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Rick Newman is the Chief Business Correspondent for U.S. News & World Report and a longtime car buff. He will be reviewing automobiles here on a regular basis, as well as writing about all things vehicular. Below is his "micro-review" of the 2011 Lexus CT 200h.
What it is: One of the most expensive small hatchbacks on the market.
Starts at $29,120 / 43 MPG city / 40 MPG highwayWhat's worth knowing: The CT 200h is one of five hybrids in Lexus's lineup, on top of three hybrids that parent company Toyota offers under its eponymous nameplate. Those eight hybrids, including the iconic Toyota Prius, continue to make Toyota the leader in high-mileage vehicles. The CT 200h also the cheapest (and smallest) Lexus. It shares some components with the Prius but has the more upscale interior and better handling you'd expect in a Lexus.
Who it's for: Like other "near luxury" cars, the CT200h is an "aspirational" vehicle meant to draw younger buyers into Lexus showrooms for the first time. Since it's a smaller car with less hauling capacity than families typically need, it's aimed at couples and affluent thirtysomethings.
What's good: First of all, the gas mileage, which averages 42 MPG. That's lower than the Prius, which averages 50 MPG, but it's far higher than most other cars in this price range. The hatchback design, while not popular in America, is a pragmatic way to optimize interior space. The design is sharp and the CT 200h has a fun, grippy feel on curves.
What's bad: Acceleration is supbar for a sporty car, one of the tradeoffs for that awesome gas mileage. The CT 200h also has a futuristic information console controlled by the automotive equivalent of a computer mouse, which is fixed near the armrest so the driver can control the climate, radio and other systems with right-handed pointing and clicking. Some will enjoy this high-tech touch but others will find it annoying and overcomplicated. It takes a couple of extra steps to find the digital radio presets, for instance, when it would be more direct to simply punch buttons on the dash.
How it stacks up: The CT 200h is in a class by itself, since it's the only upscale hybrid hatchback on the market. The nearest competitor is probably the Audi A3, which comes in a gas-powered version that averages 24 MPG and has a slightly lower starting price, and a diesel model averaging 34 MPG, with a slightly higher sticker price. Overall, the CT 200h is a pleasing car but it seems expensive for what is basically a compact.
What to do if you want one: If you're after a truly sporty ride, the Volkswagen GTI and Mazdaspeed 3 would be more satisfying, for less money. There are many other offerings in the crowded entry-luxury market, but if mileage is what you're after, the CT 200h tops the list.
Click here for everything else you need to know about the Lexus CT 200h.
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