Enthusiastically, I picked up the Lexus Hybrid CT200h at Portland's airport; the first Lexus I'd driven since buying my fabulous 1997 Lexus ES300, which consistently delivers a smooth, quiet, luxurious ride.
So I approached Lexus's first compact hybrid with the Lexus customer satisfaction "bump".
Let's see how my Lexus satisfaction influenced the Lexus Hybrid CT200h driving experience.
The Look and Feel of Lexus CT200h with Recycable Parts!
At first, I noted the Lexus Hybrid CT200h sturdiness with ample trunk room when back-seats are folded down.
In goes the suitcase.
Then its elegant frame, solid doors, and, stepping in, the comfortable driver's seat.
The dashboard offered a navigation and sound system, and iPod/iPhone dock where I put my phone.
And a tool (a part of navigation system) to check my energy consumption.
The sound system was equipped with unique, bamboo charcoal-based resin and diaphragm speakers.
The driver and passenger seats offered seat-warming, which I'd learn are welcomed in the crisp Pacific Northwest fall.
The lights. LED.
Many components of the car were recyclable; constructed in such a way to enable easy dismantling in order to recycle later. Smart!
It was comforting to know Lexus armed this beauty with 8 air bags!
The Lexus Hybrid Drive System
According to Lexus, the CT200h emits almost no Nox or particulate pollution and enables low fuel-consumption.
I averaged 41 miles per gallon.
I want to emphasize that the Lexus Hybrid CT200h emits almost no Nox or particulate pollution, especially if you drive in all-electric or eco-mode.
The Lexus Hybrid Drive System offered the benefits of a powertrain architecture that is capable of operating in gas and electric modes alone or in combination for ECO or SPORT modes.
The system technology has been around for about ten years, and utilizes a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC gas engine, which makes 98 horsepower and an electric motor, which makes 80 horsepower, for a combined 134 horsepower.
Hybrid Technology
Finding ways to clean our air is my impetus for writing about cleaner cars, preferably in clean air destinations.
It is my hope that arming you with information about emerging technologies, over time, may help us minimize negative impacts to our air.
That said, hybrid and battery technology is relatively new and always improving, which is great. Necessary. Evolution. The way of the world.
Yet I get letters asking about hybrid safety. I am not an expert. I have test-driven many hybrids. They do not all feel the same. Brands and cars are as individual as people.
I have questioned the electro-magnetic field (EMF) along with many of you. I've researched on my laptop, (a source of EMFs). Made calls on my cell phone, (a source of EMFs).
We're surrounded by waves of one kind or another all the time.
I learned from Consumer Reports that a 2010 study compared EMFs of select hybrids and gas-powered cars. The study showed that certain gas-powered cars, especially with electric-powered steering, gave off more EMFs than their tested hybrids.
The consensus at Consumer Reports during last year's hybrid study, was that the hybrid technology did not expose drivers to more EMFs than conventional cars.
One thing I'd be curious about is to what degree Consumer Reports, or anyone else, tested the hybrid EMFs at those moments when the hybrid car alternates from gas to electric, thereby charging?
My woman's intuition tells me (and I am not an expert) that if there'd be any significant EMF impacts they'd occur during an alternating charge from gas to electric (I'd think it'd take more energy). Whereas, an all-electric engine, consistently doing its thing, might avoid whatever happens in the transition from gas to electric.
Okay, back to my driving experience.
The Drive
I found the drive comfortable but noisier than I would have preferred.
I may have had unrealistic expectations since I personally drive a quiet Lexus sedan.
The CT200h offered sport mode, yet, whether or not in sports mode, there was a noise factor.
And while it offered get-up and go, it didn't feel exceptional as sporty cars can.
A few times, it seemed like I felt the car switch from gas to electric mode, which I also experienced with two different hybrid manufacturers' vehicles. But mostly, the CT200h drove smoothly along Pacific Northwest freeways and city streets, offering reliable comfort.
When I felt the need for speed, the CT200h hugged windy mountain roads in the rain well.
In the hybrid compact car market, my bet is the Lexus CT200h is a worthy competitor. Others include Toyota's Prius and Honda's CRZ and Insight.
For more details on the 2011 Lexus Hybrid 200h click here.
Lexus supplied the 2011 Lexus Hybrid CT200h for review.
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