New Lexus hybrid is cleaner than a Smart Car
Posted by DavidM in Buying green, Driving, Oil, Transport | 3 May 2011
It shows how things are changing when you can buy a luxury marque with better environmental performance than a range specifically designed for low-cost, low-emissions city driving.
Lexus, the pioneers of luxury hybrid motoring and part of the Toyota family, have launched the Lexus CT hybrid compact hatchback.
Prices start at £23,485 and it comes with the quality of build, equipment list and interior comfort you'd expect of a luxury brand, yet it is the lowest emissions hybrid they have produced to date.
At 94 g/km it has lower emissions than a Smart fortwo (97/98 g/km) and almost exactly the same fuel consumption (68.9mpg combined). This is partly reflected in lower speed performance figures than it's main rivals but with a 0-60mph time of 10.3 seconds and a top speed of 112mph it's no slouch. Plus of course, those interested in the frugality of this car are unlikely to be keen to burn away from the lights.
Lexus now have four models with hybrid technology, ranging from the compact CT up to the LS luxury saloon and RX 4x4. While the larger vehicles in the range may not be as clean as other smaller vehicles, you're better off buying a Lexus than the other luxury marques.
For example, the Lexus RX hybrid will do 44.8mpg compared to the BMW X5's dreadful 22.6mpg. The BMW's emissions of 292 g/km are over twice the Lexus' 145 g/km. Yet the Lexus will still do 0-60mph in 7.8secs and hit 124 mph - slower than the BMW's 5.5 secs and 149mph, but still more than enough to lose your licence on British roads.
It's good to see one car manufacturer leading the way, we just need the others to follow suit.
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