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CT 200h: first impressions from a production vehicle

Discussion in 'Lexus Hybrids and EVs' started by MattD, Feb 27, 2011.

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  1. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    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...
     
    #61 cwerdna, Mar 7, 2011
  2. MattD

    MattD Member

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    Re: HS tires

    When I purchased my 2010 Prius with 17" tires I saw a notification that stated they were more limited life.

    That being said, my 2011 CT did not come with any warning about truncated tire life.
     
    #62 MattD, Mar 7, 2011
  3. drash

    drash Senior Member

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    #63 drash, Mar 7, 2011
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's attractive, but does look like a mazda.
     
    #64 bisco, Mar 7, 2011
  5. MattD

    MattD Member

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    The weather here has been not so good, so for now, my updated profile picture will have to do....

    Well, the update's not working, here's a mega compressed one...

    IMG_0346.gif
     
    #65 MattD, Mar 7, 2011
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm sure it's a wonderful car, but, smaller with lower mpg's, poor rear view and noisy mirrors on the highway?
     
    #66 bisco, Mar 7, 2011
  7. spwolf

    spwolf Senior Member

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    but it is a lot quieter, handles better and has million times better interior than prius
     
    #67 spwolf, Mar 7, 2011
  8. MattD

    MattD Member

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    There are slightly lower MPGs, but you get back handling, performance, much better visibility, and agility. The brakes are far superior as well.

    Electronics -- much better. I especially like the integration level they went to with in-vehicle customizations.
     
    #68 MattD, Mar 7, 2011
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is this your first lexi?
     
    #69 bisco, Mar 7, 2011
  10. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    (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.
     
    #70 cwerdna, Mar 7, 2011
  11. MattD

    MattD Member

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    No... I had two IS 300's, before my two Prius vehicles.
     
    #71 MattD, Mar 7, 2011
  12. MattD

    MattD Member

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    When I refer to braking I'm referring to pedal feel. The simulated pedal feel in a Prius is a nightmare to negotiate, the software remedy forced on us last year made things worse, not better, IMHO.

    As for performance, the handling of the car runs circles around a Prius. Try flooring it in sport mode and tell me if you don't think it's an order of magnitude improvement.

    I'm not trying to slam the Prius; what I'm saying is that this powertrain is the same -- it's software, suspension, chassis work, and better integration. There's no reason why Toyota couldn't do the same thing on the Prius, and it's disappointing that they didn't.
     
    #72 MattD, Mar 7, 2011
  13. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    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.
     
    #73 cwerdna, Mar 7, 2011
  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Most cars with low profile tyres will have that warning anyway and even moreso as you move up to 19" and 20" tyres (I wonder how long those on the Venza or Highlander last).

    Hmm... I did two highway merges, one in Sport mode and one in ECO mode. In Sport, it felt adequate (I had two other people on board). In ECO, I wasn't even trying since the highway was empty and I was going for max mpg lol. Stupid me, I forgot to check the Consumption Screen before I gave back the keys :doh:

    Although I only have the Prius in recent memory as a comparison. I don't remember how the Camry accelerates any more.
     
    #74 Tideland Prius, Mar 9, 2011
  15. spwolf

    spwolf Senior Member

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    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.
     
    #75 spwolf, Mar 9, 2011
  16. Skoorbmax

    Skoorbmax Senior Member

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    Good impressions post, OP.
     
    #76 Skoorbmax, Mar 9, 2011
  17. MattD

    MattD Member

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    The car handles acceleration better (it's more sure-footed) and the braking pedal feel is far more precise and easier to control. The Prius brakes (especially after the so-called remedy) were very touchy and difficult to deal with during the transition from regen to hydraulics.
     
    #77 MattD, Mar 9, 2011
  18. Tonic

    Tonic New Member

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    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!
     
    #78 Tonic, Mar 10, 2011
  19. cenix

    cenix New Member

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    any news on when lexus will be releasing a version with the lithium ion batteries?
     
    #79 cenix, Mar 11, 2011
  20. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    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.
     
    #80 cycledrum, Mar 11, 2011
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