Following on from a nationwide dealer road show in December 2010 (hosted by Cathy Davey no less), Lexus has put its new five-door hatchback, the CT 200h, on sale in Ireland. Prices start at €28,450.
While the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series are obvious rivals to Lexus' first foray into the premium hatchback market, the CT 200h stands apart as being the only fully hybrid car - and it's the only version Lexus intends to offer.
Propulsion comes courtesy of the latest version of Lexus' Hybrid Synergy Drive. To you and me that means a 1.8-litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor. Maximum overall power is 136hp and drive is sent through the 'E-CVT' transmission to the front wheels.
The entry-level model is called the CT 200h Eco and it's for those that really want to save money. Emissions are 87g/km and fuel consumption is 3.8 litres/100km (74.3mpg) on the combined cycle. It's priced at €28,450, which includes LED daytime running and rear lights, 15-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, aux-in and USB interface, Bluetooth, steering wheel mounted controls, electric windows all-round, auto wipers and - unique to the Eco model - a more aerodynamic roof spoiler.
Lexus expects just 10 percent of Irish buyers to opt for the Eco version. The top seller is likely to be the CT 200h S-design, which costs €29,450 and adds 16-inch alloys, front fog lights, bamboo trim and more interior colour choice.
The Dynamic model, starting at €31,450, adds 17-inch rims, front fog lights, electrochromatic rear view mirror with integrated parking camera monitor, cruise control, rear privacy glass and more extrovert interior colours.
Given the luxury car remit, it's no surprise that Lexus reckons that the most expensive trim level, Executive, will be one of the most popular. It starts at €32,250 and comes as standard with leather upholstery in a choice of three colours, along with most of the other equipment added to the Dynamic. Notably, this version's wheels are 16-inches in diameter, in a bid to improve comfort.
The S-design, Dynamic and Executive models are a little less efficient than the Eco variant, with emissions of 94g/km and combined cycle consumption of 4.1 litres/100km (68.9mpg).
Despite the late arrival to market for 2011, Lexus hopes to sell its full allocation of 300 CT 200hs, with 75 percent to 'conquest' sales from other brands.
Mark Teevan, Managing Director of Lexus Ireland said: "We are delighted to introduce the Lexus CT 200h to Ireland, bringing the Lexus brand to a new audience. I believe that the combination of the CT model and its competitive pricing will be ideal for both a younger audience and those downsizing, a trend that is gathering momentum in the market."
Read our First Drive of the Lexus CT 200h from the international launch.