The criticism aimed at the Lexus CT200h was never addressed at the way it went around corners, the quality of its interior or even the odd shape that some people actually liked (the new grille helps).
What some didn’t like was the sole choice of just one powertrain, and absence of a non-hybrid alternative – it lacked oomph too, stepping into battle with the BMW 1-Series and Mercedes A-Class ill prepared, with under 140 hp from its 1.8-liter petrol and electric motor combo.
However, good news is headed the way of those who actually related to what was said in the opening paragraph, as a senior Lexus official, Mark Templin, recently admitted that only offering the CT as a hybrid negatively affected sales.
Speaking to Motoring, he suggested that a more powerful variant is being considered – it may get the 2.0-liter turbo unit which debuts in Tokyo under the hood of the LF-NX crossover concept, with the 200t designation.
He argued that “You had the people who loved the CT’s hybrid powertrain, the markets that need that kind of powertrain, and the people who are eco friendly or want to save that money on gas and that’s great.”
However, he conceded to having “missed a segment of the market for people who want fast cars; because a lot of people liked the looks and liked the way it drove so they wanted something faster. So yeah sure in the future, I hope we can account for that.”
Templin still stood by the decision to only offer the CT as a 200h, explaining that “It helped us solidify our place in history when it comes to the development of hybrid powertrains and showing that luxury and hybrid go together… It was just a natural step for us to launch a car that came 100 per cent as a hybrid. That was a good play. But in the future? Maybe we need both.”
By Andrei Nedelea
Note: 2014 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport facelift pictured
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