Report: Lexus CT 200h Heading to U.S.

Looking to play a little catch up with the competitors, it appears that Lexus will be bringing its all-new compact hatchback hybrid model to the United States according to the Automotive News. With rival luxury automakers attracting more youthful customers with small, stylish and sporty models, Lexus hopes that its upcoming Lexus CT 200h will find similar buyers when it goes into production later this year. The Lexus CT will not only give the luxury automaker a smaller, youth-oriented car, it will also give it a more affordable hybrid model to bolster the lineup - currently, the smallest vehicle in the Lexus lineup is the Lexus IS while the least expensive hybrid model is the $34,650 Lexus HS.

When the all-new Lexus CT made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, it was initially announced that it would not be bringing the compact hybrid hatchback to North America. This latest report, however, suggests that Lexus isn’t willing to give up on a luxury compact segment that continues to grow with in the U.S. with models such as the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and the Volvo C30. Even Lincoln is looking to get into the compact hatchback market with a model that is expected to be based on the 2009 Lincoln C Concept (which is derived from the new Ford Focus underpinnings). One bright point for the Lexus CT is that it would be the only hybrid-electric vehicle in this segment competing for the environmentally conscious luxury buyers who currently only have the Audi A3 TDI from which to choose.

Like all Lexus vehicles, the “h” in CT 200h indicates the use of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system which vastly improves fuel economy (although no specific numbers have been released yet). At the heart of the CT 200h is a 1.8-liter VVT-I inline-4 paired up with an electric motor. Most of the final specifications of this system have yet to be released, but Lexus did say that it will offer a full EV mode that can drive the vehicle at speeds of up to 28 miles per hour for a distance of 1.2 miles. While the output of the electric motor and the battery pack are still unknown, Lexus has confirmed that the CT 200h will use a nickel-metal hydride (NiMh) battery pack which was probably to help keep the final MSRP relatively low to compete with the A3 TDI that gets an estimated 42 miles per gallon on the highway. With the 2010 Lexus HS 250h having a starting MSRP of $34,200, it is likely that the 2011 CT 200h will have a price point at or below the A3 TDI’s $29,950.

With its five-door hatchback layout, it seems that the A3 is definitely the target for the newest Lexus model. The styling of the production Lexus CT was inspired by the 2009 Lexus LF-Ch Concept that was unveiled last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new hatchback is injected with plenty of Lexus’ L-finesse design language including the angular headlamps, swooping front wheel arches and an aggressive front fascia. Although this design language is shared with other current Lexus models, the overall execution of the signature design language on the CT 200h is fresh and stylish even in this compact form. As the first-ever Lexus hatchback, the rear view of the CT 200h shares some of its cues with the recently redesigned Lexus RX crossover.

Despite its small size, the Lexus CT 200h looks like it should offer a luxurious cabin that is up to Lexus expectations. There will likely be numerous comparisons between the Lexus CT and Toyota’s more popular hybrid hatchback, the Toyota Prius, but the sporty exterior looks are outdone by the luxurious and welcoming cabin. Matching current Lexus models, the interior of the CT features an abundance of soft leather with perforated seat surfaces and double-stitched surfaces on the instrument panel and center console. Even the Lexus Remote Touch navigation system control is present and accounted for on the new CT. About the only similarity between the cabin of the Prius and the all-new CT is the presence of the stubby gear selector mounted on the wide center console.

The 2011 Lexus CT 200h will go into production later this year with sales commencing early in 2011. Although Lexus has not made any official confirmation as of yet, North American models would likely go on sale after Japanese and European models, but it is still likely we could see the new Lexus CT 200h before next summer.