Lexus’ all-new CT 200h, marketed as a sporty hybrid alternative, is expected to do extremely well in the U.S. According to Brian Bolain, the national advertising and marketing manager for Lexus, about 1,000 CTs are expected to be sold here in the U.S. each month.
That’s a rather bold expectation. To put this goal into perspective, the sales of the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30 (which represent the vehicles most likely to be cross-shopped with the CT) rack up about 1,500 sales per month combined.
While there are plenty of competitors, the fact is that the CT is truly a standout vehicle. Powering the CT is a Prius-derived Atkinson-cycle 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. Combined with two electric motors and 28 NiMH batteries, the CT produces a respectable 134 horsepower. With the added help of a continuously variable automatic transmission, the CT 200h gets 43 miles per gallon in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
Toyota’s luxury division has not seen overwhelming sales with the Lexus HS 250h, but the CT may change that. Since its more stylish and sporting than the HS, the CT may achieve the elusive balance that Lexus Alexandria premium hybrid buyers truly crave.
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