The European compact segment has always enjoyed great importance in the market and in the sales of each company. All brands fight to conquer their market share. The Lexus CT is the representative of the Japanese firm. A model that has always enjoyed a different philosophy than usual in the segment, although over time it has been shown to be the correct one.
We have tested this car:
Lexus CT 200h test, more technology and safety for the last commercial stretchTest Lexus CT 200h, compact, hybrid and sports (part I)Lexus CT 200h test, good behavior and hybrid performance (part II and last)The CT was officially presented at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. It is a global product, so we can see it in other world markets under the same name. That first generation is the one that is still in force today. Despite the multiple changes experienced throughout its commercial life, Lexus It has not updated the model, thus attributing excessive longevity if we take into account the rest of the models in its segment.
The Lexus CT has always been considered a different model. He was one of the forerunners of hybrid technology, starting to use it long before the rest of his rivals. It was also the first to introduce the house's design philosophy, although in this section it also suffers from a clear obsolescence. Two curiosities stand out. Its name derives from the acronym "Creative Touring", and is the first compact in the history of Lexus.
Technical characteristics Lexus CT
As Lexus is the luxury brand of Toyota It takes advantage of a large amount of resources and developments of the Japanese giant. Under the body of the Lexus CT hides the old Toyota MC platform, the same one used in its day by models known as the Toyota Prius of the previous generation, although of course in this case adapted to the compact segment.
Thanks to its external measures, the CT is located within niche C of the European market. That leaves us with a few dimensions that lead to the 4,35 meters long, 1,76 meters wide and 1,45 meters high. To these external measures must be added a wheelbase of 2,6 meters. Battle enough to homologate an interior space for a maximum of five passengers.
Despite this, the habitability of the Japanese compact is not particularly good. The platform is poorly used, and because of it the rear passengers do not enjoy much space. A similar case is that of the trunk. Due to the presence of part of the hybrid system the load capacity of the Lexus CT is limited to a minimum of 275 liters and a maximum of 985 litres. Figures very far from the current standards of the segment.
Lexus CT mechanical range and gearboxes
Since its launch, the Lexus CT has been a good example of the changes taking place in the motor industry in Europe. Over the years, the Japanese compact has been adapting to the requirements of regulations, and this has caused significant changes in terms of mechanics. Currently the range focuses exclusively on a version called CT 200h. A conventional hybrid with an ECO label from the DGT.
The drivetrain is equipped with a atmospheric petrol block with four cylinders and 1.798 cubic centimeters of displacement. It alone develops 99 horsepower at 5.200 revolutions and 142 Nm of torque between 2.800 and 4.400 engine revolutions. It is an engine with a lot of travel in the house and more than proven reliability, although not too many features.
To it is added a front electric motor that has 82 horsepower and 207 Nm of torque. It is powered by a small nickel-hydride battery with a capacity of 1,31 kWh that is located in the rear of the vehicle, under the boot floor. Combined, the powertrain displays a maximum of 136 horsepower.. All management is derived from an automatic CVT (continuous variator) transmission that sends all the force of the assembly to the front axle.
Lexus CT equipment
Behind the scenes, the Lexus CT shows that we can talk about it in terms of a premium model. Like the rest of the house models, it offers a quality of materials above average with a very high attention to detail. Materials such as leather are common in much of the interior, thereby raising the feeling of perceived quality and comfort by the occupants.
As is customary in the Japanese house, the range of equipment is very limited and closed. The available options are few, and all of them are encapsulated in different equipment levels: Business and Executive They are the only possible options since the F SPORT finish has recently disappeared from the range. The existing packages hardly differ from each other, since the variations are only noticeable in terms of equipment.
If we focus in more detail on the available equipment, the excessive longevity of CT is clear. It is worth highlighting elements such as: LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, button start, dual-zone climate control, rear camera, multimedia system with a seven-inch screen, and a discreet team of driving assistants and security elements.
The Lexus CT on video
The Lexus CT according to Euro NCAP
El Lexus CT was subjected to the demanding Euro NCAP crash tests in 2011. The score achieved by the compact was the maximum, 5 stars, remaining as follows. 94% protection for adult occupants, 84% protection for infants, 55% protection for pedestrians and 86% in systems and driving aids. Those same valuations are still valid today since there have been no significant changes in the architecture of the car.
The Lexus CT of Km 0 and second hand
The premium positioning of Lexus allows the firm to control with an iron hand the stock of Km 0 or semi-new units. The average depreciation of the brand's models is one of the lowest in the premium segment between 20 and 25 percent. This data is due to its high reliability, exclusivity and manufacturing quality. Despite all these characteristics, CT sales have never been very scandalous, leaving secondary sales channels undernourished.
If we take a look at the second-hand and occasion market, we see that the cheapest units date from the dawn of the commercial launch, years 2011 onwards. Depending on the mileage, the price may vary, showing an approximate starting point of 8.000 euros. The Km 0 channel practically non-existent. Just a handful of mostly finished access units. Of course, the prices offered show an interesting discount compared to new models.
Lexus CT rivals
The Lexus CT has always been a difficult model to catalog or label. Due to its qualities, and the brand in which it is found, it can be considered a premium model, but for price it can also be considered one of the most expensive models in the general segment. However, mechanically, it is practically unique. So much so that we can name many rivals such as: Audi A3, BMW Serie 1, Mercedes A-Class, Volkswagen Golf, SEAT Leon, Peugeot 308, Hyundai i30 and many more. Undoubtedly, the most direct rival and the most similar in terms of characteristics is the Toyota Corolla.
Highlight
- internal quality
- low consumption
- Reliability
To improve
- Veteran
- indoor habitability
- limited range
Lexus CT Prices
When it comes to talking about prices, the CT has always been shown to be in the middle of costs, close to the premium range but not far from other general models. The starting price of the Lexus CT is 28.700 euros, without offers or promotions. That price corresponds to a CT 200h unit with Business finish. The most expensive of the family is the CT 200h with Executive finish, its starting price is 31.600 euros, without offers or promotions. The equipment packages are very closed and hardly show expansion or customization options.
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