Lexus CT 200h SE-L Premier 5dr Car Review - March 2012

From the moment you clock the sporty dials on the dashboard of this model, it is clear that it is the sporty alternative to the Toyota Prius. The steering, although nicely weighted is a bit on the lifeless side, which doesn’t bode well when going at higher speeds, unlike its rivals the BMW 1 series and the Audi A3.

The ride is hard and bumpy. The effect of speed bumps won’t throw you from the car, but they will be felt quite sharply.

Powered by a 1.8 litre engine with an electric motor, the engine is quiet at a cruising speed, but the harder you push it, the louder it gets. This is mainly due to the CVT automatic gearbox which keeps the revs high at higher speeds.

Producing 134bhp, this allows the car to reach speeds of 62mph in 10.3 seconds, with a top speed of 112mph. There are three power modes: eco, normal and sport, with the sport mode getting the car up to the 112mph speed.

Instant power transfer through the automatic CVT gearbox means that this car is most comfortable at city speeds.

You only have to glance at this car to see that it is a classic Lexus. With the angular lighting, chrome trimmings and the bold blue and silver of the “L” badge on the grill- it all screams Lexus.

The rearmost side windows appear to join the windscreen for a one piece effect. Designed to glide through air, like a ship does waves, this Lexus is among the most aerodynamic in its class. All the models come with alloys.

Inside, despite its description as a mid-sized family hatchback, it has a very upmarket feel. With soft touch plastics and metals, the finishes are handsome, and clearly to a high standard.

There is a feeling of space in the front of the car. But in the rear seats the head and leg room is limited. So, tall travellers are better off in the front.

The controls are nicely positioned, with the classic Lexus mouse like controller for the sat-nav. Like Marmite, you will either love of hate this controller, some saying that it overcomplicates the simplest of tasks.

On top of this, the upholstery is leather and the front seats are heated and electrically adjustable. Great for those cold British winter mornings!

The music lovers out there will appreciate an impressive 13 speaker Mark Levinson stereo CD changer. This model also comes with full LED lighting.

All models come with tyre pressure monitoring, electrically retractable side mirrors, alloys, Bluetooth, climate control and daytime LED running lights... we weren’t kidding when we said you get a lot of kit for your money!

Storage space within the cabin is pretty good and on par with its rivals, mainly being the BMW 1 Series and the Audi A3. The boot holds 375 litres which is more than the BMW and on par with the Audi. The rear seats fold down to give a 965 litre boot, and there is additional storage in the boot’s false floor.

Lexus has a reputation for high quality products which rarely go wrong and this car is no exception to that trend. Winning 5 stars in the EuroNCAP crash test, the CT 200h is fitted with 8 airbags, whiplash reducing seats, anti lock brakes, Brake assist, traction control and vehicle stability.

This being the premier model, there are yet more car safety devices! Such as pre crash safety which detects obstacles and warns the driver of an imminent crash, and the steps it is taking to avoid it.

The cost of ownership for this car is really its star quality. For the money you are paying, it is very well equipped, with even the lower specs being highly impressive. To get a BMW 1 Series of the same stand you would look to pay at least £1,700 on top of the £31,000 you would pay for this Lexus. The Hybrid powertrain means that CO2 emissions are very low at 94g/km. So not only will you be free from road tax, but also the London Congestion Charge!