New Lexus Europe CT 200h Video

Actually sport mode also gives you more power from the electric motor.I can understand people wanting more power,but that also means a higher price.Starting off with a 200h model and then if the response is good enough add a more powerful (and hence more expensive) model seems like a good strategy. I wouldn't get too hung up on 0-60 figures,as hybrids tend to be quicker accelerating at speed,you know for overtaking and such.

@Enthusiast: When I said it's faster than most of it's competitors, I meant it's competitors from Europe. BMW doesn't offer a 1-series hatchback in the US anymore, and I don't consider the 128i coupe a competitor to the CTh. I know they're both in the same price range, but it's hard to compare a coupe to a 5-door hatchback. CT200h (in normal mode) 134 hp 0-60 in 9.8 seconds 42 mpg B200 134 hp 0-60 in 10.1 seconds 116d Hatchback 114 hp 0-60 in 10.3 seconds Audi A3 1.8 123 hp 0-60 in 9.6 seconds So the CT is faster than the Euro-spec 1er and B200 even while in normal mode. Considering that Sport mode should increase performance, it might even be faster than the A3 too. Call it whatever you want, but just remember to do the same for it's even slower competitors. I do hope Lexus is working on a CT300h though, especially for the US.

Well, considering that this is a North American blog, and the other cars aren't available here, I wouldn't consider them the CT200h's competitors here. However, since this thread all started with the title "New Lexus Europe CT 200h Video", I guess I should keep it on topic. Even though there aren't too many direct competitors in the entry luxury hatchback hybrid segment, I still think this thing needs to do better than 9.8 seconds. I drove the HS 250 and it felt too slow to me and it’s about a second quicker.

@Enthusiast: I agree, I was hoping for around 200 hp and a 0-60 time of around 8 seconds. I wasn't trying to say that the CT is a fast car, because it isn't. I was just trying to make the point that it's competitors aren't any faster. By the way, the reason I keep on comparing the CT to the 116d, B200, and A3 1.8 is because the CT was designed primarily for Europe. It's not going to be popular in North America and doesn't have many competitors here anyway.

I meant to ask this earlier, does anyone know how much "sport mode" will affect acceleration?

Under full throttle acceleration in any of the modes the computer recognizes that the car needs maximum acceleration and will provide all available power to the front wheels. So the 0-60 will still be the same (assuming a full battery charge). The different drive modes adjust thing like the CVT ratios, A/C compressor, and throttle response; things that usually affect actual gas mileage. What will change acceleration is battery charge state. A fully charged battery pack will allow the motor-generators to provide more power longer.