We spend a week in the latest version of the luxury compact hybrid from Lexus
Pros:
Fuel economy
Interior fit and finish
Handling
Cons:
Joystick infotainment controller
Steering feedback
Rear visibility
2016 Lexus CT 200h
Exterior
First introduced as a 2011 model, the smallest hybrid in the Lexus lineup, the CT 200h, was given a refresh for the 2014 model year resulting in some mild changes to its exterior.
Those updates included a new front fascia with the brand’s signature spindle grille, and a new front bumper containing more aggressive fog lamp surrounds. The headlamp housings were carried over as were the L-shaped LED running lights they contain. In back, the changes amounted to a new rear bumper, larger rear spoiler and LED license plate lighting.
Additional exterior changes included a new alloy wheel design and a shark fin roof antenna replacing the older model’s stubby whip.
Taken as a whole, the refreshed CT 200h now appears more Lexus-like as opposed to a gussied-up Mazda3 hatchback.
Interior
Inside, the updated upper dash sports a fixed and thinner navigation screen, replacing the former cumbersome retractable unit. There's also a redesigned steering wheel and leather shift knob, while vehicles equipped with navigation get Bluetooth 3.0 and dual USB ports.
The various buttons and controls are backlit, within easy reach of the driver, are very intuitive and operate with the buttery smoothness common to all Lexus models.
But while it was easy to pair an iPhone to the CT 200h's Bluetooth system, the intuitive Display Audio system with Navigation also comes with Lexus's annoying remote-touch joystick. Although it gives the user haptic-feedback very much like a game controller, we continue to observe that that the system still demands too much of a driver's attention.
Up front, at least for those less than 6 feet tall, there is ample head, shoulder and legroom. Those less vertically challenged, however, might find headroom to be at a premium. Accommodations in back are acceptable for two adults, but tight for three with the same height restrictions as those in front. Thanks to a moderate beltline, the view out the front and sides is excellent. A smallish rear window plus the headrests block much of the view out back, while the small window built into the C-pillar improves what could've been a poor rear three-quarters view.
Unlike a traditional hatchback, rear storage is compromised due to the location of the nickel-metal hydride battery pack under the cargo floor, although the available14.3 cubic feet is still very useful. The rear seat also splits and folds flat for additional hauling capability.
Finally, two previous observations about the interior remain: The first is that for a hatchback there aren't many handy cubbies in which to store things. Secondly, while most of the cabin easily passes as a Lexus, the lower door trim still looks low rent even for an entry-level luxury vehicle.
Equipment
The CT 200h comes standard with a fairly extensive laundry list of features that, in addition to the expected power and connectivity bits, includes a proximity key, push button start, power tilt and slide moonroof and automatic on/off projector beam headlamps. SiriusXM satellite radio (3-month all-access) a power driver’s seat with power lumbar and simulated leather and piano black trim is also standard.
Our tester came with two option packages including a $3,480 navigation system (rear view camera, premium audio system with the remote joystick and Lexus Enform infotainment system (with a 1-year subscription) and the Lexus App Suite) and a $900 Premium Package for Navigation (auto-dimming rearview mirror, Homelink garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, power passenger seat, heated front seats).
Stand-alone options included $1,265 for LED headlamps with washers, fog lamps and driving lamps, $500 for Intuitive Park Assist and $1,100 for a tilt and slide moonroof.
Standard safety equipment included eight airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, stability control, traction control, electronic throttle control and smart stop technology.
Under the hood
The CT 200h features a 1.8-liter in-line four-cylinder gas engine and a 650 Volt motor/generator for a combined total output of 134horsepower. This powertrain is mated to what we universally view as a "joy-sucking" electronically controlled CVT.
Gas mileage, on the other hand, was generally good. The EPA estimates 43/40/42 city/highway/combined mpg while, seeking to wring as much fun out of this setup as possible, we still managed to average 40.3 miles per gallon in a mix of city and highway driving while eschewing the ECO mode altogether.
On the road
Around town the CT exhibits a smooth and well-controlled ride, with no noticeable body lean in tight corners. Interior noise at these speeds is also head and shoulders above most vehicles in this class.
Most road imperfections were soaked up easily. Steering feel exhibits a noticeable numbness on-center, but the ratio is fairly quick and the weight builds nicely.
We found performance numbers in ECO mode are best measured by an hourglass. Avoiding it altogether translates into acceleration that is brisk but hardly what we would call sporty.
At freeway speeds the CT tracks well and is unaffected by either crosswinds or grooved pavement. Merging and passing isn’t an issue, but you are continually reminded of the fact that a curb weight of 3,130 pounds and just 134 horses under the hood won’t win you any trophies. Unlike city driving, interior noise at freeway speeds is an altogether different experience. While both wind and engine noise are still muted, quite a bit of road and tire noise finds its way into the cabin.
Braking performance, on the other hand, is excellent. There’s plenty of feedback through the pedal, the brakes are easy to modulate and Lexus has done an excellent job of eliminating the annoyances related to hybrid brake regeneration.
2016 Lexus CT 200h Pricing
Although there is just one trim level, the CT 200h is available with a total of nine option groups – including three for the new F Sport package. This means that although one can be had for $32,190 (Lexus dropped the 2016 base price by $950), an F Sport loaded to the max can lighten your wallet by more than $46,000.
Adding the previously mention options to the $31,250 base price of our Fire Agate Pearl tester, along with a $940 delivery, processing and handling fee, brought its as-tested MSRP to the middle of that price range at $39,435.
The Bottom Line
There’s a lot to like about the latest Lexus CT 200h. It looks much more Lexus-like with the spindle grille, its handling is solid, while the interior fit and finish is excellent. In addition, our observed fuel economy of just over 40 miles per gallon is positively miserly for a luxury vehicle, albeit one of compact dimensions.
On the other hand, steering is very numb on-center and it’s hardly entertaining to drive. But who are we kidding? Not a single hybrid buyer we know, not even someone looking for luxury, considers one for the fun factor.
So while the CT 200h isn't for everybody, those buyers looking for great fuel economy with the Lexus ownership experience at a relatively affordable price will find that their ship (or in this case, their car) has indeed come in.
