Lexus is throwing down the gauntlet in the premium small car sector with the arrival of its CT 200h. All of the new Lexus five-door hatch models will come with hybrid power to make them among the cleanest and greenest cars in the class. It uses a modified version of the Prius' 1.8-litre petrol engine and electric motor, but in an all-new platform that Lexus promises will give a sporty drive.
Why's it here?
Lexus wants the CT 200h to be a big hit in Europe to take sales away from Audi, BMW and Mercedes, so a Geneva launch makes perfect sense. We'll still have to wait until the start of 2011 before we get to drive the CT 200h, but in the meantime we can tell you this five-door hatch will have significantly more power than the Prius' 98bhp motor. Front-wheel drive is a first for Lexus in the CT 200h and it will be able to travel 1.2 miles solely on electric power.
Show stopper or floor filler?
Hmm, a tricky one. It should be a show stopper, but we've seen the outline of the CT 200h before in Lexus' LF-Ch concept from last year's Frankfurt show. Still, the CT 200h looks to have the space and equipment to take on the best from Audi and BMW, and the hybrid economy and emissions should make it appealing to company car drivers.
Check out the press conference from the show below:
