Used 2012 Lexus CT

Though you wouldn’t know it by looking at its tidy sport-hatchback design, the 2012 Lexus CT 200h shares key underpinnings with the Toyota Prius, including its 1.8-liter engine and hybrid electric drive architecture. Handling is on the sporty side and steering is responsive. The CT 200h is the least-expensive Lexus, yet offers a nicely trimmed, feature-filled cabin. But rear seat room and cargo space are cramped and rearward visibility is poor. Road noise is intrusive for a Lexus, and the ride is choppy at times. EPA fuel economy estimates are excellent for a luxury car, but fall 8 mpg below the Prius.

There is no getting around it, compared to the similarly sized and priced Audi A3, the Lexus CT 200h feels down on power. It just LOOKS faster than it drives. Freeway onramps just seem longer. The hybrid hatchback’s blending of internal combustion and electric propulsion is as seamless as it is in a Prius. In fact, the pictogram that shows how the gas and electric systems are collaborating is an immense source of driver entertainment. Which is not to say the CT 200h isn’t fun to drive on a back stretch of the twisties, it’s just more fun doing so in Sport mode.

Though snug, Lexus didn’t scrimp on materials in the CT 200h cabin. The form-fitting front bucket seats are generously bolstered for lateral support. Attractive and brightly lit gauges are complemented by a prominent 8-inch LCD multi-display screen and sensuously curved, billet-like console shifter. Beyond the sporty, the CT 200h gains green cred with standard simulated leather that’s 60% lighter than real hides, speaker frames made from bamboo, and floormats and other interior trim constructed from 30% plant-based materials. Missing, however, are paddle shifters for manual control of the continuously-variable automatic transmission.

Far from being an old man’s gray Lexus sedan, the 2012 CT 200h looks like a hot hatch with class. It may be a hybrid with Prius internals, but the image it projects, from its jutting, low-slung nose and arrowhead LED running lamps to its muscular wheel arches, steeply raked roofline and deep rear spoiler, is one of sporty sophistication. Slightly smallish in the wheel openings are the 17-inch tires, but larger ones might hurt the car’s excellent fuel economy. The CT 200h doesn’t look out of place next to an Audi A3, BMW 1 Series or Mazda Mazda3 5-door.

SELECTABLE DRIVING MODES
Lexus CT 200h drivers can choose between the Normal mode, which provides all-electric propulsion up to one mile at up to 28 mph, an Eco mode that slows throttle response to save gas, and a Sport that maxes engine revs, quickens steering and increases battery power.

NAVIGATION WITH REMOTE TOUCH CONTROLLER
This mouse-like device with haptic feedback just forward of the shifter gives the driver full control over the infotainment system without ever lifting a hand from the console.

Among other Lexus luxury touches, the base model comes with keyless entry, dual-zone A/C, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a 6-speaker audio system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth interface and SiriusXM satellite radio. Opting for the Premium model adds heated front seats and a moonroof. There is no base cruise control system, just the expensive dynamic system sold as an option.

The comprehensive CT 200h Navigation Package adds a backup camera, voice-command HDD tilt-screen nav system with remote controller, Lexus Enform emergency notification system, NavTraffic and other features. The better kitted-out CT 200hs will also have the Leather Package, which besides real leather also includes rain-sense wipers, electrochromic mirrors and memory driver’s seat. The optional dynamic cruise control is combined with a Pre-Collision System that warns of an impending crash. Also available is an F-Sport Package that adds sportier-still suspension, high-gloss wheels, a mesh grille and larger rear spoiler, and further interior leather trim and metallic accents. A power passenger seat, however, is not available.

By channeling the Prius’s renowned 98-hp 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine and 80-hp electric drive motor, the Lexus CT 200h is way ahead of the competition in the fuel economy department – 43 mpg in the EPA city cycle is nothing to sneeze at. But the 10-second 0-60 mph acceleration performance that feels so socially responsible in a Prius is a bit of a letdown in a sporty luxury-brand car that looks like it should run with Audis and BMWs.

1.8-liter inline-4/AC 650-volt permanent-magnet motor
98 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm (gas engine)/80 horsepower (electric motor)/134 horsepower (combined)
105 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 43/40 mpg