Luxury automaker Lexus will be introducing its first premium-compact model and lowest-priced vehicle currently offered in Malaysia in coming weeks. Pricing for the CT 200h in Malaysia has been rumored to be from RM168,000 for the base model and up to RM198,000 for the top model with all the features and accessories that Lexus is famous for.
This Lexus’ five-door hatch employs a Toyota Prius derived powertrain, (the Prius sells for just RM139,900) mating a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle combustion engine to an electric motor and a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. Japan’s overly generous test cycle indicates that the Lexus CT 200h can travel 34 kilometers on one liter of fuel. That’s approximately 80 miles per gallon. However, Lexus indicates that the CT 200h will return an estimated EPA rating of 42 mpg combined.
It will probably come with rain-sensing wipers, mirror backup camera, dynamic cruise control, navigation system using Lexus mouse controller and very decent in car entertainment. Do not expect the Mark Levinson system and real leather (take note that even the Germans use man made leather) as that will push costs up. You will get ‘Lexus NuLuxe’ leather which is better than the fake leather you get in a BMW 3-Series and BMW X1.
With great build quality, stylish looks and the Lexus badge, this could well be a best seller in its and some other segments. Head down to their Mutiara Damansara flagship showroom for a closer inspection…..sadly test drives are not available for now as stock is very limited with global demand very high.
