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The market for hybrid cars is one of the most rapidly expanding in all the motor industry. Manufacturers demonstrate their technological prowess by showcasing their green technologies in fully electric or hybrid vehicles. like Nissan and Toyota currently seem to be leading the way – Nissan with the Leaf and Toyota with the Prius. The problem with electric cars is a limited range, high price tag and inconveniently long recharge times and battery life. Hybrid can be the best option switching between fuel and electric.
Lexus – which is the luxury arm of Toyota – are now making ground in the hybrid market with the release of the impressive Lexus CT200h, which they describe in their advertising as “the world’s first full hybrid luxury compact car.”
The Lexus is powered by a 1.8 litre VVT-i petrol engine, the same as the Prius. It has a range of driving modes – Normal, Sport, Eco and EV which all distribute the power in subtly different ways. Lexus boast that the car is near silent in fully electric mode. The sport mode on the other hand gives the car access to the batteries full 650 volts.The engine has the Toyota driveline to transfer power sources. The main drive electric motor delivers an impressive 81bhp from the 1.3kWh nickel-metal-hybrid battery.
The Lexus CT200h’s frugal economy is best around the doors with a 68.9mpg urban figure. Extra urban is 70.6mpg which is comparable to a decent frugal petrol or mainstream diesel engine. If you’re driving is based around short stop start journeys, the Lexus is ideal. Round the doors, your fuel costs will be minimal.
The body shape is sturdy with nice angles on the hood and a bulky rear, sharpened stealthily at the top. It is possibly the best looking mainstream hybrid available.
Prices from £23,485 mean it’ll be a popular car. Most luxury compacts would be up around the £20,000 mark anyway so for a few more pounds the Lexus seems a good deal.