Lexus CT 200h F Sport Performance

CT 200h F Sport Performance and exterior enhancements include a unique suspension, front and rear styling, alloy wheels, and badging. Like all the other F-Sport models, the CT 200h comes painted in Lexus’ unique Flame Blue exterior color.
CT 200h F Sport receives a number of visual and performance enhancements in keeping with Lexus’ F Sport model line-up.

Inside, F Sport model CT 200h will receive optional unique interior trim, F Sport steering wheel, sports pedals, scuff plates, instrument panel and privacy glass.
CT 200h F Sport models will feature Lexus’ unique body performance damper, which has been designed to improve ride and handling.

The value equation has undeniably changed, but what hasn’t changed is that the CT 200h will still make many people in the market for a frugal, premium small car very happy.

When you factor in its level of standard equipment, the $49,900 F Sport model is the best value CT 200h. The Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain in the F Sport is the same as the rest of the CT 200h range. That 100kW maximum power figure puts the CT 200h F Sport on par with a base model Toyota Corolla. A nickel-metal-hydride battery powers the electric motor, and a continuously variable transmission drives the CT’s front wheels.

If it’s a sports hatch you’re after, the CT 200h F Sport will disappoint. The CT 200h F Sport was never designed to be a sports car. Despite the common powertrain, the F Sport is the most engaging model to drive in the CT 200h range. EV mode relies only on the battery and electric motor for propulsion. It tempers your throttle inputs and encourages the electric motor to support the petrol engine whenever possible. The system is equally effective in all modes.
The best thing about being in Sport mode in the F Sport model is the mood change within the cabin. The Prius – at 3.9 litres/100km – is the only petrol-powered vehicle that pips the Lexus for economy in Australia. The other competitors mentioned above are all diesels and still trail the F Sport by a considerable margin: Audi A3 (5.7 litres/100km), Mercedes-Benz B180 (5.6 litres/100km), MINI Countryman SD (4.9 litres/100km). The F Sport’s split-level dashboard/console layout is clean and user-friendly, although there’s a lot of hard, grey plastic for a $50,000 car. Over the base model, the CT 200h F Sport gets smoky 17-inch alloy wheels; sports grille, bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler, scuff plates and sports pedals; front fog lamps; F Sport badging; rear and rear-side privacy glass; and exterior mirrors with memory, self-dimming and auto-retract. Safety is first-rate with eight airbags (dual front, side, curtain and driver and passenger knee) and all the standard electric systems (ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, stability control and traction control), as well as emergency flashing brake lights and LED daytime running lights.

If all you want are two simple things – Prius-like fuel consumption in a package that looks and rides like a traditional hot hatch – the Lexus CT 200h F Sport is the only car in Australia that fits the bill.

Lexus Australia took the wraps off the F Sport version of its upcoming CT200h hybrid hatch at the 2010 Sydney show.

For the F Sport, the car retains the regular CT200h's hybrid drivetrain that is compromised of a 1.8-litre petrol engine, battery pack and electric motor. On the outside, the CT 200h F Sport, uhh, sports a body kit and different alloy wheels.

As part of the CT 200h F Sport upgrade there's an altered instrument panel, sports steering wheel, aluminium pedals and scuff plates.