Motor Trend has driven the Lexus CT 200h, and was plenty enthused by the experience:
…this car can handle. Quite well, in fact, in spite of its fuel-economy-friendly tires. The chassis is difficult to upset and when it does lose composure, it defaults to gradual understeer, at which point the nannies step back in…The steering is heavier in Sport Mode, which is good because it’s normally very light, but there isn’t a whole lot of feedback.
The most remarkable thing about the CT 200h is how easy it is to forget that you’re driving a hybrid. Regardless of driving mode, transitions to and from electric power and gasoline power are so seamless that you simply forget they’re happening. Power is plenty adequate in most situations, but can leave you wanting when passing or climbing hills. The brakes, meanwhile, are much more linear and dare we say “normal” than Prius brakes, without that two-stage feel when the regen kicks in.
Funny, I made the same exact point in my own review — the CT 200h doesn’t really feel like a hybrid at all, and I’m starting to think this may be one of its strongest selling points.
Overall, an extremely positive review, with the only complaints being some minor uncertainty about the exterior design and an active dislike of the internal LCD screen — points that lean more to personal taste than any real issue.
[Source: Motor Trend]
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