The 2011 Lexus CT200h will be the first dedicated hybrid in the compact luxury segment.

Lexus will add a second hybrid-only model to its line-up for 2011.  The CT200h will be the first dedicated gas-electric entry into the premium compact segment.

The 2011 Lexus CT200h made its debut, early this month, at the Geneva Motor Show.  The maker described it as a perfect fit for a small but growing segment of “eco-conscious” European consumers who want hybrid power, rather than the diesel drivetrains that have come to dominate the Continental market.

There was some question about if and when the small hybrid would make it to the States, but Lexus now confirms the CT200h will roll it into showrooms here for the coming model-year, and will make its public debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show.

“The CT200h is expected to lead the class in fuel economy and deliver low emissions,” claims Mark Templin, general manager of Toyota’s luxury marque.

The new hybrid, he added, will be positioned to young buyers as an “eco-conscous” offering that will “xymbolize urban, luxury living.”

The 2011 Lexus CT200h will be the smallest of the brand’s expanding line-up of hybrids, a list that already includes gas-electric versions of the GS, RX and LS models, as well as the first dedicated Lexus hybrid, the HS 250h.

The CT200h will be powered by a 1.8-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine that uses the more efficient Atkinson cycle, and which features Lexus’ Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, or VVT-I, system.  It will be mated to the Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, which features two motor generators.

The 2011 Lexus CT200h is aimed at "eco-conscious" buyers seeking an urban luxury lifestyle, says the Japanese maker.

Each of those can operate as either a motor, or as a generator. That allows the CT200h to recharge during coasting or braking, then use the energy stored in its nickel-metal hydride battery pack to get a burst of power during launch or acceleration.  That’s particularly useful with an Atkinson Cycle engine, which trades fuel efficiency for less aggressive performance.  The 2011 Lexus CT200h will also be able to be driven, for short distances, on battery power alone.

The NiMH battery pack will be mounted beneath the rear cargo floor, in part to improve vehicle balance.

The 2011 Lexus CT200h will feature four drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport and EV.  The latter makes it more likely that, under optimum conditions, the hybrid will operate in battery mode for up to a mile at a time.  Eco mode will adjust climate control and throttle settings to maximize mileage.

Meanwhile, in Sport mode, the electric drive system ramps up from 500 to 650 volts, and the throttle and electric power steering switch to more aggressive settings.

If the looks of the 2011 Lexus CT200h trigger a sense of déjà vu, that’s because the compact hybrid’s design is clearly patterned after the LF-Ch concept vehicle that the maker unveiled, last autumn, at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.  The look of the hatchback is decidedly more sporty than the marque’s other dedicated hybrid, the Lexus HS250h, and features a long, aerodynamic roofline with what the maker calls “slingshot” window graphics.

The interior of the 2011 Lexus CT200h is divided into “display and operational zones."

The interior is more lavishly equipped than many models in the compact segment, reflecting the high-line positioning of the Lexus brand.  For the driver, the instrument panel is divided into “display and operational zones,” intended to make it easy to operate the vehicles and – in typical fashion for Lexus – its numerous electronic systems, without taking your eyes off the road for very long.

Standard safety gear will include ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, Brake Assist, electronic brake-force distribution and eight airbags. Optional technology includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and the Lexus Pre-Collision System, which is designed to alert a driver to a potential crash.

On the comfort, convenience and infotainment list are standard items like eight-way power driver’s seat, a tilt/telescope steering wheel and keyless entry and ignition, as well as a six-speaker audio system with integrated iPod control, Bluetooth and XM Radio.  Navigation and an upgraded audio/info system will be optional.