Perfectly meet the requirements of a young, highly discerning, environmentally conscientious customer base. Yet it offers no compromise on the refinement and driving pleasure which hallmark the progressive luxury inherent in every Lexus.
A quiet revolution, the new Lexus CT 200h represents the synthesis of five key Lexus attributes which offer customers an unprecedented experience in premium compact motoring: Lexus Hybrid Drive and its tailored Energy Management System; a unique driving character; the dynamic yet elegant styling inherent in the latest realisation of Lexus' L-finesse design philosophy; Lexus' unrivalled manufacturing quality and attention to detail; and the renowned customer service which lies at the heart of the Lexus ownership experience.
The CT 200h's Lexus Hybrid Drive system has been developed in accordance with an extremely rigorous set of development standards. These unique standards include more than 500 items that set strict guidelines for raising every aspect of the dynamic and environmental performance of the new full hybrid to unprecedented levels.
With a new platform incorporating numerous, exclusively developed body, chassis and Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain control system engineering applications, the Lexus CT 200h has been designed to offer drivers a segmentunique choice of Dynamic and Relaxing driving moods. Combining the lowest possible centre of gravity with a high-rigidity bodyshell, a unique lateral performance damper system and new double wishbone rear suspension, the new full hybrid driving experience is characterised by high speed stability, smooth, precise handling, rewarding agility and the ride comfort expected of any Lexus.
The dynamic driving experience is further reinforced with a highly focused driver's environment. While offering a uniquely efficient, elegant and spacious cabin design, the Lexus CT 200h also features a low, ergonomically ideal driving position.
Marrying refined elegance to sporting dynamism, the Lexus CT 200h is a new embodiment of the Lexus L-finesse design philosophy. With a powerful new Lexus frontal design, sweeping lines which mimic the natural flow of wind over and around the bodywork and a purposeful, wide track stance, the new full hybrid is the perfect expression of compact precision and power.
The Lexus CT 200h is built at Toyota Motor Kyushu where, in 2008, the Kokura plant started operations as the world's first factory dedicated to hybrid unit production. The plant maintains the highest possible standards of manufacturing quality through the high-level fusion of innovative production technology and the skills of Lexus master craftsmen.
Quality, legendary customer service and the finest dealer network in the industry have always represented the bedrock of the Lexus brand. These remarkable standards of customer care are best reflected in Lexus' unprecedented achievements in thenumerous awards received worldwide since the brand was launched in 1990.
The compact segment became the largest in the European premium market in 2009, as a result of the increased demand for smaller, more fuel and CO2 efficient cars which, nonetheless, offer high degrees of refinement and driving pleasure. The compact segment is the strategic entry point into the premium market, with young customers representing the majority of premium compact purchasers.
Commercially available for order from November 2010, the Lexus CT 200h will be priced to compete at the heart of the segment. Pricing is expected to begin from less than 30,000 Euros in France. Worldwide prices will vary due to specification differences and local market factors.
LEXUS HYBRID DRIVE POWERTRAIN
With many rival manufacturers yet to produce a first generation hybrid, Lexus already has over a decade of experience in full hybrid powertrains. Marking the introduction of Lexus' second generation hybrid technology to premium compact segment customers for the first time, the new Lexus CT 200h reinforces the company's clear leadership in the development of full hybrid drive systems.
The new Lexus CT 200h is a full hybrid capable of operating in petrol and electric modes alone, as well as a combination of both. Its Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain delivers the performance benefits of a parallel hybrid combined with the energy-saving benefits of a series hybrid.
The CT 200h's Lexus Hybrid Drive features a unique energy management system which equips the new full hybrid with remarkably quiet operation, impressive, seamless acceleration and the performance customers expect from a premium compact segment vehicle.
Conversely, it delivers remarkable fuel efficiency and, offering significant cost of ownership benefits in many European countries, not only classleading CO2 emissions, but also generates significantly less NOX and particulate emissions than an equivalent diesel engined vehicle.
Further enhancing the Lexus Hybrid Drive system's outstanding environmental credentials, the Lexus CT 200h design incorporates numerous additional energy saving and environmentally-conscientious measures. These include an energy-saving air-conditioning system incorporating an electric compressor, a humidity sensor with automatic air inlet mode control and pro-active seat heaters; the comprehensive use of power saving LED lighting; a lightweight, energy-efficient audio system amplifier and bamboo charcoal speakers; and the extensive use of bio-sourced materials.
Lexus Hybrid Drive Unique Energy Management System
Through the application of brand-specific engineering solutions and a unique energy management system incorporating bespoke software tuning, Lexus engineers have focused on enhancing both the environmental and driving performance of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system, as well as its uniquely low NVH levels.
Engine control and throttle responses have been tuned to deliver the engaging, dynamic driving experience appropriate to the first Lexus in the European premium compact segment, while the minimal Noise, Vibration and Harshness levels generated by the Lexus CT 200h's full hybrid powertrain reinforce the remarkable quietness inherent in the DNA of every Lexus model.
Lexus Hybrid Drive System Architecture
The Lexus CT 200h's second generation full hybrid system features a 1.8 litre petrol engine, a powerful electric motor, a 42kW generator, a high performance, 202V, 27kW battery, a power control unit, and a power split device which employs a planetary gear set to combine and reallocate power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements.
The electric motor, generator and power split device are all housed in one lightweight, highly compact transmission casing directly comparable in size to that of a conventional gearbox. Drive to the front wheels is provided by the full hybrid system's seamless, Shift-by-Wire, electric continuously variable transmission.
The lightweight, highly-compact, 16-valve, DOHC, 1,798cc Atkinson Cycle VVT-i incorporates a cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system and a third generation exhaust heat recovery system. It generates 99 DIN hp/ 73kW at 5,200rpm and 142Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. The high performance, permanent magnet, synchronous 82 DIN hp/60kW electric motor generates 207Nm of torque from 0 rpm.
The electric motor works in tandem with the petrol engine to boost acceleration and power the driven wheels alone when the Lexus CT 200h is operating in EV mode.
During deceleration and under braking, the electric motor acts as highoutput generator to effect regenerative braking.
When operating in a switchable EV mode, the new Lexus full hybrid generates zero emissions, driving for up to two kilometres at speeds of up to 45km/h.
Performance
In combination, the Lexus Hybrid Drive system's petrol engine and electric motor generate a total system power output of 136 DIN hp. Via continuously variable transmission, the Lexus CT 200h will accelerate seamlessly from 0-100km/h in 10.3 seconds, and reach a maximum speed of 180km/h. Conversely, the Lexus CT 200h boasts remarkably low fuel consumption - a combined cycle figure of 3.8l/100km, and targets classleading CO2 emissions of just 89g/km.
Energy Saving and Environmental Performance
Allowing for independent control of left and right hand sides of the cabin, the new CT 200h is equipped with a compact, lightweight air conditioning unit. It incorporates a hybrid battery-powered electric variable capacity compressor, reducing the load on the engine to improve fuel economy.
Because of the need to heat the cabin and de-fog the windscreen, vehicles can suffer a drop in fuel economy during winter months. To counter this, Lexus engineers have combined a third generation exhaust heat recirculation system with new air inlet mode control technology incorporating a humidity sensor.
Via a windscreen-mounted humidity sensor which monitors humidity, cabin and glass temperature, the air conditioning system automatically controls the air inlet mode to increase the volume of recirculated air within the cabin. This combines satisfactory defogging performance with the minimum escape of warm air, reducing the engine run time needed to heat the interior.
The Lexus CT 200h's front seat heaters have been designed to operate proactively with the air conditioning heater unit. In cold weather, they activate automatically on start up, reducing the workload of the heater and further enhancing fuel efficiency.
The Lexus CT 200h is equipped with no less than 89 external LEDs -the largest number yet fitted to a Lexus model. Consuming 45% less power than conventional, halogen units, they offer an improvement in fuel economy.
A Lexus and industry first, both Premium Sound systems are equipped with unique, environmentally-friendly, bamboo charcoal-based resin diaphragm speakers, for a faster response and clearer sound. A new, energy efficient, Digital Signal Processing-integrated (DSP) amplifier is 26% lighter and consumes 50% less power than a conventional, analogue-powered amplifier.
Further improving its environmental performance, several of the Lexus CT 200h's larger components including the loadspace deck sides, deck board and deck board trim have been fabricated from a bioplastic material containing 30% plant-based polyethylene terephthalate.
DYNAMIC PACKAGE
The new Lexus CT 200h has been specifically developed to combine superior handling and a rewarding driving experience with the ride comfort expected of any Lexus.
The Lexus CT 200h benefits from a new platform incorporating numerous, exclusively developed body, chassis and Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain control system engineering applications designed to offer customers a choice of two distinct driving moods - Dynamic, or Relaxing - in conjunction with the full hybrid's EV, ECO, NORMAL and SPORT, 'on-demand' drive modes.
Focusing on every aspect of the Lexus CT 200h's bodyshell construction, Lexus engineers have developed both Dynamic and Relaxing driving moods through achieving the lowest possible centre of gravity, the optimisation of the body rigidity, and the reduction of NVH levels.
Introduced for the first time on a Lexus, a unique lateral performance damper system has been designed to absorb and minimise body vibrations to offer a more linear steering feel and further enhanced ride comfort.
Setting a new benchmark in premium compact segment ride comfort and handling, the Lexus CT 200h features a bespoke suspension design which combines an L-arm type MacPherson strut front system with a new, fullyindependent double wishbone and trailing arm architecture to the rear.
High Body Rigidity
Particular attention has been paid to promoting superior handling stability through the structural rigidity of the bodyshell. The Lexus CT 200h's torsional stiffness has been enhanced and vibration minimised throughout by a high density of optimised weld points, comprehensive cross-bracing, extensive reinforcement to both suspension and steering assemblies, and unique lateral stabilisers to the front engine mounts.
Torsional rigidity has also been enhanced in the upper body through the use of a fully closed cross-section around the entire circumference of the back door opening, and reinforcement on the backside of the rear side member and to the rear wheel housings.
Lateral Performance Damper System
Because any high rigidity body has a tendency to transmit vibrations, the Lexus CT 200h also features a premium compact segment-unique, front and rear lateral performance damping system designed to absorb and minimise undesirable body vibrations, offer a more linear steering feel and further contribute to ride comfort.
In lieu of conventional, fixed bracing, this Lexus-first system features a front performance damper connecting the left and right front suspension towers, and a rear damper connecting the left and right sides of the rear structural frame.
With a construction similar to that of a typical monotube suspension damper, the front and rear performance damper assemblies have reduced vehicle floor vibrations across a wide frequency range, reduced body deformation in left and right front suspension tower displacement, and even lowered audio system white noise levels.
Though difficult to analyse even using Computer Aided Design, micronsized, minuscule vibrations manifest themselves as a slight discomfort when turning the wheel and minute deviations in vehicle behaviour during straight line acceleration. Their elimination brings a new dimension of steering response, agility and ride comfort to the premium compact segment.
Lightweight Body Design with Low Centre of Gravity Offering superior dynamic abilities, numerous measures have been adopted to ensure the Lexus CT 200h has the lowest possible centre of gravity and moment of inertia. The bodyshell features a long, 2,600mm wheelbase with short front and rear overhangs, in which occupants sit as close to the centre as possible to reduce the moment of inertia.
In order to minimise the yaw inertia moment and improve the Lexus CT 200h's agility, bodywork components most distant from the vehicle's centre of gravity have been designed to be as light as possible. As a result, the bonnet, tailgate and bumper reinforcements have been fabricated in aluminium, creating the lightest Lexus yet.
Overall vehicle height, ride height and the driver's hip point have been set as low as possible. And the hybrid battery has been located under the loadspace floor yet within the wheelbase, optimising weight distribution and balance. Further lowering the centre of gravity whilst also maximising fuel efficiency by minimising weight, the body itself incorporates not only aluminium, but also a high percentage of lightweight, high tensile steel.
Low, Highly Focused Driving Position
Key to the new premium compact full hybrid's sporting driving experience is its highly focused driver's environment. It features an optimised seating position which combines a low hip point height with enhanced lateral and lumbar support.
Support wires have been built into the seat side bolsters to improve lateral holding performance, and lumbar support may be power adjusted through a 30mm range. The front edge of the base cushion has been shaped to provide a large contact area, reducing fatigue on long drives, and the cover incorporates a support pleat to better coordinate the motion of the driver's body with the vehicle.
The driver further benefits from a sporting, 370mm diameter, wide-grip wheel with a lowered, 21 degree steering angle, accelerator and brake pedal angles optimised to suit the low hip point, and a driver-focused instrument binnacle housing three large, high-visibility dials.
Maximising forward visibility, the bonnet has also been lowered in conjunction with the hip point. In order to maintain the appropriate spacing between bonnet and engine componentry for optimum pedestrian impact performance, this, in turn, required the design of a completely new air intake system unique to the Lexus CT 200h.
Drive Mode Select Switch
Supplementing the NORMAL drive mode of new Lexus, three 'ondemand' drive modes may be selected via the Drive Mode Select switch, adapting the Lexus CT 200h to either a Dynamic or Relaxing driving mood, while further improving either performance and dynamic ability, or driving efficiency, fuel economy and emissions.
EV, ECO and NORMAL drive modes place the emphasis on a Relaxing driving mood, with particular attention paid to ride comfort, smooth acceleration and the minimisation of NVH within the body, chassis and powertrain.
From start-up and at speeds of less than 45km/h the CT 200h can automatically operate in EV mode, driving under electric motor power alone. The driver may also select EV mode manually. This unique driving mode is not available to drivers of mild hybrid vehicles, requiring the full hybrid technology of Lexus Hybrid Drive.
With vehicle range dictated by battery charge, the EV drive mode allows for relaxing urban driving with minimal noise, and zero CO2, NOX and particulate emissions, for up to two kilometres. Because the petrol engine is switched off throughout its operation, the EV drive mode contributes to a significant reduction in the new Lexus' overall fuel consumption.
In ECO mode, throttle response to aggressive accelerator pedal inputs is reduced and air-conditioning control optimized for improved fuel economy. Depending on driving conditions, the ECO mode can help customers adopt a relaxed driving style, and can achieve a perceptible reduction in fuel consumption.
Specifically tuned to deliver greater electric motor power, SPORT mode focuses on a Dynamic driving mood, maximising the new CT 200h's performance and agility.
The hybrid system PCU boosts supply voltage by 150V to a maximum 650V, increasing overall powertrain output. Engine revs are held higher, and throttle and Electric Power Steering (EPS) settings are modified to give a faster response to driver inputs.
In addition, SPORT mode provides less intrusive operation of the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) systems, allowing drivers to fully exploit the new Lexus full hybrid's extended dynamic abilities.
The highly distinct character of both the Lexus CT 200h's Dynamic and Relaxing driving moods is further reinforced through changes to the driver's instruments synchronised to driving mode selection. Backlit in hybrid blue for the EV, ECO and normal drive modes, the instrument panel illumination, Drive Mode Select switch and a spotlight in the centre cluster automatically alter to red when the SPORT mode is selected. Simultaneously, the hybrid power indicator function alters to that of tachometer.
Suspension
The Lexus CT 200h features a bespoke suspension design which combines an L-arm type MacPherson strut front system with a new, fullyindependent double wishbone and trailing arm architecture to the rear, setting a new benchmark in premium compact segment ride comfort and handling stability.
Numerous elements of the front MacPherson strut suspension system have been exclusively developed for the Lexus CT 200h, including the coil spring, shock absorber, bump stop, upper support, and upper and lower insulators, a lightweight steering knuckle, hub and bearing, and a new antiroll bar for increased roll rigidity.
The unique, fully-independent double wishbone rear suspension incorporates a lightweight trailing arm, and positions the coil spring and shock absorber separately to minimise system intrusion into the loadspace floor. It also features numerous exclusively developed components, including the coil spring, shock absorber, upper support, bump stop, hub and bearing, and anti-roll bar.
In combination, these front and rear suspension systems compliment the new CT 200h's two distinct driving moods, combining the class-leading ride comfort essential to a Relaxing driving mood with the handling agility and stability appropriate to a Dynamic driving mood.
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
The Lexus CT 200h is equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS), its energy saving and lightweight design characteristics making it ideally suited for use in conjunction with the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain. Powered by the hybrid battery, EPS improves fuel economy by consuming power only when steering force assistance is needed. It is highly durable and requires no hydraulic fluid.
With a quick ratio of 14.6:1 and just 2.7 turns lock-to-lock, the Lexus CT 200h's speed-sensitive EPS is also the most direct steering in the Lexus model range. Steering precision is further improved through the mounting of the gearbox directly to the suspension subframe for greater installation rigidity, promoting enhanced driver feedback and a more linear steering feel.
When SPORT drive mode is selected, the EPS is modified to provide sportier driving dynamics. The system automatically governs the amount of steering assistance to offer more direct steering feedback and a more involving driving experience.
Aerodynamics
With the benefits of extensive Computer Aided Design and wind tunnel testing, the Lexus CT 200h has been designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. A resultant, class-leading drag coefficient of just Cd 0.28 not only improves fuel efficiency, but also significantly enhances high speed stability, handling and ride comfort.
Every aspect of the Lexus CT 200h's upper bodywork has been painstakingly detailed for superb airflow management. The minimisation of the vehicle's coefficient of lift essential to both fuel efficiency and handling stability, equal attention has been paid to underbody airflow management. Numerous aerodynamic elements include diffuser fins, comprehensive undercovers and wheel arch spats. Even the installation of the main exhaust muffler and the shape of the rear bumper cover have been optimised to create the smoothest possible underbody airflow.
Exterior Design
The CT 200h's designers have created a unique combination of elegance and excitement. The new Lexus full hybrid marries refined charm and glamour to dynamic sportiness, creating a premium driver's car that will attract a new, younger generation of customers to the brand.
The front of the Lexus CT 200h is the new embodiment of L-finesse, expressing the perfect balance of precision and power.
The grille is pushed forward of the headlamps for greater visual integration with the bumper mid-section below. It incorporates a deeper, more sculpted interpretation of the L-finesse signature arrowhead motif. The upper and lower grilles combine to form a unique 'spindle' shape, bringing both bold simplicity and elegant dynamism to the very apex of the vehicle.
The grille is flanked by headlamp clusters clearly positioned on a higher plane than the grille itself. This is a unique characteristic of Lexus models, focusing the eye at the very apex of the vehicle to give the design a resolute look and strengthen the impression of speed and agility.
To enforce this resolute expression, the headlamps themselves focus on piercing, single halogen or optional twin LED low beam lamps. Newly developed, integral, arrowhead-shaped daytime running lamps feature segment-first, advanced LED headlight technology, making the Lexus CT 200h instantly recognisable at first glance.
The deep front bumper and sharply sculpted front air dam flow into clean, muscular front wings which reinforce a purposeful, wide-tracked stance hinting at excellent agility and high speed stability.
The Lexus CT 200h's sweeping lines mimic the natural flow of wind over and around the bodywork, creating a dynamic yet elegant design that combines beauty with aerodynamic efficiency. The resultant drag coefficient of only Cd 0.28 both maximises fuel efficiency and minimises wind noise to further enhance the exceptional quietness of the Lexus full hybrid's cabin.
In profile, the steeply raked windscreen, long flowing roofline and unique, Lexus slingshot window graphic combine to create an elegant and highly distinctive silhouette. New, compact and aerodynamic door mirrors with an integral, LED side turn signal lamp feature a two-tone finish for a slimmer appearance. The long roof and sweeping character lines of the door form a tapered cabin shape which naturally curves in at the rear to follow the movement of air as it flows into the vehicle's wake.
To the rear, a pronounced step in the tailgate section flows from the muscular rear wheel arch shoulders, emphasising the wraparound rear window design. Anchored by sweeping tail lamps incorporating a Lexusunique L-shaped motif first introduced in the LS, this step combines with a broad rear bumper design to reinforce the new full hybrid's wide, firmly planted stance.
The flow of air away from the rear of the CT 200h is carefully controlled through the finely honed trailing edge of the deep roof spoiler, aerodynamic fins at the corners of the rear windows and the sharp, near-vertical junction of rear wing and bumper. Careful aerodynamic detailing of the lower bumper and finned rear undercover smoothes airflow from beneath the car, further improving both vehicle stability and fuel consumption.
The Lexus CT 200h is equipped with 15", 16" or 17" alloy wheels and hybridspecific blue badging. It is available in a choice of ten colours, of which two -Solar Yellow and Sienna Brown - are newly developed.
Interior Design, Ergonomics and Packaging
The visual impact of L-finesse is carried into the interior. Once again, a powerful simplicity of form harmonises with the hand-crafted quality feel of even the smallest details to create a uniquely efficient, elegant and spacious cabin design.
The dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: an upper, Display Zone, with an 8", LCD Multi-display screen located at an ideal distance for ata- glance viewing, and a lower, Operation Zone, which allows access to the uniquely designed shift lever and system controls such as the IF award winning Remote Touch.
This clear division of zones creates the Lexus CT 200h's unique fusion of an airy, spacious cabin and a sporting cockpit which places the emphasis on a snug, highly focused driving environment. All functional driving components are consolidated in the driver's seat surroundings, combining outstanding ergonomics with advanced Human/Machine Interface technologies.
Fully described in the Dynamic Package chapter, the driver benefits from a low, highly focused driving position with a sporting, wide grip steering wheel, optimum pedal placement and high-visibility instrument dials.
The extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft touch materials reinforces the premium quality of the environment. The shape and form of each interior component has been carefully designed to express the true form of the materials, such as the brushed finish of door handle bezel and the highly-tactile shift lever, seemingly carved from a single billet, and generously bound leather.
Within the Lexus CT 200h's long, 2,600mm wheelbase, both front and rear seat are placed close to the vehicle's centre to reduce the moment of inertia and enhance manoeuvrability. While the front seats are spaced at a distance of 710mm, the rear seat spacing has been reduced to 620mm and the hip point raised by 25mm, ensuring rear occupants a feeling of spaciousness and excellent visibility.
Front seat occupants enjoy class-leading head clearance and shoulder room. The seats are available with 6-way manual or 8-way power adjustment, the latter incorporating a memory function, power lumbar support adjustment and seat heating as standard.
The flattening of the centre of the rear seats, the thinning of the front seatbacks and the flat floor of the CT 200h's platform result in a cabin which offers rear seat passenger roominess comparable to any vehicle in this segment, with spacious leg and headroom.
With the compact hybrid battery located as low as possible beneath the loadspace floor and the adoption of a trailing arm double wishbone configuration minimising suspension component intrusion into the luggage compartment, the Lexus CT 200h offer a competitive, 375 litre luggage capacity. With the 60:40 split rear seats folded flat, this increases to a maximum of 985 litres.
The Lexus CT 200h awards customers unprecedented customisation opportunities through the widest diversity of colour schemes yet offered in a Lexus model. The interior is available in a choice of Black, Ivory or Grey leather trim and upholstery, and five fabric finishes -Black, Red, Blue, Ivory or Brown. These finishes are complimented by a choice of Storm Black, Brown Ash Burl Wood or Tropical Bamboo dashboard inserts.
Remote Touch
Integral to the Lexus Navigation System, Remote Touch is an innovative multi-function device offering simple, intuitive control over the Lexus CT 200h's audio, navigation, climate, phone and vehicle set-up systems.
Via a central transmission tunnel-mounted Remote Touch knob which incorporates reaction force feedback for enhanced tactility, it operates on the same principles as a computer mouse to allow the user to move a cursor quickly and easily over a selection of on-screen icons.
To facilitate the easier selection of icons, the system automatically 'pulls' the cursor to an icon passed in close proximity. This highly tactile feature makes the system extremely fast and easy to use, minimising driver distraction time.
SAFETY
As with every Lexus, the CT 200h's highly advanced safety features are structured around an 'Integrated Safety Management Concept', which is designed to provide optimum safety performance in every imaginable driving scenario. The Lexus CT 200h also offers the highest level of safety equipment in the segment.
Within a highly rigid, impact-absorbing body shell, the new premium compact full hybrid is equipped with the most comprehensive range of active, passive and pedestrian impact safety features in the compact segment. Offering drivers class-leading preventative safety through the use of the most advanced technology, the Lexus CT 200h has been designed to achieve 5-Star Euro NCAP and NCAP (USA), and 6-star J-NCAP (Japan) crash test programme ratings.
A world first in a premium compact segment vehicle, the Lexus CT 200h may be equipped with a pre-emptive, Pre-Crash Safety system incorporating Adaptive Cruise Control. Eight airbags and Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are fitted as standard, and an upgraded Electronically Controlled Braking-Regeneration system (ECB-R) incorporates Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), Brake Assist, Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
Lexus Navigation System
Accessed via the CT 200h's Remote Touch system, the Lexus Navigation System benefits from a powerful, 40Gb HDD capacity, making it one of the fastest, most accurate systems on the market. It covers the whole of Europe, and includes the traffic information infrastructure of each country. The system features voice recognition, with four additional languages including Russian, and a menu that can be operated in 14 languages including Cyrillic characters.
Lexus Audio Systems with Bamboo Charcoal Speakers
The Lexus CT 200h builds on the legendary standards already established by Lexus in the field of in-car high fidelity with a choice of three powerful audio systems.
Fitted as standard, the entry level Lexus Premium Sound System features a CD player, steering wheel mounted audio control switches and 6 speakers. DAB ready, the system also offers both USB and audio jack plug connectivity for the fully controlled use of portable music players such as iPods, and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with an audio/video streaming function.
Incorporating all of the above features, a 10 speaker Lexus Premium Sound System is also available, integrated with a 6-disc, in-dash CD changer and the Lexus Navigation System. The system features a high performance, Digital Signal Processing-integrated (DSP) low power consumption, 8-channel, full range class D amplifier, making its first appearance in a Lexus model. The new DSP unit consumes 50% less power than a conventional, analogue-powered amplifier, and is 26% lighter.
A Lexus first, both Premium Sound systems are equipped with unique, bamboo charcoal-based resin diaphragm speakers. Constructed using a complex compound combining bamboo charcoal, bamboo fibre and resin, the diaphragms are injection-moulded to a thickness of only 0.2-0.3mm. They are some 10-15% lighter than a conventional speaker diaphragm, yet 20% stiffer and with a 10% greater sonic speed. As a result, the sound is clearer and more natural than that of a conventional resin diaphragm.
The new top-of-the-range Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Audio System features 13 speakers and an 8-channel ML amplifier. Benefiting from the navigation system's HDD hard drive, the Mark Levinson® audio system also features a 'Sound Library' facility, using Compact Disc Data Base technology to transfer and store music files up to a 10Gb capacity.
Rear View Monitor
A back monitor is also available, automatically projecting a full colour, camera fed image of the view behind the vehicle onto the Lexus CT 200h's navigation system display or the 3.3" display on the inner mirror whenever reverse gear is engaged. Integral guide monitor lines further assist with precise vehicle placement for curb clearance and parallel parking.
Active Safety
The new Lexus CT 200h may be equipped with a sophisticated Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) that can help reduce collision damage and injury. It employs a millimetre wave radar sensor to detect objects ahead, recognising potentially dangerous objects ahead and assisting the driver in reducing the chances of a collision.
If there is a high possibility of a collision, PCS will alert the driver activate the Pre-Crash Seatbelt pretensioners and, when he begins to brake, provide Pre-Crash Brake Assist to supplement his own braking effort. If the driver does not brake and a collision is inevitable, Pre-Crash Brake will automatically apply the brakes to reduce impact speed.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) works in tandem with PCS, at speeds between 50 and 170km/h. The system will automatically maintain a selected distance from the vehicle in front. Once the road ahead is clear, the CT 200h automatically returns to its original cruising speed.
Upgraded by Lexus engineers to offer improved braking feel and performance, the Lexus CT 200h is equipped with a second generation Electronically Controlled Braking-Regeneration system (ECB-R) which coordinates the control of both hydraulic and regenerative braking. This cooperative control system achieves excellent fuel economy by proactively using braking force from the hybrid drive system's electric motor to recover as much electrical energy as possible.
ECB-R incorporates the full range of active safety systems, including a latest generation Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist, Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).
Passive Safety
With a bodyshell which incorporates a high percentage of high tensile sheet steel to combine light weight with maximum rigidity, the Lexus CT 200h has been engineered to achieve the highest safety performance in terms of full-frontal, offset, side and rear collisions.
Beyond securing the safety of its occupants, the new premium compact hybrid has also been designed to offer the best possible pedestrian impact protection.
The new Lexus full hybrid also features the second generation Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat concept. The revised system features a new seat back structure and headrest design. The new headrest is designed to sit as close as possible to the passenger's head during normal use, closing the gap between occupant head and headrest in the event of rear impact to significantly reduce the risk of whiplash through excessive head movement.
The new Lexus CT 200h is fitted with eight Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags, as standard: driver and front seat passenger front, knee and side airbags, and side curtain airbags. All front and rear seats feature threepoint, ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts. The driver, front passenger and rear outer seatbelts are also equipped with a pre-tensioner and force limiter function.
