2018 Lexus CT Review

Overview:

The Lexus was once the prime luxury brand for the Toyota for the North American market. But since last few years, it is becoming luxury brand all around the world. Ultimately it does not matter them a lot if they discontinue a car in some market.

Well, in 2008 Toyota agreed to the design of the Lexus LF-CH concept car. This resulted in the 2009 display of the production vehicle based on that concept. It was highly appreciated because of its design and powertrain. This was the Lexus CT, a sports hatchback.

Soon after that, the Lexus CT was displayed at the New York International Auto Show. Though the response was just fine. But it was enough to launch this car in the North American market. Lately by the end of 2010, the CT was launched in the European markets. Following that, it was introduced in Japan by the beginning of 2011. And finally, by the spring of the same year, the CT got its way into the North American market.

But it could only stay for 6 good years in the US market. By 2017 the Lexus CT had to make a farewell call and it departed the United States. But it is still alive everywhere else. Like the British still has this car and they love to kiss it at every moment it revs.

Throughout its course of life, it has earned various awards. Like in 2011 it was titled as Australia’s Best (small) Car. And in the same year, it earned the Asian Auto Fuel Efficiency Award.

The present-day CT begins from $33,097.64. And the model range consists of 6 models, all based on exterior cosmetics and interior ingredients.

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Specifications:

Engine	Transmission	HP	Torque
1.8 L	ECVT	134 hp	153 lb – ft
0 – 62 MPH	Top Speed	Body Style	MPG
10.6s	112 mph	Hatchback	43 city/ 40 highway

Performance:

The Lexus CT has been designed to serve the luxury and comfort level with acknowledgeable lower fueling cost. The comfort level could be distinguished through its design and interior structure. While the lower fuel cost could be ascertained through the hybrid drivetrain.

Well, the Lexus is indeed a Lexus. But this Lexus shares its drivetrain with the Prius. The CT comes with the 1.8 L inline 4-cylinder engines, based on the Atkinson cycle. It is the same engine that you would find in almost every Prius. Even the power rating is same. The CT has 98 horses to pound 105 lb-ft of torque.

The electric motor offers the brackets to save fuel. It joins muscle with the gasoline engine and takes the overall power ratio of this car to 134 hp with 153 lb-ft of torque. Well, this is all you will get with the Toyota Prius.

Certainly, the drive is not much different. But if there is anything different, then that would be the handling. The CT is poised with a smooth handling structure and road grip. Though it is not much different than any ordinary Prius. But it is filled with sweetness.

The CT stops within 175 ft from 70-0 mph. That is a pretty decent braking system, especially when concerned about the urban driving. Further, the road grip is almost 300-ft-dia with a downforce of 0.83g.

Precisely, the Lexus CT is quite a fine city car with plausible specs. And opting it as a family ride would not be wrong.

Exterior:

The Lexus CT has pretty impressive exterior style. It has indeed an attractive structure that really appeals the sight. The bold looks and a decent lounge of the aerodynamics enhance the ride quality. Though it weighs 3271 lbs, certainly more than an average hatchback, it manages to cope with the performance ability.

The available 17-inch alloy wheels add more to the beauty of this car. Further, the tiny spoiler, a large Lexus signature grille, fog lights and the smart headlamps are really impressive cosmetic inclusion.

Interior:

The CT continues the Lexus luxury interior tradition. It gets the comfortable leather seats, fiber trim and plenty of convenience spots. The seating is comfortable in this car. You can get 3 guys along with you to sit in this car. It has plenty of space to sit.

The interior appointment is quite decent. Certainly, it is fully loaded luxury hatchback designed for the comfort-loving families. The heated front seats and automatic climate control adds more fuel to the luxury.

Features:

A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is available for the Lexus CT. It is a pretty common kind of telematics system with multimedia options and the navigation. Further, this system includes the telephony options and 3D map display. Along with that, the Mark Levinson’s 13-speaker audio system is available for this car with the 71-channel digital surround sound. But the Apple CarPlay and the Android Auto are not available for this Bella.

Safety:

The Lexus CT has everything included that is required to make the driver and passengers safe. It has the airbags, the stretchable seatbelts and plenty of driving aids. The CT features pre-collision system, pedestrian detection, lane keeping monitor and adaptive cruise control. Further, it includes the ABS and the electronic brake force distribution. Along with that, the automatic high beam and the road sign recognizer are also available for this car.

Competitors:

The world-class Mercedes Benz A-Class is one of the competitors for the Lexus CT. The A-Class has style, performance, and elegance. She is indeed one of the exclusive hatchbacks available in the present age. And so is the Lexus CT.

Well, the CT was never a bad choice. But there are plenty of such hatchbacks available in the market. And certainly, this has forced CT out of US.