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Lexus takes its full hybrid
drive technology to a new level
in the CT 200h, the model that
marks its debut in the small
luxury car market. The latest
development of Lexus Hybrid
Drive maintains the smoothness,
refinement and high efficiency
for which it is renowned, but
with a choice of driving modes
that let drivers tap into the
car’s full dynamic potential, or
opt for optimum eco-performance.
Choose your mood and
your mode
The Lexus CT 200h has two
distinct driving “moods” –
Dynamic and Relaxing – which it
adopts in line with the driver’s
choice of selectable drive modes
for the full hybrid system,
which comprises a 1.8-litre
VVT-i petrol engine, an electric
motor and an electrically
controlled continuously variable
transmission (E-CVT).
EV
(electric vehicle), ECO and
NORMAL modes place the emphasis
on ride comfort, smooth
acceleration and low NVH levels
in the cabin for a relaxing
drive.
Being a full hybrid, CT 200h can
operate automatically in EV
mode, switching off the petrol
engine and running on its
electric motor alone, at speeds
from start-up up to 30mph. Ideal
for smooth, silent progress in
slow urban traffic, it can
reduce tailpipe emissions to
zero, with driving range
determined by the level of
battery charge and local
conditions. EV mode can also be
selected manually by the driver.
Switch to ECO mode and the car’s
systems are automatically
adjusted to deliver maximum
efficiency. Throttle responses
are moderated when the driver
presses hard on the accelerator
and air conditioning performance
is altered to reduce its impact
on fuel consumption.
SPORT mode lets the driver
exploit the full potential of
the CT 200h’s dynamic qualities,
increasing power delivery from
the electric motor and
maximising performance and
agility. The Power Control Unit
(PCU) in the Lexus Hybrid Drive
system boosts the power supply
voltage to 650v, increasing
overall system output, and
engine revs are held higher as
the driver accelerates. Settings
for the throttle and Electric
Power Steering (EPS) are also
adjusted to give sharper
response to driver inputs.
Even the look of the instrument
panel changes to reflect the
move to more dynamic
performance: the instrument
backlighting automatically
shifts from hybrid blue to red
and the hybrid power meter is
replaced by a tachometer
display.
On
sale through Lexus retailers
from October, the Paris Motor
Show marks the official market
launch of the new CT 200h. |
