CT 200h: first impressions from a production vehicle

Re: HS tires

I wasn't implying that they had the same tires or that the CT has run flats. I was wondering aloud whether Toyota started putting on short tire life disclaimers as standard operating practice on cars that ship w/tires w/low treadwear indexes after the Sienna debacle...

 

And for anybody who want to take a look at the owners manual, video style, here's a link to the How-To for certain parts of the HS, CT and RX hybrids.

Lexus - Knowledge Center - How-To Videos - 2011 CT 200h

Kind of a pre-owners manual in my case.

 

it's attractive, but does look like a mazda.

 

i'm sure it's a wonderful car, but, smaller with lower mpg's, poor rear view and noisy mirrors on the highway?

 

but it is a lot quieter, handles better and has million times better interior than prius

 

is this your first lexi?

 

(Not meaning to slam your purchase decision...)
I haven't followed the CT stuff since the car is of no interest to me, but it does seem to do much better in the skidpad and slalom than the Prius, so that goes w/the better handling.

However, the brakes don't seem any better when comparing 2011 Lexus CT 200h Road Test Specs vs. 2010 Toyota Prius Road Test Specs. Perhaps the brakes just feel better or feel like they're working better in the CT? Also, along the lines of performance, the CT is a bit slower than the Prius in every acceleration figure.

As for customization, I wonder how similar it is to the options provided on the HS 250h. I've uploaded photos of the customizations on the HS that I won a week test drive of at https://picasaweb.google.com/105684...?authkey=Gv1sRgCMKprqrCtpKdBQ&feat=directlink.

 

I see.

Too bad I probably won't get to do either on a 3rd gen Prius or Lexus CT. I can appreciate better handling and brakes though. My Z handles a lot better than my Prius (no surprise). My former 02 Maxima GXE handled and braked like crap compared to my Z. It was almost night and day.

I had a TCH as a loaner for ~1.5 days and it felt a bit boat-like compared to my Prius but I liked the softer ride.

I suppose some improvements could be carried to the Prius but I'm unclear how much of those changes cost in terms of actual parts and how much investment Toyota wants to recoup by charging Lexus prices. It's one way for Toyota to segment and distinguish the cars. Want better interior quality, handling and brake feel? Pay more for a Lexus hybrid.

 

i think there might be difference in responsiveness of the gas pedal, but if you simply floor it, it should be very similar... same with brakes... if you simply stomp on them, it stops the same, but feel is very different.

 

Good impressions post, OP.

 

I was curious so went to the dealership.......................test drove one last night and felt in love................ Ok i have my Prius since only 6 months and love the milleage and the hybrid system but owning a Lexus is my dream!

I might make a move but not in the rush for it. I will loose some feature from my Prius but would get other on the Lexus..............Plus a much better building quality!

I am not getting the best milleage on the Prius like 42 mpg and im carefull!

 

any news on when lexus will be releasing a version with the lithium ion batteries?

 

There is - cost. And weight. Those Yamaha dampers and multi-link rears would add cost and weight to Prius.

Prius doesn't need to be a CT. Just a Prius.