Lexus UK has issued an interesting press release outlining the steps taken to ensure the CT 200h has the “ideal” driving position for the sporty new hybrid. The key points:
- Lexus configures ideal driving position for new CT 200h full hybrid – the sportiest set-up of any regular Lexus production model
- Driver hip point brought as close as possible to the car’s centre of gravity
- New air intake system designed to ensure bonnet profile can maintain pedestrian protection quality without compromising forward vision from the low-set driver’s seat
- Driver’s seat includes additional lateral and lumbar support
- Design enables drivers to make the most of CT 200h’s agile handling and responsive performance
Much of this optimization was influenced by the IS F, particularly when it came to setting the hip point and its relation to the CT’s center of gravity — here’s an illustration to demonstrate the point:
The side bolsters are also influenced by the IS F’s sport seats:
Seating position is so important when it comes to providing a sporty feel — nice to see Lexus utilizing the lessons learned in the IS F’s development.
The full press release follows.
PRIME POSITION FOR A SPORTY DRIVE Lexus focuses on ideal driving position for new CT 200h
KEY POINTS
- Lexus configures ideal driving position for new CT 200h full hybrid – the sportiest set-up of any regular Lexus production model
- Driver hip point brought as close as possible to the car’s centre of gravity
- New air intake system designed to ensure bonnet profile can maintain pedestrian protection quality without compromising forward vision from the low-set driver’s seat
- Driver’s seat includes additional lateral and lumbar support
- Design enables drivers to make the most of CT 200h’s agile handling and responsive performance
The moment drivers get behind the wheel of the new CT 200h, there will be no mistaking the sporty character of Lexus’s debut model in the luxury small car market. Great attention has been paid to perfecting the ideal driving position, with seat design and location, steering wheel position and even the angle of the pedals calculated for the best possible results.
Lexus considered this element of the full hybrid CT 200h to be so important, it even came up with a new engine air intake design so that the bonnet profile could be kept low to ensure a clear view from the low-set driver’s seat, without compromising pedestrian safety performance.
The result is the sportiest driving position of any mainstream Lexus production vehicle, much in line with that of the high performance IS F. Central to this achievement is the low hip point of the driver’s seat, which has been brought as close as possible to the car’s centre of gravity.

This is complemented by a new sports steering wheel with a wide grip cross-section, set at a lower, 21-degree angle. The accelerator and brake pedal are also angled to take the lower hip point into account.

The driver’s seat design – like that of the IS F – has extra lateral and lumbar support built-in to hold the driver firmly and comfortably in place as he or she makes the most of the car’s dynamic performance.

With agile handling, responsive steering and a choice of driving modes, the driver, CT 200h demonstrates that Lexus’s full hybrid drive technology can deliver great driving pleasure as well as environmentally efficient performance.
Lexus will present the CT 200h – the new gateway model for the Lexus range – at the Paris motor show. UK sales will start early next year.
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