Test Drive Lexus CT 200h since 2010 Hatchback

Lexus CT200H hybrid hatchback review

Are there any differences from Prius?
Today I will share my impressions from the prototype test drive LEXUS CT200H of the new hybrid premium Hatchback. The test of the car was held on the Fuji Speedway Autodrome. CT200H is a five-door hatchback, belonging to the so-called segment of C. To the same category, by the way, the Toyota Prius world bestseller belongs to Toyota. Both models are equipped with the same power units, which, however, naturally. Thus, there is a completely natural question: what, actually, Lexus CT200H differs from Toyota Prius?

First of all, the body design. Unlike Prius, designed in such a way as to achieve an optimal balance of aerodynamics and internal space, when creating CT200H, the main focus was made on a spacious salon, while its aerodynamic parameters are slightly lower than that of Prius. I confess, the design of CT200H, especially its rear, made a strong impression on me: it looks very stylishly glass on the door of the trunk, turning onto the boc of the car.

If you compare the dimensions of both models, then here you can detect their significant difference from each other. CT200H length is 4 320 mm, width 1 765 mm, height 1,460 mm, wheelbase model 2 600 mm. As for the prius, its length is greater than 140 mm, the width is less than 20 mm, the height is greater than 30 mm, the wheelbase is more than 100 mm. As can be seen, the length and wheelbase CT200H is less than that of Prius, which makes a new model from Lexus surprisingly compact.

Equipment of the model
It is mistaken to believe that the CT200H platform is a prius with a shortened wheelbase. Despite the fact that the front part (engine, suspension on MacPherson racks) CT200H almost completely borrowed from Prius, the rear part of the models differ greatly. Prius is equipped with a torsion rear suspension, while in the rear of CT200H is used independent suspension on dual parallel and-shaped levers. A similar suspension is equipped with a fellow CT200H on the LEXUS HS250H hybrid sedan's workshop. All this indicates that Lexus is different not only with dimensions and design, but also equipment.

The lower part of the CT200H body, and in particular the area of \u200b\u200bthe compound of the front and rear suspension with the body of the car, is reinforced with spot welding. It is also worth adding that both the front and rear suspension CT200H for the first time in Lexus history are equipped with Yamaha shock absorbers. New shock absorbers provide a car stability and stability when turning and quenching all sorts of, even the most minor fluctuations, thereby increasing the comfort of driving.

And yet I was wondering: what kind of character is the new brainchild Lexus? In order to find out, out of four CT200H modifications designed for the inner Japanese market (base model, C, L and F), I decided to experience everything except the basic.

Hard chassis.
I decided to start with the modification of L. the great impression produces, I will not be afraid of this word, a luxurious salon with beige seats from genuine leather. 17-inch wheels (the largest diameter among all models of this series) make a considerable contribution to the controllability of the machine. The front seats designed specifically for this car make it possible to completely relax the lower back. A kind of surprise has become the opportunity to lower the driver's seat to the position, usually considered too low for practical hatchbacks another positive moment for all drivers who, like me, prefer low landing. Manufacturers say that in the new Lexus landing is the same as in the present sports car. And it is not an exaggeration at all! There are, however, and a negative point. The CT200H wheelbase is shorter than that of Prius, and this affected the arrangement of the rear seat: there is a small space for the legs between it and the front chairs.

Now it concerns productivity. 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine capable of issuing 99 hp and 14.5 kg-m, in a tandem with an electric motor with a capacity of 82 hp And the maximum torque of 21.2 kg-m allow the car, which, by the way, is heavier than PIUS by 50 kg, quickly dial the required speed. Probably there is no need to mention that the electric motor works almost silently. The engine, however, constantly makes itself felt a characteristic sound, especially when overclocking with a prius, the situation is similar. I can say that CT200H and Prius power units produced on me the same impression. The only moment on which it is worth paying attention to is the possibility of manual choice of one of the six pseudo-variations of an electrical stepless transmission. This item will like many fans of aggressive speed switching.

But the chassis at CT200H and PIUS differ completely. At first I was surprised that even on the executive modification L, quite rigid wheels were installed. The 17-inch tires report the body information in almost every seam on the road surface. But, despite this, unpleasant sounds and fluctuations are completely absent, there is a clear evidence that the developers have not ceased to the rigidity of the chassis. CT200H wheels are created for high-speed highways, and in their characteristics they have surpassed all my expectations.

Tighted hatchback
Another pleasant Surprise CT200H provided me in the first turn. The steering wheel of this model is hard and reacts quickly, and when I closed choke sharply turned the steering wheel aside, the car quickly and obedient turned in the right direction. Here it is what a new hatchback from Lexus! Exterior design and interior design, worthy of their brand; more accurate than in prius, handling; sportiness, hybrid power plant All this constitutes a single whole: Lexus CT200H. By the way, the gear ratio of the steering mechanism CT200H can also give Oge Prius.

Talking about the new Lexus, Mr. Canahar, who is responsible for the development of CT200H from the Lexus Production Planning Department (by the way, he, like me, prefers a low, sports landing), repeatedly used the word prompt, and I personally made sure that this word is not exactly characterizes this hybrid. True, the suspension from the model L seemed to me yet too harsh, however, the people are not the same, on which this car is first and foremost, they will probably not even notice it. After l, I moved behind the steering wheel of a modification with, equipped with 16-inch tires, but here, despite the smaller stiffness of the suspension, I also felt some discomfort.

Well, finally, I decided to ride on the Flare Yellow Flare Yellow. At first, I thought that this modification on hardness would differ little from the previous ones, especially since 17-inch wheels are installed on it, as well as on L. But, to my surprise, the move of the suspension was soft enough, and in general the sensations from driving were pleasant. As it turned out, this model is equipped with softer and spring shock absorbers than L. All this makes F the most attractive modification from the CT200H series for senior drivers like me.

Technical Specifications Lexus CT200H
Total Length: 4 320 mm
Total width: 1,765 mm
Total height: 1 460 mm
Wheel base: 2 600 mm
Curb Mass: 1,400 kg
Drive: Front
Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder DOHC (atkinson cycle), maximum power: 73 kW (99 hp) at 5,200 rpm, maximum torque 142 nm (14.5 kg - m) at 4 000 rpm.
Electromotor: 60 kW (82 hp), 207 N-M (21.1 kg-m)
Transmission: E-CVT Variator (THSII)

A source: carview.co.jp.