2012 Lexus CT 200h Overview Change Vehicle

2012 Lexus CT 200h review with specifications, fuel economy data, safety information, reliability ratings, a photo gallery, and The Vehix View.

If you’re looking for the least expensive path to Lexus ownership, you’ve found it. And as a side benefit, you’ll get terrific gas mileage because the CT 200h is a hybrid model based on the same platform as the Toyota Prius. The Lexus model gets completely different styling inside and out, and is tuned to provide better performance than its Toyota counterpart.

Nebula Gray Pearl replaces Smoky Granite as a paint color. Also, a new Vehicle Proximity Notification System emits an audible noise when the CT 200h is traveling on electric power at low speeds, to help alert pedestrians and cyclists that the CT 200h is approaching. Finally, a new F Sport Special Edition model also debuts for 2012, featuring sport suspension tuning, unique alloy wheels with a Liquid Silver finish, Ocean Blue seat upholstery, a Navigation Package, a Premium Audio Package, and a variety of cosmetic upgrades.

With the addition of the F Sport Special Edition model for 2012, there are three Lexus CT 200h models from which to choose.

Standard equipment includes the types of features you would expect to find on a car wearing a Lexus badge. Highlights include dual-zone automatic climate control, NuLuxe environmentally friendly upholstery, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with music streaming capability, and a sound system with satellite radio, an auxiliary audio input jack, a USB port, and a CD changer. Smart Access keyless entry with push-button start is also standard, as well as a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, and a 10-way power driver’s seat. The CT 200h also includes water repellant front window glass, LED front running lights, and LED taillights in the base price.

The Lexus CT 200h Premium model adds heated front seats and a power sunroof. It also grants access to numerous options that are not available on the base model. The Leather Package replaces the rather sticky and unpleasant NuLuxe upholstery with perforated leather, and also includes rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming side mirrors, and memory settings for the driver’s preferences. The CT 200h Premium is also available with a Premium Audio Package that includes a 10-speaker premium sound system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a HomeLink universal remote control. The Navigation Package adds a hard-drive navigation system with remote touch controller, a retractable LCD color screen, a reversing camera, real-time traffic and weather reports, and Lexus Enform telematics with Destination Assist and eDestination features. The CT 200h Premium can also be outfitted with LED headlights and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Pre-Collision System.

New for 2012, the F Sport Special Edition is equipped with a number of features designed to make driving the CT 200h more enjoyable. This model includes the Navigation and Premium Audio Packages that are optional on the CT 200h Premium, along with F Sport suspension tuning, F Sport 17-inch alloy wheels with a Liquid Silver finish, Ocean Blue NuLuxe upholstery, and a TUMI tote and backpack set with an Ocean Blue NuLuxe lining and zippers tossed into the trunk. Additionally, the F Sport Special Edition includes metallic interior trim panels, a black headliner, aluminum pedals, F Sport floor mats with blue contrast stitching, and a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel with an F Sport logo. A mesh grille insert and larger rear spoiler decorate the exterior, and the F Sport Special Edition is painted Nebula Gray Pearl, Starfire Pearl, or Tungsten Pearl.

To achieve its impressive combined EPA fuel economy rating of 42 mpg (43 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway), the Lexus CT 200h partners an electric drive motor powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack with a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission, and regenerative brakes that recharge the batteries. Together, the system develops 134 horsepower, enough, Lexus says, to accelerate the 3,206-pound CT 200h to 60 mph in less than ten seconds.

To calibrate the powertrain to meet specific demands, the CT 200h is equipped with a standard Drive Mode Select system. Drive Mode Select lets the driver choose between EV, Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. When driven in EV mode, the CT 200h can travel one mile at up to 28 mph before the battery is depleted.

There’s no shortage of safety equipment with the Lexus CT 200h. A package of eight airbags includes knee airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, and the CT 200h includes traction control, stability control, and a four-wheel-disc antilock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Whiplash injury lessening front seats are also standard, along with direct tire pressure monitoring, smart stop technology that makes it impossible for the CT 200h to accelerate if the brake pedal is depressed, and Safety Connect telematics with automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, and enhanced roadside assistance. Safety-related options include a reversing camera and a dynamic radar cruise control and pre-collision system.

If you think that’s impressive wait until you see how well the Lexus CT 200h performs in terms of crash-test and reliability ratings. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says the Lexus CT 200h is a Top Safety Pick for 2012, and Consumer Reports claims that the Lexus CT 200h was the highest rated of all models in its most recent reliability survey. On that last note, J.D. Power and Associates also thinks the Lexus CT 200h will prove to be much more dependable than average.

Lexus quotes a maximum cargo capacity of 14.3 cubic-feet for the CT 200h. But that’s gotta be with the rear seats raised, right? With the rear seats folded, it must be greater than that, no? That’s the point of a hatchback, yes?

If you’re planning to run the CT 200h to its maximum velocity, you might be disappointed. This car tops out at 113 mph.

If you’re really interested in the Lexus CT 200h, you should probably just go ahead and buy one. It’s a Top Safety Pick, it’s apparently bulletproof, and the EPA says it gets a combined 42 miles per gallon. Add the utility of a hatchback design to put the icing on the cake. The only part of this equation that doesn’t really compute is the Lexus badge. We think this car should be a Scion flagship instead.

By Christian Wardlaw