Competitor performance comparison
| |
Lexus CT |
BMW 118d |
Audi 2.0 Tdi |
| |
Auto |
Man |
Auto |
Man |
Auto |
| Power (bhp) |
134 |
141 |
139 |
| CO2 (g/km) |
94 |
119 |
140 |
115 |
129 |
| BIK 2011/12 (%) |
10% |
13% |
18% |
13% |
18% |
| BIK 2012/13 (%) |
10% |
17% |
22% |
17% |
19% |
| Combined fuel economy (mpg) |
68.9 |
62.8 |
52.3 |
64.2 |
52.3 |
| Acceleration 0-62mph (sec) |
10.3 |
9.0 |
9.1 |
9.1 |
9.1 |
| NOx (g/km) |
0.01 |
0.142 |
0.158 |
0.126 |
0.126 |
As the table above illustrates, the Lexus CT 200h with its full hybrid powertrain, outperforms key rivals in terms of CO2 emissions and combined cycle fuel economy, earning a significantly more advantageous company car benefit-in-kind tax rating.
* Data provisional pending homologation. Revised CO2 emissions data down from original provisional 96g/km figure.
Competitor price and specification comparison
|
LEXUS
CT 200h SE-I |
BMW
118d SE |
AUDI
A3 2.0 TDI SE |
| 17in alloy wheels |
v |
Cost option
|
Cost option
|
| Radio CD/MP3 (6-speaker) |
v |
Cost Option
|
v |
| USB port |
v |
Cost Option |
Cost Option |
| Bluetooth |
v |
Cost Option |
Cost Option |
| 6-way adjustable front seats |
v |
v |
v |
| Speed sensing power locks |
v |
v |
v |
| Active brake lights |
v |
- |
- |
| Dual-zone climate control |
v |
v |
AC only |
| Push button start |
v |
v |
v |
| Leather steering wheel |
v |
Cost Option |
v |
| UV-reducing glass |
v |
Cost Option |
- |
| LED daytime running lights |
v |
- |
-
|
| Rear privacy glass |
v |
- |
Cost Option |
| Rain-sensing wipers |
v |
Cost Option |
Cost Option |
As well as commanding an advantage in terms of fuel economy and low emissions, the Lexus CT 200h offers motorists a competitive price advantage, when like-for-like specifications are compared. For example, to meet the equipment features of the CT 200h SE-I - the model expected to account for the majority of sales - BMW 118d SE drivers would need to find almost an extra £1,700. Further details are provided in the data table above.
Who Says What
“...the CT 200h has a distinctly sporting character. This may seem at odds with its CVT auto transmission and somewhat less than neck-snapping 0-62 time, but Lexus engineers have also gone to town on this car's dynamics. On a bumpy road the chassis and body feel exceptionally rigid and well-controlled. The ride is firm but impressively compliant, while the speed-sensitive electric power steering is direct (just 2.7 turns lock-to-lock). At speed the steering almost feels heavy (aka sporty), and everything feels very taut indeed. “....I wouldn't rush out to buy a 1-Series or A3 without seriously considering the CT 200h.”
"The most remarkable thing about the CT 200h is how easy it is to forget that you’re driving a hybrid. Regardless of driving mode, transitions to and from electric power and gasoline power are so seamless that you simply forget they’re happening."
Motortrend.com
"The hybrid image, the low taxation figures, the asking price and Lexus' thoroughly deserved reputation for customer service makes this a highly sensible overall proposition.
"As it stands Audi and BMW should already be worried."
MSN Cars
“The Lexus LF-Ch will showcase a new design direction for Lexus. Which is something they probably need, particularly if they are to attract younger buyers. The Lexus demographic is distinctly middle-aged, so this new compact hatch is designed to be a funkier, younger design than the current conservative offerings.
“This is the big hope for Lexus to compete with the offerings from Audi with the A3 and BMW with the 1 Series. And if the design of the new compact hatch does seem funky and contemporary when we get to see it in full then they are in with a chance. Lexus makes a very good car, and if they can shake off their boring and conservative mantle – without alienating exiting customers – they could have found a winner.”
Cars UK
“Not only is this the first Lexus that could directly compete with BMW's 1-Series or the Audi A3, but it's packed with the now-familiar hybrid technology seen throughout the line-up. As such, Lexus is positioning to become a hybrid-only marque. It's a bold move that should certainly stir up the competitive European premium compact segment.
“By next year the compact segment is expected to claim the largest share of the European premium car market. The LF-Ch concept reaffirms Lexus's commitment to Europe, combining compact dimensions, stylish five-door, full hybrid technology and low emissions to satisfy the most demanding customer requirements and to appeal to a new, younger generation of customers.”
Tiscali.co.uk Motoring
“It reflects the growing demand for cars that are smaller and more fuel and CO2 efficient, but with no compromise in levels of refinement and driving pleasure. By next year the compact segment is expected to claim the largest share of the European premium car market.” Carpages.co.uk
“Lexus is expected to challenge the dominance of diesel engines in this sector by emphasising the low-pollution credentials of petrol/electric hybrid drivetrains. The hybrid’s low levels of particulates and nitrogen oxide emissions, as well as its CO2 efficiency, will appeal in Europe, where many city centres are being converted into low-pollution zones.
“The exterior is based on the same ‘L-finesse’ design philosophy as the rest of the Lexus range, but it has been tweaked to fit this market.”
Autocar