Lexus chose an auto show in China to showcase the 2014 version of its sporty CT 200h hybrid. There’s a number of new features to take note of, including a new grille, better styling, an upgraded interior, better driving performance and, perhaps most appealing of all, a new trim level that aims to be even more impressive.
Toyota’s luxury auto brand said from the Guangzhou Motor Show in China the 2014 CT 200h will offer up estimated fuel economy ratings of combined 42 mpg, 43 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. These are no different than last year’s model. As for what’s under the hood, this full parallel hybrid blends a a 1.8-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor through an electronic continuously variable transmission. Total system output is 134 horsepower, and a second motor in the hybrid system serves as both engine starter and generator to charge the hybrid battery pack.
image via Lexus
Capable of running in electric only mode for short distances at low speeds, the hybrid also has three other modes to choose from which includes one that adjusts throttle response and climate control settings to prioritize fuel economy. All the front end technology for this sits behind the new front end design, which consists of a spindle grille, LED daytime running lights and optional LED headlamps and fog lamps.
On the interior instrument panel is a new 4.2-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen which may be linked to the multimedia system and controlled via steering wheel-mounted switches. The multimedia system itself now features “added functions, improved operability, enhanced hands-free, voice recognition control and a new, center-console-mounted controller,” while the speakers which support the audio have adopted the world’s first bamboo loudspeaker technology to offer “noticeably improved sound quality.”
As for the specialty trim level, the new F Sport option is “designed with a more powerful road presence,” which means it sports an even more aggressive external look, special spoke alloy wheels, exclusive interior touches and sport-tuned coil spring settings and optimized front/rear roll rigidity distribution.
