Topic: Test Drive: 2011 Lexus CT 200h

[johngenx]

Don't forget the additional cost of the Lexus dealer experience.  You pay for that upfront.  They have more amenities, loaner cars, etc.

Also, the CT 200h is not $15K more than a Matrix.  A $16K Matrix lacks all kinds of stuff.  A loaded Matrix "S" package is $24K with an automatic.  And before you cry foul, any compact hatch with goodies is $24K or more.  A Mazda 3 Sport GT, etc.

The premium for the Lexus is closer to $7K.  The hybrid drivetrain certainly accounts for a chunk of that.

[dirtyjeffer]

Also, the CT 200h is not $15K more than a Matrix.  A $16K Matrix lacks all kinds of stuff.  A loaded Matrix "S" package is $24K with an automatic.  And before you cry foul, any compact hatch with goodies is $24K or more.  A Mazda 3 Sport GT, etc.

The premium for the Lexus is closer to $7K.  The hybrid drivetrain certainly accounts for a chunk of that.

this car as tested is $37950...that certainly is close to $15k more...and its hybrid powertrain doesn't get THAT much better fuel economy than the 1.8L used in the Matrix.

[rrocket]

Also, the CT 200h is not $15K more than a Matrix.  A $16K Matrix lacks all kinds of stuff.  A loaded Matrix "S" package is $24K with an automatic.  And before you cry foul, any compact hatch with goodies is $24K or more.  A Mazda 3 Sport GT, etc.

The premium for the Lexus is closer to $7K.  The hybrid drivetrain certainly accounts for a chunk of that.

this car as tested is $37950...that certainly is close to $15k more...and its hybrid powertrain doesn't get THAT much better fuel economy than the 1.8L used in the Matrix.

You do know they usually send Press cars loaded to the MAX....or very close to it.  You can get a CT200H for $31,000, and it comes very nicely equipped for that price.

[dirtyjeffer]

Well you drive a Hyundai (and a Taurus), so there's nothing I can say to you that will make you understand.  It's not just the interior that commands a hefty premium over a Matrix.  There's a hybrid powertrain for starters, which generally command a premium.  As I said, I won't waste my breath, as you may be to obtuse to understand anyways.

not really sure why you would choose to attack me over it...as i have said before, i think the car is "neat", but don't see the value in it...it isn't that much more fuel efficient than a Matrix, or even a Golf Wagon for that matter...and while it has its toys, that's about it...and there is nothing wrong with my owning a Hyundai, or even a Taurus for that matter...i am sure most of the reviewers of the cars on this site (and many others) don't all drive 911s and Audi A7s...i have driven a TON of vehicles over the years, and owned a lot as well, from a variety of makes, both import and domestic.

That being said...Is your Elantra Touring GLS worth ~$6K more than a base Elantra Touring?  Maybe it's just me, but I didn't really see anything mind-blowingly awesome in the GLS model options that would justify it....

actually, the difference is $4800...and no, there isn't anything "mind blowing", but there is a substantial amount of difference in included equipment, which is why we chose it.

Fog lights
Body coloured, heated, power mirrors
cooled glovebox
trip computer
6 speaker stereo system
bluetooth hands free system
air conditioning
additional storage cubbies
illuminated vanity mirrors
heated seats
height adjustable driver's seat
adjustable lumbar support on driver's seat
telescoping steering wheel
cruise control
electronic stability control with traction control
remote keyless entry with alarm
side curtain airbags
ABS with electronic brake force distribution
front active head restraints
alloy wheels

[dirtyjeffer]

You do know they usually send Press cars loaded to the MAX....or very close to it.  You can get a CT200H for $31,000, and it comes very nicely equipped for that price.

i know what "starting from" also means...just like you will find lots of the $14,999 Hyundai ET sitting on lots???...because you won't...you can get a $15k ET, but be prepared to wait 2 months for it...as it was, we had to wait 7 weeks for our car because we wanted a white one and a manual transmission...i'm not saying the $31k car doesn't exist, but i can assure you it will be in limited availability, nor will it account for a large portion of the company's sales.

[rrocket]

You do know they usually send Press cars loaded to the MAX....or very close to it.  You can get a CT200H for $31,000, and it comes very nicely equipped for that price.

i know what "starting from" also means...just like you will find lots of the $14,999 Hyundai ET sitting on lots???...because you won't...you can get a $15k ET, but be prepared to wait 2 months for it...as it was, we had to wait 7 weeks for our car because we wanted a white one and a manual transmission...i'm not saying the $31k car doesn't exist, but i can assure you it will be in limited availability, nor will it account for a large portion of the company's sales.

Actually, my dealer says the opposite is true with the CT200h.  They are having an easier time getting the base ones...which is a good thing because that's what they have a demand for.  Even so, he said the tsunami has made it so there is a waiting list regardless of what model you choose.

And the CT200h gets 40% better mileage in the city and 20% better on the highway and is 30% better combined than even the most frugal Matrix.  In your world, those numbers aren't that much better??  Again...I could try to explain until I'm blue in the face, but I think this is a lost cause....

[dirtyjeffer]

And the CT200h gets 40% better mileage in the city and 20% better on the highway and is 30% better combined than even the most frugal Matrix.  In your world, those numbers aren't that much better??  Again...I could try to explain until I'm blue in the face, but I think this is a lost cause....

not sure what you are angry about, but i think you have missed my point in an effort to jump down my throat...my point is, the Matrix is already a very fuel efficient car...the reviewer said he got 5.8l/100 km in mostly city driving...is that good??...it's not even that far off from your TT, which you said is giving you 7.8 right now, while you are having fun with it...to me, your TT giving you 7.8 is more impressive than the this hybrid giving you 5.8, wouldn't you agree?

[rrocket]

And the CT200h gets 40% better mileage in the city and 20% better on the highway and is 30% better combined than even the most frugal Matrix.  In your world, those numbers aren't that much better??  Again...I could try to explain until I'm blue in the face, but I think this is a lost cause....

not sure what you are angry about, but i think you have missed my point in an effort to jump down my throat...my point is, the Matrix is already a very fuel efficient car...the reviewer said he got 5.8l/100 km in mostly city driving...is that good??...it's not even that far off from your TT, which you said is giving you 7.8 right now, while you are having fun with it...to me, your TT giving you 7.8 is more impressive than the this hybrid giving you 5.8, wouldn't you agree?

Guys at Clublexus are getting in the low-mid 4s with their CT200h in the city...with high 4s to low 5s being the norm FOR AN ENTIRE TANK of gas!  No Matrix on the planet can achieve that.  Ever.  Even my trusty Echo, which is even more frugal than a Matrix, could not achieve those numbers.  And driving the CT200, you don't feel like you're in a POS tin can, unlike the Echo or the Matrix.  No Matrix will get 5.8L for an entire tank of gas in the city, while most every CT200h will. 

And no, I would not agree.  Yes, the TT is fun.  But 7.8 is a relatively easy number to achieve.  MANY cars achieve that, day in day out.  Many even bigger and more powerful than my TT (my Lexus IS350 could do 7.6 on the highway).  Getting something into the low 5s for an entire tank of gas is VERY impressive, even if you fail to recognize it.  Trust me...if it were so easy, EVERY car company would be doing it.  But it's no easy feat.

FWIW, the CT200H is rated at 4.5/4.8L 100km in Canada.  The most frugal Matrix 7.8/6.1

[johngenx]

Going form 7.8 to 5.8 is a 25% improvement.  Substantial.

However, the Lexus is not about economy.  Anyone looking to save money should buy a base Accent/Yaris/etc as the payback period for buying any hybrid is hideously long.

[rrocket]

Going form 7.8 to 5.8 is a 25% improvement.  Substantial.

However, the Lexus is not about economy.  Anyone looking to save money should buy a base Accent/Yaris/etc as the payback period for buying any hybrid is hideously long.

For sure, John...which is why I had an Echo. 

BUT...if you want great fuel economy along with entry level luxury, I think the CT is a great choice.  CT, A3 TDI or CSX.  Those are about your only options...

[ajay]

This ct weighs 3,130 lbs and puts out 134 hp .  Totally lame .
I remember Eric's review . It is simply too unresponsive to throttle inputs making it a frustrating car to drive in my mind .
Take the Echo , it weighs 2,081 lbs and has 108 hp , this little echo would be far more responsive than the ct could ever be . imo this ct is for people who are stuck in bumper to bumper all day and want to get good mpg . It can handle but with such an unresponsive motor there is no point .

[sailor723]

I wonder why Lexus didn't produce a non-hybrid version of this car with an eye to being a performance luxury hatch and then offer the "h" as an "eco" version?

[wing]

I achieved 5.4L/100km over 600km (almost drained the tank not quite).  Impressive IMO. 

[whaddaiknow]

This ct weighs 3,130 lbs and puts out 134 hp .  Totally lame .
I remember Eric's review . It is simply too unresponsive to throttle inputs making it a frustrating car to drive in my mind .
...

And that's what I said to myself after test driving the CT and 328i back to back, so the 3 won. Besides, waiting 9+ months to take delivery? I'm not that big a fan.