Lexus CT200h Teased Ahead of Geneva Auto Show Debut
Lexus will unveil the first full-hybrid premium compact car at the Geneva Auto Show in March. Called the CT200h, it is inspired by the LF-Ch concept that the automaker debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year.
Interestingly, the teaser image that Lexus has sent us looks more like a sedan than the LF-Ch hatchback we’ve been seeing, but that’s probably to keep people guessing. Lexus is eager to get into the premium hatchback market in Europe, competing against models like the Audi A3 and Volvo C3, as well as against vehicles like the BMW 1 Series.
Under the hood we’re likely to find either the same hybrid setup as found in the Prius or the Lexus HS250h. We’re certainly hoping it’s the latter, which still only delivers a modest 187-hp. And if the HS250 is any estimate, then it should get close to 35 mpg (combined).
Lexus initially said the CT200h would not be offered in North America, but it has since been showing it at several different venues (including the LA Auto Show) in order to gauge interest on this side of the Atlantic.
We’ll be sure to bring you more on the CT200h, with live coverage of the Geneva Auto Show starting March 1st.
Click here for AutoGuide’s live 2010 Geneva Auto Show coverage starting Monday, March 1st.
Official release after the jump:
WORLD DEBUT FOR LEXUS CT 200h AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW
KEY POINTS
- World-first appearance of the Lexus CT 200h
- First and only full hybrid model in the premium compact segment
- New gateway model to progressive luxury and the Lexus brand
Six months after revealing the LF-Ch concept, Lexus is set to unveil its new CT 200h model at the Geneva motor show.
Created for motorists who want to lower their emissions, but not their standards, the CT 200h will be the first full hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment. It will offer new levels of refinement, sophistication and attention to detail, without compromising style or driving pleasure.
Equipped with second-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, the CT 200h reinforces Lexus’s hybrid power leadership in the premium market, joining the established RX 450h, GS 450h and LS 600h models to create an unprecedented range of full hybrid vehicles.
The critically acclaimed Lexus LFA supercar will also be on show at Geneva, just ahead of the initial order period for the model coming to a close.
Andy Pfeiffenberger, Vice President Lexus Europe, will host a press conference on Stand 4211 in Hall 4 at 4.45pm on 2 March.
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This will probably sell well in the US, especially with the environmental yuppy clan. In Europe the story is different.