Planning to buy a CT200h F-Sport But which trim type (Takumi-2020 or Premier-2018)

[MOMOmo]

Hello Everyone,

 

I hope you are all well? I am planning to buy a Lexus CT200h and stuck on deciding if I should save a bit and go for the 2018 model than the 2020 but would like to know if there was any refinments or improvement they did to the newer one and if its worth the extra to buy it.

I have been trying to find information on the difference between the Newer F-Sport Takumi and 2018's F-Sport Premier.

and seem to not find any differences or improvements, am I missing somthing?

Please let me know.

 

Mo

[Moleman]

Go for the 2020 Takumi if you have the money.

[stormchaser]

I,d go for the Premier model as it will have the Mark Levinson sound system.Not sure if the later Takumi does?

[Las Palmas]

If you love musik MarkLevinson audio is worth listening to.

All other things are only for you to find out by testing both cars.

We have a Luxury Sport (that is what they call them in Spain). What it is similar to in UK I do not know. Sun-roof, automatic seats - windshield wipers - dimming of rear mirror, keyless open and close, navigation (think it is called 13MM), park assist, rear camera and probably a lot I have forgotten. Most appreciated is the ML audio.

[Las Palmas]

Forgot to say that the word sport does not go well together with hybrid engines of the size that is in a CT.

Steering and suspension are very close to sport, brakes are good, but it takes a bit time to get to know how to use them if used to a sports car. Engine power is adequate when putting the dial i sport mode, but for less than 5 seconds, after that there is no sport in a 1.8L hybrid engine.

Still the CT is firm and safe, well built and a pleasure to drive and if driving with purpose to come from one place to another it is absolutely gorgeous, quiet and excellent and with ML audio it is a concert hall. If wanting to always come first from one red light to another it is the wrong car.

[MOMOmo]

Heya thank you for the reply, checking both models they both have Mark Levison Radios, and checking the press releases for both, it looks identical, the only diffrence I see is Takumi version comes with a sunroof which I am not bothered becuase in the UK you only get to see the sun a few times and for a £7k mark up I'm not sure thats worth the extra.

Plus I've been reading on reviews which are now making me worried if I should either choose an F-Sport CT200h or the newest model Toyotal Corola GR (2020). Also, as background information I'm upgrading from a 2004 Honda Jazz (Manual)

 

Also, for interest I have attached the press releases for both 2018 and 2020

1509547324171031M3CT200hfullrelease.pdf 1612172792210129MCTFullRelease.pdf

[stormchaser]

Those new Corollas are really nice.I was looking at one in Hedge End when i was having my Catloc fitted.It was the new 2 litre hybrid model it was awesome in Pearl White too.Not cheap but a great car.Also sat in a GR Yaris which has a 1 year waiting list.

[MOMOmo]

I totallly agree Stormchaser, New Corollas are not cheap they are slightly more for a 2020 used model. But just an update, I've test drove both Cars and have to say that its still a hard choice!

The New Corolla 2.0 litre is super nippy put your foot down and it will go, compared to the CT, but weirdly enough the CT was a lot more insulated from the road noise.

As for the road bumps and such definatly the Corolla is softer and you don't fell all the pot holes as much as the CT, but I did feel the CT being stiffer and sturdier, as if any pot holes you go over you  won't rattle a screw loose type of thing.

 

As for the audio the ML on CT is amazing vs the JBL on the Corolla Excel, but don't get me wrong the JBL isn't bad at all its just that the ML is another teir above the JBL system. But, (this is a big but) Corolla Touchscreen is soooo much more user friendly and with andriod auto, it felt so much at ease to use google maps and have a really nice smooth interface.

 

I would have said if the CT had the 2 litre engine with a touchscreen and Andriod Auto (as a 10 inch screen) this would have been my perfect Car!

Now the choice is down to CT200h F-Sport Premier (The CT200h F-Sport Tukami got sold 😞 ) and the Toyota Corolla 2.0 Litre Excel with JBL.

 

This has been my hardest choice yet, kinda wished I didn't walk next door into the Toyota Garage to perk my curiosity

 

Mo

 

 

[DarkoDarko]

Just a note on speakers, JBL, ML, Infinity are all part of the Harman International Industries (Harman Kardon) The sound quality is pretty much the same just the amount of speakers in the vehicle, Probably find that the head unit is just the same with a bit of different branding.

[MOMOmo]

1 hour ago, DarkoDarko said:

Just a note on speakers, JBL, ML, Infinity are all part of the Harman International Industries (Harman Kardon) The sound quality is pretty much the same just the amount of speakers in the vehicle, Probably find that the head unit is just the same with a bit of different branding.

Thats interesting, I knew JBL was part of the Harmon group hadn't realised that ML was too. Thanks for the heads up for that DarkoDarko 🙂

Mo

[ColinBarber]

3 hours ago, DarkoDarko said:

Probably find that the head unit is just the same with a bit of different branding.

From a headunit point of view they are probably both Pioneer, although built to different price points - JBL/ML refers to the Amp/Speaker and placement design. Typically more money is spent on the Lexus systems, which is reflected in the price for the upgrade.

Certainly there is no comparison between the JBL systems I've heard in Toyotas compared to the ML systems in Lexus vehicles, the ML systems are vastly more powerful and have greater clarity (although I've no experience with the CT's ML system).

[JamesIS220]

 

If I was replacing my 2015 Auris Hybrid I would have the Corolla TS in Scarlet flare or Denim Blue. Would probably go for the 1.8. Also probably go for the less popular Trek model. as get Power tailgate, keyless entry and lighter seats. I think the Corolla looks great, more so in estate form.

James.👍

[ColinBarber]

1 hour ago, JamesIS220 said:

Would probably go for the 1.8.

2.0 engine is much nicer. Smoother, quieter and more powerful - but it depends on your priorities as it uses more fuel and is quite a bit more expensive.

[JamesIS220]

47 minutes ago, ColinBarber said:

2.0 engine is much nicer. Smoother, quieter and more powerful - but it depends on your priorities as it uses more fuel and is quite a bit more expensive.

Unfortunately not in the position to buy a Corolla. Had my Auris 15 months. Only has 35k on it now. Need to get more use out of it. Heard the 2 litre engine is to attract diesel users as more torque etc. think around a 10% MPG difference between 1.8 and 2.0. The 1.8 in my Auris is perfectly fine for everyday driving and goes fine. I would buy a used Corolla hybrid as from around 17k upwards. 

James.👍

[Spacewagon52]

The 2.0 litre Corolla hybrid estate is a very nice looking car with a good engine. It would be a car to tempt me away from Lexus in the future. Used of course!

[royoftherovers]

19 minutes ago, Spacewagon52 said:

The 2.0 litre Corolla hybrid estate is a very nice looking car with a good engine. It would be a car to tempt me away from Lexus in the future. Used of course!

Your ginormous little doggy would soon have the Toyota headlights pointing towards the I.S.S.😉😉

[stormchaser]

3 hours ago, Spacewagon52 said:

The 2.0 litre Corolla hybrid estate is a very nice looking car with a good engine. It would be a car to tempt me away from Lexus in the future. Used of course!

Sad to say but i feel the same.I would certainly think about a Corolla as the next choice for me.

[diabolik]

@MOMOmooh man, I'm also coming from a '04 Manual Jazz 🤣 Still researching the market.. 

[joelfigueira]

Well I’m loving my CT200h F sport with protection pack and convenience pack which has the leather seats and upgraded sat nav. have done 900 miles so far in the two weeks I have had it. Sits at 70 no bother on the motor way and can pass cars fine when needed, while in town it’s so quiet and mixture of both motorway and town driving I’m getting 53MPG without trying. 
 

so much better than the my IS220d, only things I miss from it are the cooled seats and ML system however the sounds system is still decent in my CT. 

[Las Palmas]

Different ways of driving, different roads, different countryside (flat or mountain). Different consume.