Road Test: Is the 2011 Lexus CT200h Really "The Darker Side of Green?"

As far as entry level luxury vehicles go, the 2011 Lexus CT200h does really make for a compelling buy simply because it exists essentially in a vehicle class by itself. The closest vehicle to it in concept and style would have to be the Audi A3 TDI diesel which doesn't quite match the hybrid Lexus in the fuel economy stakes but comes pretty close.

EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2011 Lexus CT200h are 43 city/40 highway and I experienced 35.3 miles per gallon during a week of mixed driving conditions. That might seem disappointing to some but you have to take into account the fact that I never took it out of "Sport" mode which adjusts the throttle and steering responsiveness and I tend to have a heavy right foot.

Alright, I never get anywhere near the EPA fuel economy figures in any car I have ever driven. So for the CT200h to return that figure with me is mighty impressive. I can guarantee that if someone drove the car in a more hybrid friendly manner they could easily crack the 40 mile per gallon mark. I am just not that kind of driver. I like to have fun driving a car and let me tell you now that I actually had a lot of fun driving the 2011 Lexus CT200h.

In fact, I can unequivocally say the CT200h is the most fun to drive and refined hybrid I have ever driven. And I have driven a lot of them. My hybrid history includes the Toyota Prius, Honda CR-Z, Lexus HS, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and possibly a few more that I have blocked out because I found them traumatizing.

The most amazing part of the 2011 Lexus CT200h is its CVT automatic transmission which is a miracle in itself. Due to a lot of fine tuning Lexus was able to take a style of transmission that I usually find obnoxiously jerky and annoying and turned it into a seamless part of the driving experience. At cruising speeds the CT200h is Lexus quiet with only a bit of engine noise from the 1.8 liter gas engine coming into the cabin at high revs. Otherwise wind and tire noise are very well suppressed.

The 2011 Lexus CT200h also has a terrifically supple ride quality thanks to special Yamaha dampers and the steering, while a tad artificial in feel, has a nice weight to it. The 2011 Lexus CT200h isn't exactly a hot hatch with a 0-60 time of 9.8 seconds but it has plenty of passing power for around town driving and even at freeway speeds especially when you get the added "turbo" boost from the electric battery. Body roll is non-existent and the CT200h actually acquits itself nicely on twisting two lane roads. This car could definitely handle more power.

Standard features with each and every 2011 Lexus CT200h include stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, keyless entry with pushbutton start, a 10 way power driver's seat that is one of the most comfortable that I have ever experienced, Nu-Lux trimmed seats that ape the look of the finest Lexus leather but are made from 30% plant fibers, a Lexus 6-speaker premium audio system, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth and a USB/iPod integration system that works very well. My tester also included the $1,780 Premium Package which includes a moonroof and heated front seats.

Optional extras include an $1,125 Premium Audio Package which includes a 6-disc 10-speaker Lexus audio system, an auto dimming rear view mirror and Homelink. For fans of cowhide there is also the Leather Package for $1,350 which adds leather seats, auto dimming side mirrors and a memory function for the power driver seat.. For an additional $2,445 you can also add the Navigation Package which gives you a dash mounted navigation system controlled by a computer mouse style controller used in other Lexus models as well as XM Traffic information.

Although the 2011 Lexus CT200h I drove was a pre-production model there is not a thing I would change regarding the excellent ride/handling/steering set-up. As I am a driving enthusiast I would always welcome more power (especially given how sporty this hatchback looks on the outside) but then I probably wouldn't have gotten 35 miles per gallon over the course of my week with the car. So if you are looking for an especially luxurious, fuel efficient and fun to drive new toy your next new car might just be the 2011 Lexus CT200h.

Vehicle Tested: 2011 Lexus CT200h Premium

Base Price: $29,120

Price as Tested: $30,900

Options on Tester: Premium Package--$1,780: (power moonroof, heated front seats)

Engine: 1.8 liter hybrid gas/electric

Power: 134 horsepower combined

Transmission: CVT automatic

0-60: 9.8 seconds

Top Speed: 113 miles per hour

EPA Fuel Economy: 43 city/40 highway

Economy as tested: 35.3 miles per gallon

Runs on: Regular Unleaded

Fuel Tank Size: 11.9 gallons

Cargo Volume: 14.3 cubic feet

Turning Radius: 34.2 feet

Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper

6 years/70,000 mile powertrain

Vehicle Provided by: Lexus

Source: Lexus USA