Lexus CT 200h

First hybrid compact executive, Lexus CT 200h offers low running costs an premium badge

Auto Express Car Reviews

Rating:
For : Low emissions, good fuel economy, strong reliability
Against : Firm ride, cramped boot, harsh CVT gearbox

Lexus is committed to hybrid technology – and to increasing its market share. These twin objectives gave rise to the Lexus CT 200h, which is the smallest and lightest Lexus ever. It's designed to compete with the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, while also providing Toyota customers looking to trade-up something to consider. With ultra low emissions, Lexus has company car buyers firmly in its sights, but it doesn’t deliver the sporty driver experience and upmarket style we were hoping for. All cars get the same 1.8-litre petrol engine, hybrid-electric motor and CVT gearbox.

Our pick: CT 200h SE-L

Styling

In a class that features established contenders like the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, the five-door Lexus CT 200h looks dated, with bland styling and fussy detailing. Its 17-inch alloys look lost in the wheelarches, and the wraparound rear windscreen is at odds with the rest of the design. Still, its slippery profile provides a low drag shape that aids fuel economy and there’s a choice of SE-I, SE-L and SE-L Premier trims and a wide price spread. All cars get the same blue tinted Lexus badge that adorns all of their hybrid models.

Driving and Performance

The driving experience is dominated by the hybrid drivetrain. The clever set-up permits emission-free all-electric progress at speeds of up to 30mph if there is sufficient charge in the batteries – and enjoying this eerily quiet phenomenon is key to the CT 200h’s appeal. Put your foot down and the 1.8-litre engine fires up. That said, it's mated to an unrewarding CVT gearbox, which holds the revs high under hard acceleration. The sporty billing promised by Lexus also fails to materialise, as the numb steering, limited grip levels and weak body control combine to remove driver appeal. Firm suspension also compromises comfort.

MPG and running costs

This is where the Lexus CT 200h begins to make sense. With CO2 emissions of only 94g/km, it falls into the lowest company car tax bracket, qualifies for free road tax and is exempt from the London Congestion Charge. Fuel economy of 68.9mpg will also help to minimise bills. Even the entry-level SE-I comes with Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, privacy glass, auto wipers and front foglights. While the mid-spec SE-L adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and parking sensors. Servicing costs are expensive though, especially when compared to fixed-price deals offered on key rivals like the BMW 1 Series.

Practicality

Don’t be fooled by its hatchback body – while the cabin is spacious enough for four adults and there’s reasonable room in the back, the privacy glass and thick C-pillars cut out light making it feel smaller than it is. Worse than that, the boot is tiny - the firm quotes a load space of 375 litres, but this figure is measured to the roofline, rather than the roller-blind style load cover. There is an extra cubby beneath the floor, but the usable area is shallow. Fold flat seats make it possible to carry longer items though.

Safety and reliability

Lexus has a brilliant reputation for build quality and reliability. The CT 200h should prove to be a stress free car to own – not least because of the manufacturer's famed dealer network. Safety standards are equally high. The baby Lexus even provides knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, while stability control is standard across the range. The rest of the Lexus range is characterised by its interior quality, but the CT200h is disappointing inside. The old fashioned design, relatively low-grade materials and some fiddly switchgear come as a surprise. Although, like every Lexus, build quality feels rock solid, and the Japanese brand came an impressive second in our 2011 Driver Power survey.

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11 Comments

Realdolby

The CT has to be a no no.Avensis 2.2 D will give much better performance and around the same MPG.On testing the CT found that under hard driving the fuel returns were awful (around 41).The premier comes with front and rear dampers covering up the bad ride,but on other specs is a chargeable extra (£550) so already it has a mod and they have the cheek to charge for it.Leather is poor and not in the usual mode fore Lexus.Down to choice A CT full spec £32000 or a Avensis Spiirit 2.2d discounted at £23,000 simply no contest.

By lexscar on 17 March, 2011, 12:30pm

I have a diesel , hard drive that and I get low 30s..mpg
In fact had drive any petrol or diesel the mpgs drop, it's all about the way you drive and the potentialof the car/ engine itself..

By hugo_b on 31 March, 2011, 6:36pm

Excellent Lexus

Last week I drove the new Lexus, I was very impressed. The car is very quiet and only at high revs the car produces some noise, like every other car when you put youre foot down! It's nonsense to complain about the CVT auto box. Because the lack of gearchange the car is actually very comfortable. The quality and fit and finish is far better than every competitor in its class, way better finish than the Golf and Audi. So for me the car has a five star rating! Check yourself!

By Netherlands on 31 March, 2011, 7:13pm

Dont be fooled by Hybrids!

You'd be much better off getting a BMW 320d EfficientDynamics! 163 bhp diesel, 0-62 in only 8 secs, over 3 seconds quicker than the CT!
380 Nm of torque so it has very strong mid range pull.

Oh yeah and 68.9 mpg combined!

CT does has better CO2 at 94 versus 109.

BMW much better quality, much better drive and ride.

By andygclark1 on 15 April, 2011, 7:12am

Lexus know what they are doing but....

I like the Lexus and currently drive a BMW 1 Series which is great in the summer and pants in the winter. I will never buy a BMW ever again - for a few reasons which I won't go into. A friend has just bought one of these and averages 48 mpg and spent 28k on the car. I average 44.9 in a 1 Series Auto and it cost me 21k I don't think the saving will be that great over the 3 years of ownership - granted he will be able to drive it for the full twelve months unlike me in the harsh winters we've had!!

By Gz_RobertJones28 on 25 April, 2011, 10:25am

How much is a 320D efficient dynamic and how much do you have to pay for diesel fuel over petrol each time you fill up ?

Simply put, there must be some equation where a diesel makes more sense or a hybrid makes more sense..
I think if Toyota release a 3rd generation Hybrid (assuing current generation is 2nd), that'll be the right time to get a hybrid..

By hugo_b on 2 July, 2011, 7:30pm

not worth it!!

all this hybrid scheme is well overestimated.
On the motorway you actually don't save any money because the car runs exclusively on petrol. Combine this with the heavier chassis and you get the idea. Heavier chassis also hinders
responsiveness and handling.
For that money (and less) there are many other cars (BMW/AUDI/VW etc) more efficient (especially diesels) and way better in driving.
Unless ofcourse your priority is to show off the LEXUS badge!

By kirra1 on 15 November, 2011, 8:11am

Hybrids have their place..

I have to disagree with some of the above comments about diesels being superior to hybrids. this is not always the case. I personally am not a fan of derv engines, I have never owned a diesel and have no plans to in the future. Yes I accept that for higher mileage drivers pounding up and down motorways they make a lot of sense and the performance is impressive, but for the private buyer that does a low mileage hybrids are a good alternative since diesel is also more expensive at the pumps. I also as a car enthusiast think hybrids are good to drive - my parents own one. Its refined, comfortable, handles, goes and stops well.

By cousins11 on 15 November, 2011, 8:55pm

Nice driving machine but ugly

This car drives like a Lexus but looks like a SEMA Toyota. There are way better options in this class than this. Sorry Lexus, you failed on this one.

By PAAdam on 18 November, 2011, 5:54am

I have a number plate that would be good for anyone with this car.plate reads C2 OOH.

By Naseem on 30 January, 2012, 11:10pm

SilverSurfer

Petrol engines burn hydrocarbons and make CO2 and water from the Hydrocarbons and Oxygen (generally). Diesels, however, tend to also create carbon particulate! Another pollutant and they are noisier than a comparable petrol engine and much noisier than a hybrid running on its electric motor. OK so the actual power (bhp , torque or kwh) is higher than other engines, but that has always been the case, btw did I say diesels smell! p.s. how about **11kwh for a Lexus hybrid as the numberplate, it exists.

By SilverSurfer on 7 February, 2012, 9:48pm

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Pictures

Lexus CT 200h