MOTORING NEWS - Refreshed for 2018, the Lexus CT 200h five door compact combines a sophisticated urban look with unique craftsmanship and the most advanced technology.
As the most affordable model in the Lexus range, the CT 200h is well endowed and its latest guise boasts even more kit.
It offers an exclusive kind of luxury with exquisitely finished leather, advanced safety features and flawless paintwork.
The CT 200h offers exceptional driving comfort and efficient hybrid performance.
In near-silent Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, it uses no petrol, produces zero emissions and because it's a Lexus hybrid, it does not require plugging in to recharge.
CT 200h has become Lexus's best-selling hybrid model globally.
Since its launch in 2011 with the first-generation model, the CT 200h has sold more than 300 000 units globally.
WHAT'S NEW?
New additions include a sporty look and a family spindle grille with mash panel detail. Spicing up the premium five-door hybrid's profile are sportier wheels that include a new 10-spoke, 16" design that features dark metallic paint with bright machine-finished surfaces.
The CT 200h also features a black-out roof in bi-tones which include titanium and quartz, mercury and morello as well as titanium and black.
With this latest update, Lexus looks to build on the model's strengths and its well-earned reputation for efficiency and reliability, introducing a refreshed exterior that captures its driver appeal without compromising its user-friendliness and fuel economy.
To summarise, the CT 200h's updated design is more emotional and sporty, making it the ideal premium hybrid compact car for customers who enjoy spirited driving, but care about the environment.
INTERIOR UPDATES
In the cabin, use of fine trim and upholstery materials, rich soft-touch surface textures and the classic styling philosopy of "form follows function" ensure improved luxury.
The central display screen of the selected multimedia system has been enlarged from 7" to 10,3" to accommodate the Lexus Premium Navigation system.
This adds up to clearer presentation and greater ease of use.
The range of interior colours has also been increased and now includes standard nuluxe material in black fundamental and sunflare brown fundamental.
HYBRID DRIVE
The CT 200h introduced Lexus's second-generation petrol-electric and self-charging hybrid technology to the premium compact segment. It benefits from an energy management system which ensures quiet running, seamless acceleration and the kind of performance customers expect from a premium hatchback vehicle.
The engine's environmental performance is further supported by other energy-saving and eco-focused measures. These include an energy-saving air conditioning system, extensive use of LED lighting and a lightweight and energy-efficient audio system.
Furthermore, a range of bio-materials is used in place of oil-based plastics in different areas of the vehicle.
The system combines a 73kW, 1 798cc Atkinson Cycle petrol engine with a powerful, 82DIN hp or 60kW electric motor.
Total output of 100kW enables smooth, seamless official acceleration from 0 to 100km in 10,3 seconds and a maximum speed of 180km.
The CT 200h achieves remarkably low published fuel consumption figures, with combined cycle figures from just 4,1 litres per 100km and officially stated class-leading CO² emissions from 95g/km, supporting excellent cost-of-ownership claims.
Lexus Hybrid Drive further helps protect air quality by producing significantly lower NOx and particulate emissions than an equivalent diesel-powered vehicle. Moreover, when operating in all-electric EV mode, it generates no harmful tailpipe emissions and uses no petrol.
DRIVE MODE SELECT
As well as the full hybrid powertrain's normal drive mode, three on-demand drive modes - EV, ECO and SPORT - can be selected. These adapt the vehicle's performance to suit the driver's mood or the road conditions.
According to the mode chosen, priority is given to driving efficiency, fuel economy and emissions, or performance and handling.
EV, ECO and normal modes place the emphasis on a relaxing drive from start-up. At speeds below 45km, the CT 200h will automatically operate in EV mode for short distances when conditions permit.
Furthermore the CVT 200h's system allows for regenerative braking.
More details on the car's launch date for the Southern Cape will follow, so watch this space!
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