Lexus CT 200h Named IIHS Top Safety Pick

One by one, the models tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in its most recent series of crash tests are beginning to show their face, nearly all adorned with a Top Safety Pick.

Among these cars, Lexus' CT 200h, one of the most interesting entries to the auto market this year. The model managed to pass all the crashes and rollover simulations the IIHS threw its way with flying colors, scoring enough “goods” to make the safety organization award it the coveted Top Safety Pick.

To make the car withstand the rigors of an accident without bringing much harm to the people inside, Lexus has devised the body of the car in such a way that it includes high-strength steel components. The safety systems that make up the CT 200h are the SRS with dual-stage front airbags and knee airbags for driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags, and front side airbags.

The CT 200h is powered by the Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, an Atkinson cycle 1.8l VVT-i petrol engine paired to an electric motor. The electric motor draws its power from a 202V battery.

The car comes equipped with Smart Key system with push-button Start/Stop and touch sensors on exterior front-door handles, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-speaker audio system with steering wheel audio controls, MP3/WMA capability, CD player, and Bluetooth for phone and music streaming capabilities, integrated XM satellite radio receiver, USB/iPod ports, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, heated front seats and dual zone automatic climate control.