Lexus CT 200h Compact Hybrid Coming to America

We’re not quite sure we believe it, but Lexus is bringing its all-new compact hybrid hatchback, the CT 200h, to the New York auto show in April, and it will go on sale in the U.S. Tentatively, the company is projecting an early 2011 timeframe for sales to start. 
 
Here's our full report on the new model. For now, we want to hear if you think this sporty, small, luxury hybrid will sell well in the U.S. The Lexus HS 250h, the brand’s first dedicated hybrid, isn’t selling particularly well; just 712 were sold in February. The brand’s new full-size SUV, the GX, sold twice as well, at 1,473 units.

Comments

Why? Just why?

Put on a Toyota badge, give a Subaru turbocharged 2.5, 6spd manual, sell it for less than $24k and Toyota will be on the right track.

I really like it and think it will sell if priced in low $30's. The HS is not selling that well as it's devoid of personality and gas is cheap. Hybrids need some edge in order to sell when gas is cheap and this CT has it.

Cars.com negative bias shows just by leading with "We’re not quite sure we believe it, but..." Why wouldn't you believe it?

Talley,
We don't believe it because it was widely believed this was a euro only model with no U.S. production intent.

Luxury hybrids don't sell well here.
Small luxury hatchbacks (audi A3, Volvo C30) don't sell well here.

This is both.

And there's no way it'll start under $30,000.

We have no bias. We're actually psyched to be writing about product instead of recalls.

Why's that Mazda 3 have lexus badges?

Looks kinda Mazda 3ish, but I like it. Definitely won't sell well though, there's no market for this type of wagon in general, much less a compact luxury wagon in the US.

Doug beat me out by 30 seconds lol.

James,

Not FWD, NO WAY!

Overpriced Matrix?