Lexus

CT

Setting a new benchmark in safety, the Lexus CT full hybrid hatchback seems to have it all. With clear similarities to the Prius this is Lexus’ first venture into five-door hatchback territory.

Test Drive

Lexus CT 200h F Sport

There’s no denying the global success of the Toyota Prius so when Lexus – the premium arm of Toyota – introduced the world’s first luxury full hybrid hatchback in 2010 it was greeted with much anticipation.

And now the new CT 200h has really upped the ante and certainly meets all the demands and expectations of buyers looking for that extra touch of flair and luxury.

Cosmetically there are a number of eye-catching alterations, namely a new grille design, a smarter rear end and a much brighter and more sophisticated interior layout with techno treats galore at your disposal.

But perhaps the most impressive factors are the improved ride quality and increased efficiency which result in the CT 200h boasting the lowest cost of ownership in its class with zero road tax, congestion charge exemption and very attractive tax benefits for company car drivers and fleet operators.

The car has a beautifully sculpted sporty stance and the top-end F Sport model supplied for the test featured two-tone 17-inch alloys, a large rear spoiler, LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, front fog lights, F Sport front bumper, honeycomb grille and side skirts, rear privacy glass, a shark’s fin antenna, electric-folding and heated door mirrors, plus active brake lights.

And once you take your seat within the modern and stylish cabin, it’s difficult not to be wowed by the build-quality and endless amount of technology at your disposal. The instrumentation is clear and precise and adjusts depending on your driving circumstances.

For example, as you pull away in complete silence in pure electric vehicle mode the dials display power usage. Yet this transforms to a more traditional rev counter when the car is pushed a little harder.

Techno treats are plentiful and include F Sport luxury upholstery, a multi-function steering wheel with F Sport embossed on the bottom, a 10-speaker premium sound system with sat nav, DVD player, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a rear view camera, dual-zone climate control, plus heated and electrically-adjusted seats with memory settings on the driver’s side.

Many of the car’s array of creature comforts are displayed on a clear colour screen mounted in the centre of the dashboard and are navigated via a remote touch control dial which acts a little like a computer mouse.

The CT 200h F Sport costs £26,745 (£29,350 with extras) and is powered by a 1.8-litre 98bhp petrol engine linked to an 81bhp electric motor.

It can sprint from 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds and tops out at 112mph.

But perhaps most importantly, official figures show the car can achieve combined fuel economy of 68.9mpg with low carbon emissions of just 94g/km. And it’s those stats that are rewarded with a whole host of financial benefits to owners and fleet buyers.

The CT 200h also impresses when it comes to handling. Acceleration through the automatic CVT transmission is smooth and responsive with ample power on tap. The highly-efficient suspension system seems to iron out the uneven road surfaces along the way and comfort levels are very high for all occupants thanks to the great ride quality and spacious interior.

In fact, there is ample room for four adults (five at a push) with a generously-sized boot that can cater for 375 litres of luggage. This capacity can be increased to 965 litres thanks to 60:40 split-folding rear seats and there are also additional under-floor compartments in the boot.

And as one would expect these days, the car boasts a comprehensive list of safety features too such as anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, hill assist control, traction control, stability control and numerous airbags.

All in all, the Lexus CT 200h F Sport is a first class model. It looks stunning, handles beautifully, is packed with technology and won’t break the bank thanks to outstanding economy.

Test Drive

Lexus CT 200h SE-I

As the first full hybrid launched in the premium compact sector, the Lexus CT 200h is certainly turning heads and attracting a host of new drivers to the brand.

With its sweeping lines and distinctive, sharp edged appearance including tinted windows and rear spoiler, the CT 200h is guaranteed to stand out in any crowd.

And that build quality is just as apparent when you take your seat behind the leather steering wheel. Comfort levels are exceptionally good for all occupants and there is a host of first class technical features within the elegantly designed cabin.

Creature comforts include dual zone air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, electric windows, a six-speaker audio system compatible with all today’s devices, front and rear armrests, push button start and plenty more besides.

The test model also included metallic paint and a top notch navigation system that bumped the price up by £2,360 to £25,845.

But other factors to consider in a day and age when drivers are rewarded for their eco-friendly efforts are the class leading carbon emissions of just 94g/km which means zero annual road tax and combined fuel figures of 68.9mpg.

So the CT 200h has the looks, it is packed with quality technology and is very kind on your pocket, but what about its performance?

The marketing campaign behind the CT 200h sees Kylie Minogue promoting it as “The silent revolution” and that perfectly sums up this vehicle.

Lexus is using the same hybrid system that features in the highly-acclaimed Toyota Prius, so it is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine linked to an electric motor and a CVT gearbox.

There is something refreshingly eerie when you start the engine and pull away in total silence with maybe a little tyre noise to keep you company if you’re lucky.

And you can travel in that silence for one or two miles so long as you don’t exceed 28mph at which point the petrol engine cuts in.

There are three driving modes to choose from – Eco, Normal and Sport – which can be selected quickly by turning a dial.

The first two modes are the efficient ones, but switch to sport and the experience is transformed… as is the dashboard.

The illumination changes from blue to sporty red and the hybrid system indicator which displays which mode you are driving in becomes a rev counter.

The CT 200h handles extremely well and acceleration and performance is impressive. I felt the ride was a little hard at times, but that was mainly in sport mode.

As one would expect, Lexus has packed the vehicle with safety specifications, including anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, numerous airbags, traction control, vehicle stability control and lots more besides.

To sum up, the CT 200h may have started as the silent revolution, but its army of supporters is going from strength to strength.