Geneva Show: Lexus CT 200h to be Sold in the USA, Premieres in New York


The all-new Lexus CT 200h premium hybrid hatchback, which had its world premiere at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show today, will be sold in the U.S.A. after all as the news was officially confirmed today by the Japanese automaker.

Lexus' second dedicated hybrid model after the recently launched HS 250h and fifth hybrid vehicle in its U.S. line-up will be on display for the first time in North America at the 2010 New York Auto Show that runs from March 31 through April 11. European as well as North American sales will start early next year.

"When the all-new Lexus CT 200h enters the market it will be the only hybrid vehicle in the emerging premium compact segment," said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager.

"The CT 200h combines luxury features, eye-catching styling, and driving excitement that we know will attract a whole new buyer to the Lexus brand," Templin added.

In brief, the CT 200h is a C-Segment five-door hatchback (think Ford Foucs and VW Golf), and it uses a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that works with an electric motor, a high performance battery and a generator.

In Toyota's lingo, the front-wheel drive CT 200h is a 'full hybrid' meaning it can run on the combustion engine or on the electric motor alone or a combination of both.

For more details on the CT 200h, click here to check out our previous post.