Search Car Reviews



See all makes



Lexus CT200h vs BMW 1-Series

The CT200h is looking to shake up the premium hatch market, but can it defeat a more conventional diesel powered BMW 1-series?

Lexus CT200h vs. BMW 1-Series front track

Photos: Nathan Morgan March 2011

Prestige brands are keen to embrace the green agenda, but there is more than one way to cut emissions. Lexus is leading the hybrid trail, and its new CT 200h is sure to attract attention in the compact premium market with its CO2 output of only 94g/km.

Until now, BMW has ruled supreme in this class with its 1-Series, and low emissions are a key part of the car’s appeal. So can the diesel-engined 118d, which produces 119g/km, compete with this hi-tech contender? 

These models adhere to the national stereotypes of their respective nations. The Lexus hails from Japan – a country famed for its love of advanced technology and the electronics capital of the world. It aims to optimise fuel economy using a complicated recipe, and mixes a clever 98bhp petrol engine with an 81bhp motor/generator and high-voltage nickel-metal hydride battery.

This set-up produces a combined output of 134bhp – and also allows the smooth and quiet low-speed progress that’s central to the glitzy TV advertising campaign starring singer Kylie Minogue.
 
Looming large in the Lexus’ mirrors is the 118d. It applies German logic to the problem of fuel consumption, and makes the most of what traditional technology has to offer. Its 143bhp 2.0-litre diesel features stop-start, brake energy regeneration and low-friction lubricants. 

Despite all of this, the BMW is neither as efficient nor as well equipped as its gadget-laden rival. But it does have price on its side in the quest for compact premium domination...

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

3 Comments

Lexus looks cool. BMW looks horrible and very old fashioned.
Get a grip BMW and lets see some styling flair!

By denjar on 31 March, 2011, 9:31am

Lexus looks cool. BMW looks horrible and very old fashioned.
Get a grip BMW and lets see some styling flair!

By denjar on 31 March, 2011, 9:31am

Diesels are persona non gratis in tommorows world!

1 series has always looked like a BMW styling failure to me...(not as bad as some others in the range like the X1, X6 and previous gen 7series though)

IF Autoexpress claims the Lexus looks outdated, then what on earth is the BMW's in terms of creaking old looks?

Lexus starts off Ok and then turns rather bilge towards the rear...

Both however do look better than a cob-webbed A3 or mundane Golf though, with Audi's 'new' RS3 looking like the most ridiculous looking brick this side of a thrown one...

Seems like the political world is clamping down on diesels though now and in the future, and the price differential of derv versus petrol has got to the point now in making the diesel days numbered. Hybrid tech will soon overpower and race ahead diesel tech, which is a type of engine, which has overly benefited from having far too much resources thrown at its development by EURO zone motor manufacturers...

By LegioIXHispana on 6 April, 2011, 10:48pm

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

Social Bookmarks

Full Car Reviews

BMW 1-Series rear track

1st BMW 118d SE

Established 1-Series relies on traditional approach to efficient motoring - can it still compete with the ultra high-tech Lexus?
Lexus CT200h interior

2nd Lexus CT 200h SE-L

Class’s first petrol-electric car aims to break new ground. Does it deliver?
- Advertisement -

Sponsored Results

Facts and Figures

Verdict

These machines fight for the same slice of the compact prestige sector, but they’re chalk and cheese. The automatic Lexus will appeal to go-getting execs who value equipment and a low tax burden over driving pleasure and style – yet is that enough to secure a maiden test win? Not for us. We understand why company car drivers will be stopped in their tracks by the CT 200h’s incredible combination of low emissions and generous kit. But it looks dated and is uninspiring to drive, while the small boot will rule it out for any young families. For us, the BMW is worth the compromise of its higher tax rating and lower kit count. Once the novelty of all-electric driving has faded in the Lexus, there’s little to get excited about behind the wheel. Yet the 1-Series can light up any trip with its precision and performance – and private buyers will relish its lower price, too.

 
- Advertisement -