Lexus CT 200h takes aim at Audi
March 5th, 2010 by Richard Aucock
LEXUS has benchmarked the CT 200h against the Audi A3 following Europe-wide customer research.
The brand’s first premium compact 5dr hatch is thus aiming straight at A3 and BMW 1 Series territory.
Chief engineer Osuma Sadakata told Car Dealer Magazine this led to a sportier development focus than other Lexus – including the imitation of rear-drive handling characteristics despite its front-drive architecture!
Independent rear suspension and performance dampers front and rear, plus a focus on increasing body rigidity, have helped Sadakata realise smooth and stable handling – but with racy rear-end agility for sporty driving, too.
The engine is a development of the Toyota Prius 1.8-litre. It is a full hybrid, mated to a CVT automatic gearbox.
It has two modes – an ‘Eco’ setup for green driving, and a ‘Sport’ setting that crisps up the throttle, cranks up the air con and changes the instrument pack from blue to red.
If you are a Lexus car dealer, how excited are you about the arrival of this vital new model?
By Richard Aucock