A media brochure for the new Lexus CT200h – the Japanese firm's answer to the 1-series – has leaked ahead of the car's planned debut at the 2010 Geneva motor show. It's Lexus's first five-door compact hatch and pitches the company deep into what is tipped to become the world's biggest premium car segement within 12 months.This is the first time we've seen the finished car, and it's been watered down substantially from the Lexus LF-Ch concept car. While the dimensions and silhouette are little changed, the details are much more IS range than LF-Ch.
What's the tech story on the new CT200h?
The brochure spills numerous details on the CT200h. We know now the suspension will be a McPherson strut front set-up with double wishbones out back and drivers can pick Eco, Normal or Sport driving modes to calibrate the car's dynamic systems and power delivery.
The Lexus Hybrid Drive system uses the same 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and nickel metal hydride as the Prius, tied to a full hybrid module that offers a zero-emissions electric mode for up to 2km in town use at speeds of up to 30mph.
Plenty of dimensions are divulged in the brochure, too. The CT200h is 4320mm long, sits on a 2600mm wheelbase, the wheels span 17in in diameter and the boot stands at 345 litres.
What else will be at Geneva on the Lexus stand?
The same press brochure reveals that Lexus will launch a front-wheel drive RX450h in selected European countries. Dumping the rear-drive axle helps strip out weight and complexity to bring down the CO2 emissions of the Lexus premium SUV from an already remarkable 148g/km to a deeply impressive 140g/km.
Stripping out the rear transaxle and electric motor saves 65kg.
