Lexus CT premium hatchback information: all the details on the hybrid hatch if you own it, are thinking about buying one or just want to find out more about it. Check out the links below for all of CAR’s news, reviews and scoops of the CT200h. Click on ‘more’ on each article section to browse the archive.
Background
Lexus’ CT200h is the Toyota Prius in a posher disguise, using much of the hybrid powertrain and cramming it into a premium hatchback body style designed to take on the Mercedes A-Class, Audi A3 and BMW 1-series. You can only get it as a petrol-electric hybrid – there aren’t any regular petrol or diesel versions out there.
60sec road test
The Lexus CT is flawed to say the least. It’s running the platform from the previous-generation Prius (the XW30, for model designation nerds) so is now considered old hat in the hybrid world and doesn’t drive especially well either – it’s rather lifeless. The poor packaging makes for a cramped (and now dated) interior, while the ride on the CT’s large wheels is jiggly. It’s gained a number of facelifts in its life to keep it up to date, with the latest coming in 2018. Still, there are some very impressive clean emissions and claimed fuel economy figures (good luck trying to match them in the real world) and it’s all built exquisitely, as you might expect from Lexus.
The one we’d buy
Almost anything else in the class – a diesel A3 or A-Class
The one we’d avoid like the plague
There’s only one, but we still wouldn’t pick it
Rivals to consider
Toyota Prius Excel, Mercedes A-Class, Audi A3
For
Promise of 65mpg+ and sub-100g/km, Lexus badge, well equipped
Against
Dull to drive, more cramped than a Prius, cockpit feeling its age