Lexus CT 200h hybrid set for UK
30.09.2010 - Martin Gurdon
(7)
The BMW 1-Series-sized Lexus CT 200h hybrid will debut in October with fuel and emissions figures claimed to match eco-friendly superminis. Lexus won't offer conventional petrol or diesel versions of the car when British deliveries begin next year.
The petrol/electric CT 200h hybrid is claimed to produce 96g/km and return a combined 68.8mpg. The CO2 figure beats many smaller models like Ford Fiesta econetic 1.6 diesel, which returns 98g/km, although at 76.3mpg the Ford is more economical.
The Lexus uses a derivative of Toyota's petrol/electric hybrid drive, with a 202kw electric motor working in tandem with a 1.8-litre, variable-valve petrol engine, mated to a self-shifting CVT transmission.
The car can automatically switch from petrol to fully electric mode, when it's capable of travelling up to a mile and a half at speeds of nearly 30mph.
The electric motor also provides extra power under regular acceleration, and the car has a combined power output of 134bhp. It accelerates to 62mph in just over ten seconds.
The electric motor acts as a generator during braking or when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal.
The CT 200h will complete against compact executive cars like the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3, which are currently sold with a variety of engines and transmissions, but without hybrid versions.
