Lexus to Build Compact SUV Hybrid

This is not entirely shocking but interesting nonetheless.

Lexus is reportedly planning on making a smaller version of the RX SUV (pictured above) to compete with the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi Q3. But just like the CT 200h, which is meant to take on the BMW 1-series and Audi A3, it will be hybrid only. It’s an interesting move considering the offerings from both BMW and Audi in both segments are largely more performance oriented. This would seem to suggest that Lexus wishes to compete in the same segment, yet with something completely unique.

The new baby Lexus ‘ute, to be called the CX 300h, will be based on the Toyota RAV4 and is likely to use the same hybrid set up that the Toyota Camry Hybrid uses which is a 2.4 four litre with output rated at 187 horses.

Details beyond that are a bit scarce at the moment but expect the CX 300h to take a more luxurious route rather than a more sporting route like the offerings from BMW and Audi.

I came away quite impressed with my recent test of the X1 and would wager that it could be hard to beat, even value-wise, but we’ll see what Lexus can come up with.

One issue I can forsee being a problem is there being canabalization of CT 200h sales. The CT 200h and the CX 300h are expected to be around the same size, both with fuel efficiency in mind. The “300″ nomencalture of the CX would suggest it will be more powerful, but that raised ride height would likely mean better handling from the CT 200h.

This begs the question: which would you choose? A CT 200h or a small SUV version?

[Auto 123]

Lexus CT 200h Will Start At $30,950

Lexus actually names the Audi A3, the Mercedes-Benz B-Series, the Volvo C30 and the BMW 1-series as the CT 200h’s main competitors. In my opinion, the only one on that list is actually comparable is the Audi A3 and even then only with the TDI engine. They’re both 5 door premium hatchbacks built for efficiency.

And now it has even less in common with those players as the price is significantly cheaper than all of them and on par with the C30. It will start at $30,950.

So since the A3 TDI is the most comparable vehicle, let’s see how they stack up.

The A3 TDI starts at around $35,000 so it’s about 4 grand more. But it gets better efficiency on the highway than the CT 200h, 4.6 L/100 kms and 4.8 L/100 kms respectively. But the CT 200h beats the A3 TDI with its city rating at 4.5 L/100 kms. The A3 gets a still respectable 6.7 in the city.

How the CT 200h drives remains to be seen, but the A3 sets the bar quite high as it is, even though it suffers from under steer as I found out in a test drive.

Which would you take?

[Lexus Canada]

Lexus CT 200h Confirmed for North America

When you’re right, you’re right. And we definitely were right.

We reported that Lexus would be straight up stupid not to sell their hybrid hatch here in Canada and Lexus smartly decided to reverse its decision to not sell it here.

The CT 200h will now be available for sale on our shores giving some competition to the Audi A3, Volvo C30, Mercedes-Benz B-Class and to a lesser extent, the BMW 1-series.

The CT 200h will feature a 1.8 litre engine producing 134 horsepower and along with a  “powerful” electric motor along with a “drynamic driving experience”. It’s going to have to be pretty damned good dynamic if it’s going to take on the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series.

Lexus is touting the CT 200h as the first full hybrid in the premium compact segment just as it did with the HS 250h. And look how good that’s doing (not well).

Still, we predict much more success for the CT 200h as we Canadians love our small hatches. The CT 200h will do well among environmentally concious buyers with a lot of dough, but will likely get overlooked if people are looking for the performance and handling of the A3 and 1-series.

We’re waiting for you to make us eat our words, Lexus.

Lexus CT 200h Not Coming to U.S, But Will It Still See Canadian Shores?

It’s expected to make it’s debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto show in a about a month, and our Amurrican neighbours will not get a chance to have one in their driveways.

Even though Barack Obama said “Yes We Can” Toyota is saying “No You Can’t”. A Toyota Spokesperson confirmed to Edmunds.com that it will not be for sale.

This does not necessarily mean the same fate for the better country at hockey, however. In Canada we get many cars that the Amurricans don’t get such as the BMW 323i, and the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Also, we Canadians love our small hatchbacks way more than our neighbours down south. On top of that, we’re very much into fuel efficient vehicles, so it would actually make sense for Lexus to bring out the CT 200h for Canadians only. Right now the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, Audi A3 and Volvo C30 are the only premium cheap hatches to choose from, so Lexus would be smart to enter that segment as well.

There are few details released about the CT 200h, other than it will be a compact hybrid hatchback that is expected to take the cheapest Lexus title away from the IS 250. The teaser picture above would seem to suggest LED tail lights as well.