I also think it looks a lot like a Mazda 3.
I own a Mazda 3 and I was walking through a parking lot here in MontreaL and spotted what I thought to be a white Mazda 3. I thought to myself "That is a pretty sharp looking Mazda 3". It was not till I got a lot closer before I realized it was the new Lexus.
Looks good but way to similar in design to current car already out there. It does not distinguish itself.
I sat in one while in Florida last winter. The interior did not wow me.
It does look, in a basic way, like a Mazda3...an ugly Mazda3...I can think of scads of ways to spend 35 grand excluding this ugly load..Wow...a luxury compact with plastic seats...and only 35Gs...Must really get up and go, eh...With 134 flaming horses and 3200 pounds to toss around...
Man...what next? Gimmick, gimmick dragonfly
Well, I took one for a test drive 2 days ago. In short, I wouldn't buy one. The interior is a mixed bag, in general very nicely appointed with some cheap shiny plastic bits that will throw you off (the bit around the power window switches immediately comes to mind). But I'm nit-picking. Inside it is very nice.
But the drive... I would get annoyed at the slow throttle response withing an hour. Sporty this car is not with this powertrain. The chassis is good but the powertrain is a big letdown. The engine, when you hear it, sounds like a Corolla (wait, it is a corolla engine!
) and robs the car from its luxo feel.
But even if all of the above wan't enough, be prepared to wait AT LEAST 9 months for delivery once you place an order. And no room for negotiation, high interest rates. Basically, since the earthquake, due to the shortage they decided to jack up the interest rates to keep the demand ni check instead of raising prices.
After driving the CT, my Fit felt like a jumping jack with its immediate throttle respose and felt MUCH more lively.
Drove a BMW 323i immediately after, and despite the (relatively) spartan interior, it is a clear winner with MUCH lower lease payments, far superior ride quality with the sweet I6 and overall enjoyment. I've made my choice. Your mileage may vary.