THE HIGHLIGHTS

Lexus’ legendary comfort and refinement is more than evident in the CT, the world’s first full hybrid luxury compact car. From the leather stitching in the steering wheel, dashboard and centre console to the innovative technological touches like live views from behind the car projected onto the rear view mirror when reversing the F SPORT grade, the CT’s interior is exciting. Its sporty feel belies the impressive quietness inside and everything is to hand: many of the car’s systems can be operated from steering wheel controls or our award-winning Remote Touch technology.

A state-of-the-art audio system, specifically designed for the CT 200h Premier by Mark Levinson, fills the car with ‘concert hall’ sound while the duel zone electric climate control actually filters out pollen and diesel soot from other cars. The low and perfectly poised sports driver’s seat offers lateral support for a sporty feel when cornering and the boot can easily accommodate two large suitcases or two buggies. The CT 200h: join the quiet revolution.

DASHBOARD AND CONSOLE

The distinctive dashboard is ergonomically divided into two zones making all the functions and controls comfortably accessible. One contains all the CT 200h’s dynamic display functions and the other allows the effortless operation of the gearshift lever and the Remote Touch controller. Incorporating design elements from the LFA super car, the leather sports steering wheel also houses audio and mobile phone controls (once your compatible phone is connected by Bluetooth).

The display zone features a retractable seven-inch colour LCD screen located close to the driver’s line of vision – this enables safe and easy operation of many of the CT 200h’s controls (sat nav, audio, climate control, the hybrid energy monitor…). When the ‘Sport’ drive mode is selected, the crisp, white Optitron instrumentation switches to a dynamic red, the hybrid ecometer becomes a tachometer, and the customisable Multi-Information Display screen shows average speed, fuel economy and journey time. Even the rear view mirror can be a display surface: when reversing the F SPORT, live images from behind the car are projected onto the mirror via a miniature camera in the tailgate.

MARK LEVINSON AUDIO

Mark Levinson is one of the most sought-after high-end audio equipment makers in the world. Since 1972, their reputation for pure musical reproduction has been legendary as has their systems’ uncanny ability to reproduce audio subtleties and nuances with nothing added and nothing taken away from the original performance. Mark Levinson himself built the stage mixer used at Woodstock in 1968 and has since been credited as the founder of the high-end audio industry.

Despite approaches from several luxury car manufacturers, we are the only one featuring Mark Levinson’s ultra-high quality equipment. As Lexus cars are scientifically engineered to provide a highly refined and quiet ride, they provide the perfect acoustic opportunity for a ‘concert hall in a car’ experience. The Mark Levinson system in each Lexus model is painstakingly optimised, components adjusted, speakers positioned and tuning applied to address its unique acoustic environment.

The CT 200h Premier's specific acoustic tailoring provides 13 speakers delivering 7.1-channel digital surround sound from the Mark Levinson Premium Surround System for radio, CDs, iPods and MP3 players. Superb in-car sound quality also combines with the central display screen to offer an immersive home theatre experience when watching DVDs. This is state-of-the-art premium sound like no other.

INTERIOR COMFORT

With ample room for the driver and four passengers in complete comfort, the CT 200h offers duel zone electronic climate control, allowing different air and temperature settings for different parts of the car. Uniquely, this fast and powerful system is run exclusively off the hybrid battery - as are the heated leather seats – thereby reducing petrol consumption. The in-car humidity sensor constantly monitors air temperature, windscreen temperature and humidity and adjusts air re-circulation accordingly. The air inside the car is also filtered to reduce pollen and diesel soot from other cars.

Every CT is examined in our 'Quiet Dome' facility for smoothness and quiet running – and easily passed our stringent criteria. Extensive sound insulation – largely bio-sourced – ensures class-leading quiet in which to enjoy the superb 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system (or the 6-speaker Panasonic system). The car also features a USB port and connectivity for an iPod or MP3 player plus Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to operate your mobile phone using the steering wheel controls.

LUGGAGE SPACE

With all five seats occupied, the luggage capacity is 375 litres, which is enough to accommodate two big suitcases or two buggies. Folding down the rear seats more than doubles the space and creates a virtually flat storage area (capacity: 985 litres up to window level) ideal for transporting bulkier items like racing bikes. We developed the main ingredient in the cargo lining material – Bio-PET – from sugar cane; it is this inventive approach to eco-friendly materials that has helped ensure that the CT is 85% recyclable at the end of its life.

You are able to add accessories such as cargo nets, a luggage mat, dog guard and boot liners should you choose and the CT 200h can also incorporate a bicycle holder, a roof rack, a roof box and a luxury ski holder.

UPHOLSTERY & INLAY CHOICE

You can customise the finely crafted interior of the CT 200h to your own individual choice. There are three fabrics and three leather upholstery choices plus one for F SPORT which includes one distinct inlay for F SPORT only: a carbon graphite effect inlay. The Advance grade features exclusive Tahara trim as a standard, which is durable, lightweight (50% lighter) and eco friendly, releasing 65% less CO2 and using no solvents in its production when compared to leather. Tahara trim is available in Black or Tan and has a bamboo dashboard inlay fitted with Tan trim and a graphite-look inlay with Black trim.