All-New 2011 Lexus CT 200h: World's first compact luxury hybrid, starting
below $31,000

Fun-to-drive with sport-tuned suspension, CT 200h offers best overall combined fuel economy in luxury segment at 4.6L/100km

TORONTO, Dec. 15 /CNW/ - Lexus Canada today announced the all-new 2011 CT 200h, the fifth hybrid in the Lexus lineup, will available starting at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $30,950. The Lexus CT 200h is the gateway into the Lexus lineup, offering the level of refinement, quality and reliability that guests have come to expect from the Lexus brand.

"Lexus continues to offer the industry's most extensive selection of luxury hybrid vehicles," said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Lexus in Canada. "The CT 200h proves Lexus guests can have it all: a fun-to-drive vehicle that delivers bold performance and sporty design in a luxury compact hybrid that offers class leading combined fuel efficiency - all at a truly attractive price point."

The CT 200h can be operated in a switchable EV mode which generates zero emissions. Moreover, the CT 200h emits approximately 60 per cent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle, and has estimated fuel consumption ratings of 4.5L/100km in the city and 4.8L/100km on the highway utilizing regular gasoline.

In addition to the EV and Normal drive modes, the CT 200h offers Sport and Eco modes which can help enhance either performance and dynamic ability or driving efficiency, fuel economy and emissions. EV, Eco and Normal drive modes emphasize ride comfort and smooth acceleration.

Sport mode maximizes the CT 200h's performance and agility. The throttle and Electric Power Steering (EPS) settings are modified. In addition, Sport mode provides less intrusive operation of the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) systems. When Sport mode is selected, instrument panel lighting changes from blue to red and the hybrid power indicator is replaced with a tachometer.

To further enhance the overall driving experience, CT 200h features a sporty, wide-grip steering wheel and drivers sit in a low, 8-way power seat with a long seat cushion, lumbar support, and aggressive side bolsters.

Standard features on the CT 200h include the Smart Key system with push-button Start/Stop and touch sensors on exterior front-door handles; leather-wrapped steering wheel; a six-speaker audio system with steering wheel audio controls, MP3/WMA capability, CD player, and Bluetooth® for phone and music streaming capabilities; integrated XM satellite radio receiver; USB/iPod® connectivity; 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels; heated front seats and dual zone automatic climate control. The CT 200h also incorporates a standard eight-airbag Supplemental Restraint System.

To meet the needs of Canadian drivers, the CT 200h is available with a Touring Package, which includes 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a power moonroof. The available Premium Package builds on the Touring Package by adding the following the features:

• Drivers seat memory system with mirrors linked to seat memory
• Leather seat surfaces
• Auto-dimming side view mirrors
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror with backup camera and compass
• Rain sensing wipers
• Garage door opener
• 10 speakers and 6-disc CD changer

Canadian Lexus guests can also select an optional Technology Package which builds on the Premium Package by adding the following features:

• LED headlamps and headlamp washers
• Voice-activated HDD Navigation system with Remote Touch (with the Technology Package, the backup camera is displayed in the Navigation screen instead of the rear view mirror)

Improving its environmental performance, several of the CT 200h's larger components including the loadspace deck sides, deck board and deck board trim have been fabricated from a bioplastic material containing 30 per cent plant-based resin. This helps in the reduction of carbon emissions over the life of the vehicle. New for the CT 200h is the standard NuLuxe seat material that looks and feels like leather to driver and passengers, but is manufactured with the environment in mind.

The optional sixth-generation navigation system features a backup camera and Lexus' exclusive Remote Touch controller with user-adjustable haptic feedback. The innovative controller, similar to a computer mouse, eliminates the need for touch screen controls, allowing the pop-up navigation system screen to be mounted further up the center stack and away from the driver. This helps the driver benefit with a clear, high-resolution screen, improved sight lines and reduced eye movement.

About Lexus Canada
Lexus in Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 34 dealers across Canada. Delivering more perfect moments of advanced motoring, the best-selling Lexus RX 350 SUV - fusing intuitive technology and L-finesse luxury - is built for the North American market in Cambridge, Ontario, the first and only Lexus manufacturing facility located outside of Japan.

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For more information about Lexus products, and Lexus' pursuit of perfection, visit www.media.lexus.ca.