Lexus CT and NX (2018 minor change)

Lexus's compact offerings, the CT hybrid hatchback and the NX crossover, have been facelifted for the 2018 model year featuring new faces, new interiors, and added safety tech to keep these luxury compacts prepared for the road ahead.

But first, let's delve deeper on the CT hybrid hatchback...

2018 Lexus CT

2018 Lexus CT interior

The Lexus CT has been with us for six years now, that's over a half a decade for now for Lexus's hybrid hatchback made for city pleasure in mind and although today's hatchbacks are evolving, the Lexus CT feels like it's been left behind when it comes to following today's trends.

Sure, the exterior has been mildly revised while the interior now boasts a longer screen on the dashboard but when it comes to performance, it still feels pretty much the same as the previous facelift three years ago or perhaps is it?

The suspension now boasts some performance dampers on both front and left to make handling even more emotional than ever and while it sounds nice, it still feels like it was slightly improved at all and while it retains the Drive Mode Selector, it delivers some mixed driving feels. ECO, NORMAL, or SPORT, it 2018MY CT feels like pretty much the same as last time and that's it.

Performance still pretty much the same as ever as you still have the 2ZR-FXE 1.8L engine connected to a 3JM electric motor and the conventional nickel metal battery. Running on engine alone, it produces 99PS of power and 142Nm of torque while running on electric motor alone, it produces 82PS of power and 207Nm of torque. Fuel economy is still 30.4kmpl by JC08 Mode standards, although now irrelevant due to WLTC Mode standards.

The biggest change for the CT on this 2018 minor change is the implementation of Lexus Safety System + featuring a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection Function, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, and Radar Cruise Control. With tech like these, the CT is starting to be as intelligent as a a college student taking an Associate's Degree.

2018 Lexus NX

2018 Lexus NX

2018 Lexus NX interior

Now, let's talk about the Lexus NX and onto its 2018MY minor change, the NX has gained a new face which is agressive in F SPORT variants whereas the interior gained a much longer screen on the dashboard but the style is not the concern because the 2018MY NX is the first to bear Lexus's revised nomenclature for turbocharged models as the old NX 200t is now renamed as NX 300.

Renaming aside, the NX 300 still bears the same 8AR-FTS 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, which is also the same engine that powers the facelifted Toyota Harrier a few months ago, producing 238PS, 350Nm of torque output, and it's mated with a new 6-speed AT with G AI-SHIFT. Fuel efficiency has gone up to 13.0km/L by JC08 Mode standards. Also, there's the NX 300h with the 2AR-FXE engine connected to an electric motor and an old-school nickel metal battery. With the E-Four variant, an additional 50kW electric motor is bolted to the back, which makes the NX not only feels capable on any road condition but also efficient as well. The CVT gearbox is standard for the hybrid model and as always, 21kmpl of fuel economy is plenty for the front wheel drive NX300h.

Like the CT, the new NX comes with Lexus Safety System + as mentioned above to give this crossover a much prepared stance for the drivers navigating through different traffic conditions.

The 2018MY CT starts at 3,770,000 Yen while the 2018MY NX starts at 4,400,000 Yen for the NX300 and 5,040,000 Yen for the NX300h. So, which Lexus compact will you pick? If you are onto something, you'd better be with the turbocharged NX300 but if you're on a long journey ahead, go for the hybrid variants. While not essentially enjoyable to drive by luxury car standards, these compacts are well-mannered enough to enjoy the urban landscape as much as any other luxury cars on the road right now.

Source: Toyota Motor Corporation

Lexus CT200h Minor Change

2014 Lexus CT200h

So, Toyota Motor Corporation kicks off the year 2014 with a new model launch and for a start, it's a facelifted Lexus CT200h hybrid hatchback. Although it's not as sharp-dressed as any other rivals from Europe, the CT is positioned as the cheapest Lexus money can buy so, for this 2014 minor change, how about a little 47 second science?

2014 Lexus CT200h

For its 2014 minor change, the CT now gains the Japanese luxury brand's signature Spindle Grille, first applied on the Lexus GS two years ago. It maybe sounds more predatory but the new face always in tune with the times of today's trends.

2014 Lexus CT200h interior

2014 Lexus CT200h interior

On the interior, there's not much to see of a change except some minor adjustments and tweaks on the software. However, there are over 80 variations of the selection patter of the interior color and seat upholstery. The seat upholstery now adopts L tex, don't know what it is, and depending on the variant, there are numerous seat colors to choose, sure enough to make it yours and unique.

What about performance? Well, not much of change here on the 2ZR-FXE 1.8L engine connected to a 3JM electric motor and the conventional nickel metal battery. Running on engine alone, it produces 99PS of power and 142Nm of torque while running on electric motor alone, it produces 82PS of power and 207Nm of torque. However, the biggest change here is its fuel economy and the base model will have a JC08 mode-calculated fuel economy of 30.4kmpl while higher-end models get around 26.6kmpl of fuel economy.

Steering wise, it still comes with the rack and pinion power steering while the suspension system relies on MacPherson struts on the front and double wishbones at the back. Not quite surprising but when you discover the Drive Mode Selector, you can select to three modes such as ECO for economical driving, NORMAL for well-balanced, and SPORT which makes the suspension get even harder for tight cornering.

2014 Lexus CT200h F-Sport

There's even an F-SPORT model as well and in this model, it comes with a rear-spoiler, a scary-looking front face, rear bumper, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and a black roof while on the inside, it comes with a new Dark Rose Leather, Dark Rose and Black, slate gray and black fabric. Don't get too comfy on this one because the F-Sport comes with a track-tuned suspension which some say it's made for even tighter cornering and emotional driving feel. Not quite sure but when it gets understeer, it really wasn't their fault.

The 2014 CT200h starts at 3,560,000 Japanese Yen up to 4,480,000 Yen, including consumption tax.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Mercury Grey Mica, Platinum Silver Metallic, Black, Black Opal Mica, Red Mica Crystal Shine, Mader Red, Fire Agate Mica Metallic, Flare Yellow Mica Metallic, Exceed Blue Metallic, and White Nova Glass Flake.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

I saw the Lexus CT 200h!

Lexus CT 200h parked near Kinokuniya Bookstore, Seattle

While shopping at the Kinokuniya Bookstore in Seattle and sadly, nothing's too interested showed up, I stumbled across a white Lexus CT 200h parked next to the store.

Yes I know, this is the Lexus CT 200h, the first compact hybrid hatchback from Toyota's luxury marque, Lexus. It was launched in Japan since January 2011. I drove one of these on Forza Motorsport 4. So, why am I meeting up with this again?

Well, there's a good reason why am I meeting up with this car again. I LIKE IT! It maybe more expensive than the Honda CR-Z, which is still my favorite hybrid sports car in the world, but this is less expensive than the ugly Lexus HS 250h, which pretty soon the US won't be selling these due to poor sales. When I taking a spin on Forza Motorsport 4, it handles very well and this will put the Prius into shame, even though they're from a different league. This car is what Lexus does...

Dance with Hybrid - Forza 4 style

This hybrid's too eager to be featured
on next season's Top Gear!

Because of the theory that the ratio of "Miles Per Gallon" championed over "Horsepower Per Ton", the introduction of hybrids and electric vehicles on Forza Motorsport 4 really put a twist on this flagship racing sim. The Lexus CT200h (chassis code: ZWA10) is one of them. It maybe classified as a hybrid but this compact hybrid hatchback truly has its darker side. It sure is the "Darker Side of Green" that breaks the status quo.

Up close and personal with
the Darker Side of Green

The price for the Lexus CT200h on Forza Motorsport 4 starts at 25,000 CR and this car is powered with the 1.8L 2ZR-FXE engine sourced from the Prius that produces 134HP of power and 169lb-ft of torque. The biggest redundancy on the CT200h was its CVT because this car would be somewhat a little bit slower than I expected. Just because this car has a disappointing CVT feature does not mean you can't have something special for this hybrid hatchback.

CT200h races through the Alps

Tuning the Lexus CT200h is like putting up the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle and it needs incredible tuning logic skills to push the CT200h class to its equal position. It might be easier to push this hybrid on the F200 class, E275 class, D350 class, or C425 class but pushing this on B500 to A600 is a very difficult task. Sadly though, you can't push the CT200h tuning even further to meet your demands.

Taking a day-off at Silverstone

What I like about the CT200h is its handling. In its F200 class, the CT200h has an agile handling despite the wheezing noise of its hybrid drivetrain and CVT. When I tried this on the Top Gear Test Track, it performed quite well on the Chicago, Hammerhead, and Gambon. Respectively, this is one of my favorites in real life but in Forza 4, it needs consideration whether I should accept the way the Lexus CT200h feels or not. We sure know that we are ready to "Dance with Hybrid" but sometimes, it may end up being nothing or in Top Gear terms, RUBBISH. If I were Jeremy Clarkson putting the CT200h on the Cool Wall, let's put this on COOL for a while but if this gets rubbish, I may end up putting this on UNCOOL.

Getting to know more about CT

Hello there, it's me! Now, I've visited Lexus of Bellevue to check out more about the all new Lexus CT 200h, the Japanese luxury brand's first 5-door hybrid hatchback that shows the darker side of green.

What they have here is the base model. Expect no remote touch, no flip-up monitor, nothing. Except for the USB connectivity! Now, let's think about this front view. At first glance, the front view will take a bold new step on Lexus' L-Finesse design philosophy. The CT200h is designed to be more European.

The side view is pretty much more elegant if you asked me.

The rear view looks sophisticated

The real action takes place on the interior. The seats are far too comfortable if you asked me.

This is the audio system.

Time to turn this on and let's get the party started!

This is how a tachometer looks like.

This is how a tachometer looks like when placed to Sport Mode.

Selecting which mode depends on road conditions. If you're up for some fuel economy, switch to Eco Mode. If you're up for some piece of action, switch to Sport Mode. The EV mode switches on the 60kW electric motor engine only for some low emission driving. Needless to say, the Lexus CT200h is one heck of the overpriced Prius but not in that way because of the Drive Mode Select. Eco Mode for fuel economy and Sport Mode for performance. Hybrid owners, consider yourselves doomed.

Boom!

Boom!

For those who are wandering what is the song played in the Lexus CT 200h TV commercial aired in Japan since its January debut. The song was titled "Here I Am" by Maia Hirasawa. Good news for those who want the CT 200h commercial song, it's here in Maia Hirasawa's latest single, Boom!

Not only it features the Lexus CT 200h commercial song "Here I Am" sung by Maia Hirasawa, it also features the cover song "Boom!" as heard from the JR Kyushu campaign ad. There is a Cornelius remix of the song "It Doesn't Stop" as heard from the Essential TV commercial from Japan.

Track Listings:

1. ブーン!
2. ヒア・アイ・アム
3. イット・ダズント・ストップ 〔コーネリアス・リミックス〕
4. ハッシュ・ナウ 〔アコースティック・ヴァージョン〕
5. ビコーズ・オブ・ユー
6. (エンハンスド)It Does’t Stop (ビデオ・クリップ)

For English speaking customers, order at:
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=VICP-64956

Dance with Hybrid - Lexus CT 200h Philippine Debut!

2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport

After its Japan debut in January 12, 2011, Toyota Motor Philippines and Lexus Manila finally brought the first full-fledged premium hybrid hatchback, the Lexus CT 200h, in the Philippines! And yes, this is how they do it!

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/lexus-manila-launches-ct200h

Check out the new Lexus CT 200h at http://www.lexus.com.ph/model/ct/ct200h/ct200h.html

Dance with Hybrid

2012 Lexus CT 200h

Is it official? Is it official that the darker side of green, the Lexus CT 200h, is coming to the Philippines? According to Toyota Motor Philippines and Lexus Manila, its coming this late February!

Scoop:

http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/lexus-to-launch-ct200h-in-february

That was quick. When the CT 200h debuted on January 12, 2011, I didn't know that LExus Manila finally got the memo and ready to bring the Lexus CT 200h to the Philippines just before the Philippine summer 2011! This is the cheapest Lexus we can try and yes, we are ready to dance with this hybrid!

Shall we Dance with Hybrid?

Compact Renaissance Zero vs. Creative Touring

Yes, the two hybrid hatchbacks made in Japan, the Honda CR-Z and the Lexus CT 200h. If you were not into Priuses and Insights, consider these two hybrid hatches are an alternative to boring hybrid cars. For a junkie; these can be boring. For a hybrid lover, both the CR-Z and CT 200h are sporty hybrids that possesses fun at the green level. For me, I wonder which of these hybrid hatchbacks is my good pick?

The Honda CR-Z is the world's first hybrid sports car that resembles like the 80's CR-X, henceforth that Honda fans called it the next CR-X, despite the naming is CR-Z, which means Compact Renaissance Zero. This car is made for green-living, fun-loving, people because of its 1.5L engine with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist. 

So far, tuners from Japan modified the Honda CR-Z to make it more fun to drive rather than being a normal, boring one. In some countries, there was some tuner miraculously engine swapped the CR-Z's hybrid engine into the engine used from Honda Type R cars.

The fun fact about the CR-Z is the 6-speed Manual Transmission. This transmission is the common amenity of Japanese sports cars and this hybrid has this kind of transmission, making it worthy to be called a fun-to-drive hybrid hatch.

The most disappointing fact about the CR-Z is its performance. Of course, some people think that the CR-Z is boring, others said it was much OK than the Prius. The hybrid engine doesn't satisfy my craving but for fuel efficiency, this is somewhat good, or is it? Boring but it was okay because most tuners are always welcome to tune the CR-Z further.

About Lexus' first hatchback, the CT 200h, this is somewhat their first entry to the premium hatchback segment. The CT naming in the CT 200h stands for Creative Touring. If I came close to its numbers; all I cay say is the CT 200h has more fuel economy than the CR-Z because the CT 200h has a fuel economy of 34.0km/L while the CR-Z gets 25.0km/L (CVT variants). However, the maximum output of the CR-Z is higher than the CT 200h because the CR-Z is 114 PS while the CT 200h is 99 PS. That was for the maximum output, but in terms of system output, the CT 200h has greater numbers than the CR-Z because 124 PS of system output of the CR-Z is not enough against the CT 200h's system output of 136 PS.

The CT 200h wins in terms of system output and fuel economy. In pricing, the CR-Z wins because the CT 200h costs about 3,380,952 Japanese Yen (about 2,650,000 Pesos) while the CR-Z costs about 2,160,000 Japanese Yen (about 1,960,000 Pesos). Consider the CR-Z cheaper than the CT 200h.

In the inside, I think the CT 200h has a better interior than the CR-Z. I believe the interior of the CT 200h is somewhat high-tech while the CR-Z is just ordinary and borrowed from the second-generation Insight.

There you have it folks. For me, I think the CR-Z is my pick because, this was last year's Japan Car of the Year. No wait, not only that, it still looks more fun to drive for a green-living driver. The CT 200h is somewhat an executives' choice with a price tag higher than the CR-Z. I just hope both of these hybrid hatchbacks will come to the Philippines soon.

Lexus CT 200h (ZWA10)

Most adults think that hybrid cars are just a children's toys. If they come looking on the new Lexus hybrid hatchback, the CT 200h, this hybrid car is no child's toy. It is a hybrid hatchback nested with Shadow Magic.

2012 Lexus CT

The reason how this new hybrid hatchback is enveloped with Shadow Magic because the Lexus CT 200h is the darker side of green. It is a hybrid car that has the Dark Side within reach, and you may already remember it on the special "Dark Ride" interactive web movie earlier. Dark times need a dark hero and this Lexus CT 200h is truly the "Gabriel Belmont" of hybrids.

2012 Lexus CT interior

Questioning from Lexus' design philosophy of L-Finesse, the Lexus CT 200h has a sharp proposal to attract wealthy buyers with its innovative design flow and hospitable interior. The exterior design seems to be more European than being Japanese but this hybrid hatchback truly shows its evil side outside but the interior has a good side within its menacing face. The interior packs with innovative conveniences including the Lexus Remote Touch that allows the driver to choose a wide variety of options while on the road. With L-Finesse, this evil hybrid hatch truly witness Hell in a greener side of view, that is Green Hell perhaps.

2012 Lexus CT

The Lexus CT 200h is equipped with the 2ZR-FXE engine, a 1.8-litre gasoline engine equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System II found on the third-generation Toyota Prius, accumulating a power output of a frugal 99PS with the 82PS motor equipped. As a hybrid car, the Lexus CT 200h accumulates a fuel economy of 34.0km/L (base model) and this has enough fuel economy to bring the Honda CR-Z to the guillotine. Although I admit that the CT 200h's power output is somewhat disappointing, I still want to take the Honda CR-Z instead but if fuel economy is just one thing, the Lexus CT 200h is my best pick.

Just like the Honda CR-Z, the Lexus CT 200h has a wide variety of driving modes to choose from, courtesy of the new Drive Mode Select. The Normal/Eco/EV Drive Mode is made for city driving or something casual and the Sport Mode is made to push the CT 200h beyond the bounds. Think of the Normal/Eco/EV Drive Mode as the Light Magic and the Sport Mode as the Shadow Magic as these mode suggests that Normal Mode is made for fuel efficiency and the Sport Mode for power and agility.

Lucky for you that the Lexus CT 200h is equipped with Paddle Shifters that allows the owner to have a feel of a sports car while driving the hybrid car on the Shutokou or Touge. Please take note that the Harmonious Driving Navigator monitors the CT 200h's fuel efficiency and how fuel efficient affects the outcome between you and your dark ride.

CT 200h F-Sport

2012 Lexus CT F-Sport

To bring the Lexus Ct 200h on its full potential, an available F-Sport Package is available to bring out the taste of LFA at the city streets. The F-Sport comes with the aggressive grille, F-Sport Emblem, tuned suspension, 17-inch rims, aluminum sports pedal, and F-Sport Steering Wheel. The CT 200h F Sport is like a CT 200h wearing the God Mask in order to save the world from darkness.

My thoughts about the CT 200h:
Dark times need a dark hero, and this new hybrid hatchback from Lexus was the Dark Hero that can save the world from darkness. Combining the thrill of a sports car with the efficiency of the hybrid car is just one thing the CT 200h knows but only wealthy, green-living, executives are welcomed to be indulged with the Dark Ride. CT stands for Creative Touring and this Creative Touring of Lexus is ready to dance at the streets of Tokyo. Although it was intended for Europe sale, the Lexus CT 200h made it a worldwide basis and I hope Lexus Manila will join the Dark Side with the CT 200h soon. Go ahead, dance with the CT 200h if you are ready to bring this dark ride to a date with destiny 'till sunshine!

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation