[CTinATL]

You raise an interesting point. For people like yourself, buying a CT isn't about saving money on gas per se; it's more about saving the environment. If the only reason you're buying a CT for thousands more over a Juke is better fuel economy, then that's pretty much what you're saying.

It's the same for me with the TSX vs the CT. I'd probably buy a TSX if it weren't for the fuel economy of the CT. The money I'm saving on gas, however, is eclipsed by the several thousand dollar premium that I'd pay for a comparably equipped CT.

 

[CTinATL]

I agree it's a no brainer between the CT and the A3 TDI. They're roughly the same price (both nicely equipped) but the CT gets better fuel economy and has better reliability.

Eliminate the 128i and the C30 because they're coupes, for me at least.

That leaves the TSX 4 cylinder. With navigation, it's about $4000 less than a comparably equipped CT (plus you'll probably pay less than MSRP for a TSX while that's not likely right now with a CT). In addition, the TSX has significantly larger passenger volume than the CT and it performs better. The big advantage for the CT, however, is fuel economy. For me, I think that trumps the advantages of the TSX; especially with gas prices going up.

 

[CTinATL]

The 3 vehicles Lexus considers the CT200h's key competitors are:

1. Audi A3 2.0 TDI Premium Plus Wagon
2. BMW 128i Coupe
3. Volvo C30 Coupe

I wonder why Lexus doesn't consider the Acura TSX a key competitor. Like the others, it's the entry-level model in its respective line-up, and it's a premium compact. Personally, I would consider the A3 and the TSX more direct competitors to the CT than the 128i and the C30 because the latter two are coupes.