Lexus CT 200h Compact Hatchback Hybrid Coming to U.S.

[atlaw4u]

Will it sell in volumes that make sense however?

Brandon Hill - DAILYTECH - Mar. 11, 2010

Lexus buyers will now have a smaller, cheaper vehicle to choose from. -- Ed.

When Toyota debuted the production version of its Lexus CT 200h compact hybrid late last month, it was almost certainly destined to be a European-only vehicle. European buyers love smaller vehicles and hatchbacks in general, and the vehicle didn't seem likely to appeal to the buying tastes of traditional U.S. Lexus buyers.

However, that doesn't appear to be the case now. Following the success of its midsize Lexus HS 250h hybrid which slots in below ES 350, Toyota has confirmed that the compact CT 200h will come to the U.S. in 2011. According to Edmunds Inside Line, Lexus officials in the U.S. practically had to beg the execs in Japan to get the sporty vehicle to appeal to a younger clientele.

BMW has the 1-Series, Audi has the A3, and the U.S. officials too wanted a vehicle in the same mold. With the exception of the IS range and the ultra-exotic LFA, Lexus doesn't have anything in its lineup that would exactly raise the pulse of many younger buyers.
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[PaleMelanesian]

Why do they always focus on the electric-only range (1.2 miles quoted here)? That's totally missing the point.

Nice car and I truly hope it comes here.

[Butterfly Mage]

As usual, Toyota makes another hybrid for the rich. How about a Scion hybrid that people who make under $40k can afford?

[WriConsult]

I think this will sell well, though it will probably mostly cannibalize Prius sales. Toyota already sells a lot of Priuses optioned to the hilt, and a lot of Prius buyers would probably want the prestige/luxury of a Lexus if they could have the fuel economy of a Prius (which, sorry, a HS250h does NOT provide). I think it'll sell briskly.

[ematzen]

I'd love it is something like this came to the U.S. Slightly more upscale than the Prius, but just as functional.