Lexus CT

...if you’re giving up a more conventional diesel-engined fleet car, we dare say you’ll still find the performance compromises that the CT200h imposes too much to bear.

If Lexus’s objective was to make the CT200h drive differently from a Prius, it has succeeded, but it has failed to produce a car with a coherent or harmonious driving experience.

While the handling is sharp and precise it’s let down by a lifeless drive and then there’s the petrol and electric hybrid engine, which is sluggish and unresponsive.

The chassis doesn’t have the agility, the steering is too wooden and the long-stroke engine is too laboured.

We think that Lexus has missed an opportunity to not just offer class-leading economy and emissions but to combine it with fine riding comfort to match.

...I do wonder how many will be put off by the ride issues after an initial test drive and how many will try, buy but then fly after time behind the wheel.

Company buyers will find the CT200h appealing thanks to its incredibly low CO2 emissions and prestige badge. The financial savings do come at a price, though, as the cabin lacks space and premium quality.

If you expect this Lexus to be as cosseting to your general wellbeing as your bank balance, you’ll be sorely disappointed.

Awkward to look at and no fun to drive

The problem with the CT200h is that it’s never better than dull to drive.

With the CT 200h petrol/electric hybrid, one car does it all whereas with an electric-only power the driving range is very limited and normally means owning two cars, which is far more expensive in every way.

Not the downsizer’s dream we were hoping for. The stats stack up, but the driving experience lets the car down.

Group Test - Lexus CT200h vs BMW 1-Series.

Result - They actually prefer the BMW, worth reading to find out why.

We’ve owned our new Lexus for just 2 months now and have been quite happy with it. We ordered the CT when we heard that they were making a small hybrid car. We were downgrading from the GS and wanted something that was slightly more luxurious than the other similar hybrid cars on sale.

Although I read in reviews that the CT didn’t look good, personally I think in the flesh that it does look quite stylish. The interior is also smart and we have been impressed with the quality.

The cost of petrol was the main reason we decided on a hybrid. We currently get an average of 58mpg, though our salesman warned us that at first the mpg figure would be lower until the car is worn in fully.

If the Lexus CT came with a sunroof then we would have bought one! Lexus for some odd reason do not allow you to have a sunroof, even as an option. I always order a sunroof as it not only allows fresh air but also as it makes the interior lighter.

Lexus if you are listening, let people have a sunroof.

Impressed with my car. Quiet, economical, powerful. No complaints really apart from tyre noise is quite high.

Went for it as the interior was nicer than the other hybrids on sale and we didn’t want an electric car as we do long journeys.

I have no regrets with this car. It handles well, looks sharp and gets great fuel economy. It’s not quite as powerful as other cars I’ve owned but it’s a smooth and enjoyable ride. The quality of the build and the interior is second to none - very luxurious!

The slight weaknesses I’ve found are the radio, which works but the quality of sound is not top notch. Also getting my iPod working with it was a little unintuitive and the boot space isn’t endless by any means. However these are all things I’m perfectly happy to live with.