The Lexus manufacturer has redesigned its hatchback hybrid and announced the release of the new model 2018 Lexus CT200h Hybrid, with a minor facelift. The Lexus CT200 made its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and introduced it hybrid hatchback in the luxury car segment. It is Lexus’s exclusive hybrid brand and has sold more than 300,000 units sold from Dec, 2010 to May, 2017. The sales have been strong in the European Union, China and Japan, where hybrid cars are popular.
The Lexus CT200h Hybrid has done well since its debut in 2010. Its engine is gasoline-electric and is popular as a hatchback with a sporty appearance. Though the Lexus CT200h has been discontinued in the United States, its hybrid hatchback is still sold around the world.
2018 Lexus CT200h Hybrid – Refreshed with minor but noticeable changes
The 2018 model, features a refreshed, modern and aggressive front fascia. They have abandoned the signature slatted grille. The front looks macho with the new mesh pattern spindle grille. The F Sport style grille and front bumper are given to all their models, with new metallic grey fog light housings and daytime running lights that are repositioned above the single-projector headlamps.
At the back, new “L”-signature shaped tail lights are positioned to give a sportier, wider appearance. These tail lights are equipped with LED configuration to give a bright and illuminated look. The lower rear bumper is now metallic silver and black and redesigned to give a dynamic look. Its body sits on new 10-spoke, 16-inch wheels in a dark metallic paint finish. The new 2018 Lexus CT200h Hybrid is also offered in two new colors for the F Sport model: Lava Orange and Heat Blue.
Interior and Safety Features
On the inside, the seats are made with soft leather materials. This 2018 Lexus CT200h Hybrid seats five and its front seats also offer good comfort and support. There is plenty of space in the front and leg room for the back seats. However, the Lexus offers an expanded interior color palette and upholstery options. A larger 10.3-inch wide display screen on the dashboard, up from the 7.0-inch screen in the existing model is a welcome change.
This hatchback is also equipped with safety features like a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning with automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control.
Engine Specs of the 2018 Lexus CT200h Hybrid
Under the hood, the 2018 Lexus CT200h Hybrid has a 1.8-liter inline-4/AC 650-volt permanent-magnet motor with 98 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm gasoline engine/80 horsepower electric motor/134 horsepower (combined). The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds and its top speed has the rate at 113 mph. Furthermore, it yields a 43 mpg in the city and 40 on the interstate.
Its combined estimated fuel efficiency is around 42 mpg. Though these figures are preferred, they are however, lower than the mileage evaluations of some different hybrids. Among small luxury cars, this hybrid gives fantastic fuel efficiency.
2018 Lexus CT200h Hybrid – Cost, Launch Date and Rivals
Finally, the price of this hybrid has been fixed at around $32,500 for the base version. Its release date is still unknown.
Summing it up and Rivals
The 2018 Lexus CT200h Hybrid fulfills its promise by delivering excellent fuel economy. It is one of the most practical cars for day-to-day use as a hatchback. In the hybrid car market, the Lexus CT200h Hybrid will face Tesla Model S, Toyota Prius Prime and Volkswagen Golf GTE.
