The Lexus CT200h shares its engine with the Toyota Prius _ but costs twice as much. Which is the way to go?
When a mass-market car brand is also the owner of a premium nameplate, the lines that separate them tend to get blurred, particularly if seen from technology-sharing point but never completely easy to hide.
A case in point is the highly successful luxury badge, Porsche, which cunningly has managed to conceal its weaponry that can be found in, say, a Volkswagen Touareg SUV.
So despite its premium intentions, Lexus could be having some difficulty selling its all-new CT200h in Thailand. Among other things, the CT200h comes at a time Toyota has started to aggressively promote the Prius, which shares the same hybrid module as in the Lexus but is half as cheap.
To rationalists and purists, there is no sense in going for the CT200h, whose prices range from 2.19-2.69 million baht depending on specification.
But sophisticated car punters would certainly understand the scenario. Lexus is a premium import, after all, rivalling the likes of the Mercedes-Benz. Toyota is a downmarket brand and escapes high import duty by building cars in the country, like the Prius.
So if you really want to measure up the CT200h with realistic competitors in the luxury car market, then it's safe to say that Lexus's new baby hatchback is in a class of its own and is realistically competitive in price due to the following reasons.
First, the CT's intended rivals are either dead or ageing in Thailand, such as the Audi A3, BMW 1-series and Mercedes A-class five-door hatchbacks. In terms of freshness, the CT has a clear advantage.
Second, the CT is the only car in its class with hybrid power, so it comes attached with a green badge that should appeal to eco-conscious buyers. Better even is its ability to attract the 10% excise tax for hybrids; the rest have to be content with 30% (without E20-compatibility).
Coming with such attractive prices doesn't mean a compromise in spec. The safety kit is the same across the range and comprehensive. The number of airbags, for instance, is unrivalled, although Volvo can still stand up and wave its automatic braking system at city speeds.
What really separates the five versions of the CT on sale is visual and comfort amenities. We test drove the Premium Navi variant, at B2.59 million, and are glad to say this is the one to go for as it has the right number of useful toys potential customers have come to expect of the CT.
There's a sense of luxury sitting behind the wheel. The dashboard, steering wheel and materials used to cloth them feel avant-garde and successfully dismisses the lower rent quality of the Prius's.
Just be sure to remember that this is a C-sized five-door hatchback we're talking about (with premium intentions, of course). Cabin space is just about right for everyone and the flat floor design helps allay feelings that you're cramped for space.
To help broaden things a bit, the CT has practically the same levels of practicality as in a Ford Focus or Mazda 3. But Lexus has come with a great package by managing to neatly store the batteries (unseen) under the boot floor, itself being quite shallow but becoming useful again once the rear seats easily fold flat.
Great the packaging might be, but the CT doesn't necessarily look the part to all eyes. While the distinctive C-pillar design looks like no other, the overall proportions look a little stodgy and lack the handsome proportions of the bigger IS saloon.
The decision to fit 16-inch wheels and relatively thick tyres also don't give the CT a dynamic appearance. But the decision behind that could be due to a fear of an uncomfortable ride, like we found out during our first drive of the CT in France last year.
Yes, there's a noticeable difference in the ride quality when the CT is shod with 16-inchers, yet it can't hide the fact that this Lexus has a firm, and occasionally, harsh ride on Thai roads, especially over rutted surfaces.
If you can really live with a stiff ride (you might be a happy owner of a Mini) then you should head straight to the Lexus sales people and ask them to bring over some 17-inch options which could help make your CT look better by having its wheel arches filled out more completely.
It's a little strange why Lexus had to tune the chassis so firmly when we are supposedly talking about an eco-hatchback that should be soothing on the move. But, on the other hand, if it was done in the interest of enhancing handling and grip, then fine because the CT is convincing to drive at high speeds. Road-holding ability isn't lacking and the steering is precise and nicely weighted, if totally numb.
At this point, you needn't have to suspect the CT's performance is cracking. By using the same petrol/electric hybrid (with a combined output of some 136hp) as in the Prius, the CT isn't that quick under normal driving.
You can make the engine livelier by going into Sport of the three-mode set-up, which is just about right for those needing to make rapid progress from point A to B. Go into Eco mode for frugality or, if permissible, full electric mode at low speeds in the city.
The CT's hybrid is more about economy, smoothness (thanks to the CVT automatic) and refinement. As ever, the claimed consumption figure of 24.4kpl by Lexus seems hopelessly unrealistic. We managed 15-16kpl on the average under all kinds of driving conditions, which is still good enough, though, considering the level of technology currently available in Thailand.
The rest of the driving experience was very much the same, as we discovered it the first time: wooden brakes, unengaging drive but satisfying green ethos.
If it's really the green credential you're after, you won't be wrong to argue that the Prius is the way to go. But you should feel enticed by the CT because it's the easiest way to Lexus ownership _ and then treat the hybrid engine as a reward to round off the purchase.
AT A GLANCE
Styling ................................. 6/10
The CT may look distinctive with its C-pillar design, but its proportions can look stodgy and it lacks the sporty appeal it aims to emulate.
Performance ........................ 7/10
Under normal driving the CT200h isn't particularly quick, although you can make the engine livelier by going into Sport mode. Economy is good, though.
Handling/ride ....................... 7/10
The firm chassis setup yields decent levels of handling and grip, although the inevitable drawback is an unnecessarily stiff and harsh ride.
Practicality .......................... 7/10
The flat interior floor helps eliminate cramped legroom in the rear to a certain extent. The rear seats easily fold flat; cubbie holes aren't that abundant.
Safety kit ............................. 9/10
Whichever variant in the CT200h range you opt for, the number of safety features is utterly comprehensive for its class.
VERDICT .............................. 7/10
The CT200h tries to be a sports car when it isn't. It also attempts to highlight hybrid power when there's a far cheaper model using its engine, too. You'd probably want the CT because it's the easiest way to Lexus ownership at the moment.
Boot is shallow as battery pack is placed underneath, but becomes usefully flat when seats fold down.
Sport mode helps make performance livelier.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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