The CT200h has been unveiled at the Geneva motor show and is the first small hatchback for Lexus. Having been designed for the European market and hoping to attract new, younger customers to the brand, it is a hybrid-only hatchback hoping to take on the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series in the company car market.
But unlike those models, the new Lexus CT200h is a hybrid, with an electric motor and a 1.8-litre petrol engine and is capable of running in electric-only mode for more than a mile at upto 28mph. The CT200h runs the same engine as the Prius so expect CO2 emissions to be under 100g/km and fuel economy to top around 70mpg.
The Lexus CT200h retains much of the styling that impressed visitors to the 2009 Frankfurt motor show, when the company unveiled it’s Lexus LF-Ch concept. There will be a choice of four driving modes. The eco and normal will be aimed at efficiency, the sport will aim for performance and comfort will find the middle ground.
It has been designed to open the way for a new Lexus era by combining a sporty driving performance and styling, and with outstanding environmental performance which should result in an experience that captivates driver and passenger alike.
Lexus has yet to reveal pricing but is believed to start at around £21,000 and is scheduled for early 2011.
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