Friday 26th February 2010

Official Pics: Lexus CT 200h Hybrid Hatch

Lexus takes the wraps off its 1-series rival

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Lexus has released these images of its new CT 200h hatchback ahead of the car's official debut at the Geneva motor show next week.

The BMW 1-series-rivalling CT 200h is, says Lexus, the first full hybrid in the premium hatch segment. It is also apparently Lexus's first five-door compact hatch (presumably Lexus isn't counting the five-door IS 300 Sportcross estate thingy from a few years back).

Visually the CT 200h owes much to the LF-Ch concept from last September's Frankfurt show, albeit in a more toned-down, less swoopy and more realistically-wheeled form.

Beneath the bodywork, the CT 200h is powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine allied with an electric motor, both of which drive the front wheels only. Transmission is via an electronic CVT 'box. Lexus isn't talking about performance or power figures, but expect it to be on par with a BMW 120d dynamically.

The chassis is an all-new platform and is suspended by MacPherson struts at the front and a double wishbone arrangement at the rear.

Inside there's a typically technical (if not slightly cold) cabin, the highlight of which is Lexus's iDrive-style 'remote touch' controller.

Prices haven't yet been announced, but the CT 200h is due to hit UK showrooms later this year.

[forzaminardi]

Looks really heavy and boring.

I can't see how the people responsible for the IS-F and that mentalist super-coupe thing can come up with such run-of-the-mill dross.

OK, it doesn't have to be exciting or an amazing drive for the market, but surely they could make it look slightly distinctive?