The Lexus CT200h was by no means the most well-liked automobile right here within the U.S. It was costly as a result of it was a Lexus, gradual as a result of it was a Prius, and never practically as fuel-efficient as its non-luxury sibling. It was additionally a hatchback (though it was a luxurious automobile, too), which restricted the attraction even additional. The U.S. might not purchase mainstream hatchbacks in massive numbers, however we’re principally obsessive about them in comparison with luxurious hatchbacks. Luxurious automobiles are speculated to be huge, dammit!
The truth that massive numbers of individuals weren’t prepared to pay New Lexus cash for the Luxurious Prius does not imply it was a nasty automobile, although. Removed from it. It was simply misunderstood and poorly positioned, as a result of on the finish of the day, it is nonetheless an excellent trying hatchback with a Prius powertrain and a Lexus inside. Certain, you hand over a couple of miles per gallon within the commerce, however we’re nonetheless speaking a couple of automobile that is rated at 42 mpg mixed, whereas additionally being much more comfy than the Prius.
Which is why it is good to see Common Automobile Critiques spend a while in one of the vital neglected trendy Lexuses ever constructed. Is it an ideal automobile? By no means. But it surely’s additionally much better than lots of people need to give it credit score for, in the event that they even keep in mind it existed within the first place.
The Lexus Prius
As you’ll have seen, I’ve a little bit of a tender spot for the CT200h. It is not essentially my sort of bizarre, however some time again, my mother wanted a new-to-her automobile that was comfy, dependable, and fuel-efficient and ultimately settled on a used CT200h. My dad most likely would have most well-liked in the event that they’d saved somewhat cash and acquired a Prius, however I pushed arduous for the Lexus and one way or the other received. I am not likely certain how, however hey, I suppose miracles actually do occur once in a while.
In comparison with most different trendy automobiles, it is fairly darn gradual, however it’s not prefer it’s the sort of gradual the place you generally wrestle to take care of your velocity up a hill. It is simply not fast. And in case you would describe your self as broad, you are most likely going to have a tough time getting comfy within the cabin, because it very clearly wasn’t designed with the typical American in thoughts. Oh, additionally the infotainment system suck and odds are, you may nonetheless pay a premium in comparison with the extra fuel-efficient Prius, too.
However dang it if that cramped cabin would not nonetheless really feel principally model new, much more than a decade later. It is nearly annoying how nicely put-together a Japanese-built Lexus is, as a result of it makes so many different used luxurious automobiles really feel previous as compared. Whereas averaging near 40 mpg. Even higher, used costs look like hovering across the $10,000 mark, making the CT200h an important used purchase if rising fuel costs have you ever scared.
When it was new, the Lexus Prius would have undoubtedly benefited from a lower cost, however it’s good to see extra individuals realizing what an unbelievable worth this stuff are on the used market. Perhaps in a couple of years, the Lexus CT200h will lastly get the respect it deserves as a trendy, fuel-efficient, luxurious hatchback that is much better than its gross sales figures would ever have urged.
