Lexus CT 200h Hybrid Announced for US

Toyota officials last week confirmed that the Lexus CT 200h, a premium hybrid hatchback, is coming to the United States, according to a report in Automotive News. The Lexus CT 200h would be Lexus’s first compact car, and the first compact hybrid sold by Toyota in the US. It is powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder VVT-i engine and the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. Two electric motors drive the wheels and recharge the battery pack. The hybrid battery pack is located under the rear cargo area within the wheelbase for optimized balance.

The CT 200h comes with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with four drive modes — Normal, Eco, Sport and EV — which are more or less self-explanatory. But don’t expect to cruise even to the grocery story in pure E.V. mode. The farthest you can expect using just the electric motors is about one mile.

Competes with: No other hybrids, but gas-only models like the Volvo C30, Mini Cooper Clubman and the diesel Audi A3

Looks like: Lexus is in a risk-taking mood — it’s the only thing a luxury hatchback could signal

Drivetrain: 1.8-liter gas engine and electric motor/generator producing 134 hp (total); front-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Early 2011