileage. For every Lexus hybrid but the CT, Lexus offers a gasoline engine as an option.
What makes the CT so different?
#180
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If it doesn't happen for the 2016 model year, then they should just wait for the next generation. The CT only has 3 years most in its lifecycle, honestly, they are late to the game and shouldn't even bother