2014 Lexus CT200h F Sport Hybrid

2014 Lexus CT200h F Sport Hybrid 2014 Lexus CT200h F Sport Hybrid
Instrumented Test

As the realm of hybrids expands, we occasionally find ourselves contemplating cars that bring to mind a question posed in an old country song: “Is your mouth writin’ checks that your body cain’t cash?” At the small, sporty end of the hybrid spectrum, there’s the Honda CR-Z, which we’ve characterized as having lots of flash but not much performance to back it up. Add the Lexus CT200h to this exclusive group. It’s a slick compact hatchback with a sport label that looks like a cocky little street tiger augmented by the allure of hybrid fuel economy. Emphasis on the “looks like.”

To be fair, the CT200h delivers on fuel economy. EPA rated at 43 mpg city and 40 highway, it delivered 36 mpg while in our hands. That’s impressive considering how often the accelerator pedal was mashed against the floor as we tried to wring a little more performance from its “what’s-your-hurry” powertrain.

Hybrid Synergy as Sport?

The powertrain is Toyota’s familiar Hybrid Synergy Drive, entailing a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a pair of AC permanent-magnet electric motors, one to power the generator and starter, another that powers the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. It can operate in pure electric mode at low speeds or as a booster for the engine.

This is a sophisticated and popular-selling hybrid system. But it’s as sporty as a slab of tofu. Total output is 134 horsepower, which translates as zero to 60 mph in 10.6 seconds. That kind of performance makes thrifty subcompacts such as the Honda Fit and the Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost look like NHRA Top Fuel dragsters.

The CVT doesn’t help, either. Lexus extols the transmission’s “ability to quickly find the optimal gear ratio to enhance the driving experience.” But “quickly” does not mean “instantly.” Like all CVTs, this one takes some time to catch up to the power source when the driver stabs the throttle. And in this case there are no paddle shifters to provide an ersatz stepped-gear shift experience.

For that matter, there’s hardly even a shifter—just a little dashboard toggle lever that allows the driver to select drive and reverse, the latter accompanied by a particularly irritating chime. Is the chime there to warn passersby that the car—extremely quiet under electric power—is backing up? Nope. No chime audible outside the car. The chime is for the benefit of those inside the car, who might not otherwise know they’re going backward.

There are four operating modes: EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport. Engaging Sport mode causes a digital tachometer to materialize on the left side of the instrument binnacle—cool, but irrelevant with the meager power on tap. In Eco mode, the system delivers substantially less power for equivalent throttle pressure, and forward progress becomes even more deliberate.

Platform Versus Powertrain

Assessed strictly in terms of dynamics, the CT200h is much more worthy of the sport label than the system that propels it. Sinews are firm, the electric power steering is precise and quick (2.7 turns lock-to-lock), body motions are minimal, ride quality is just supple enough, the bucket seats provide plenty of lateral support, and interior noise levels are low. Optional F Sport trim ($1180), as installed on our test car, includes interior and exterior appearance upgrades as well as a sport-tuned suspension, which further enhances dynamic control. Our test car was also equipped with a Premium package ($900), Navigation package (including navigation, a backup camera, and upgraded infotainment system, $3490), and front and rear park assist ($500), bringing the tally to just under $40K.

Lexus calls the CT200h “efficient and exhilarating.” It’s hard to argue with the “efficient” part, and for that matter, the pricing. The aforementioned traits plus an attractive, nicely appointed interior are available starting at just north of $30K. But dialing “exhilarating” into this ride would require a different powertrain.