THE HIGHLIGHTS

The CT 200h has the maximum five star rating from Euro NCAP (the European car safety assessment programme) and ranks it amongst the very safest vehicles in the premium compact segment. The optional Premier Pre-Crash Safety system (a first in this class of car) uses a sophisticated suite of technologies to help reduce the risk of injury and collision damage and a Euro NCAP score of 94% for adult protection is testament to the occupant protection measures in place.

OCCUPANT PROTECTION

Should the worst happen, the CT employs leading edge occupant protection systems to reduce the risk of injury to the driver and all passengers: even the foot wells use energy-absorbing pads to help reduce ankle injuries. The incredibly strong passenger shell strategically incorporates high tensile steel throughout and reinforced pillars and side impact beams complete the structural safety features.

Eight airbags provide protection, including full-length side curtain shield airbags and front knee airbags – another Lexus first in this vehicle class. The steering column is constructed to collapse on impact and whiplash injury lessening seats (which minimise neck motion on rear impact) and optional front seatbelt pre-tensioners in the SE-L Premier provide extra protection for the driver and front seat passenger. The CT has been awarded five stars in the prestigious Euro NCAP safety rating; in fact, its 94% score for adult occupant protection puts the CT amongst the very safest vehicles in the premium compact segment.

IMPACT AVOIDANCE

Our breakthrough Pre-Crash Safety system, available as an option in the Premier, is constantly primed to help reduce the risk of injury and collision damage. A millimetre-wave radar - discretely hidden in the front grille – continuously monitors the road ahead for obstacles; this information is combined with vehicle speed and the system’s computer works out the likelihood of an impact.

If the risk is high, the driver is alerted by a warning message on the instrument panel and an audible buzz – the suspension settings are adjusted and brake pressure is increased in readiness for more than usually hard braking. If an impact is calculated to be unavoidable, the powerful pre-crash brakes are applied to reduce collision force and the front seatbelts are tightened immediately before impact.

Although there is no substitute for safe and attentive driving, Pre-Crash Safety is always there, just in case.

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Available as an option in the Premier, Adaptive Cruise Control is supplied with our Pre-Crash Safety system as it uses the same millimetre-wave radar system. Just like a conventional cruise control system, it maintains a pre-set speed for the car; however, thanks to the radar, it can detect a slower moving vehicle ahead. The system then reduces speed accordingly by easing off the throttle or applying the brakes.

You can set a specific following distance between you and the car ahead and the system will maintain it by matching the speed of the vehicle in front. Once the road is clear again, Adaptive Cruise Control smoothly resumes your original cruising speed.