► Hybrid Lexus hatch no longer on sale ► Brilliant build quality (used cars still look good)
► But disappointing in nearly every other way
Lexus was years ahead of the curve when it launched the CT 200h in 2011. No other premium carmaker was championing hybrid hatchbacks then, although it’s becoming the norm now.
The CT 200h’s raison d’etre is that 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. It provides a clean alternative to used diesel versions of the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
What’s to like? Well, as with all Lexus cars, the CT is well-made and crammed with equipment. Admittedly, some of infotainment’s quirks are a love or hate kind of thing, though.
If you’re already scouring the classified, beware of early cars. They have an overly firm ride. There are things to dislike about later cars, too, as they feel outdated when compared with Audis and BMWs of the same era.
The CT was facelifted in 2014 and 2017 before eventually being retired in 2020 and replaced by the Lexus UX SUV. But if you are looking for a used CT, keep reading for our full review of the last incarnation.
What’s the Lexus CT 200h’s engine like?
The CT Hybrid uses a Prius-inspired 1.8-litre, Atkinson cycle petrol paired up to an electric motor as its only engine option. Total system output is 134bhp – unlike newer Lexus models, including the UX, there’s no option for the more powerful 2.0-litre hybrid system.
It’s the usual Lexus self-charging hybrid system, so unlike the Mercedes A 250 e or Golf GTE you can’t plug it in to extend its range. It won’t achieve headline-grabbing fuel economy figures, either. Under WLTP regulations, the CT Hybrid hits a not-too impressive maximum economy figure of 55.3mpg. A low 97g/km CO2 figure is useful for company car drivers, though.
Sounds pretty dull…
As for driving the thing, it’s pleasant enough around town – the electric motor fills in the torque gaps, giving a decent turn of pace off the line. Drive the CT 200h gently and you’ll enjoy smooth, quiet progress courtesy of a pretty seamless transition from petrol to electric power and the trademark CVT.
The issues come when you try to go a bit faster. The petrol engine moos like a stuck cow if you ask for acceleration, making overtakes or motorway slip roads a raucous affair. Attempt to trouble the 0-62mph time of 10.3 seconds and you’ll need ear defenders. That’s the fault of the CVT gearbox, of course, which has to work with a fairly meagre power band – not a problem at low speeds where the electric motor can help out.
It’s a better cruiser than it once was but we’d still rather a diesel for long-distance motorway work.
Sadly, comfort levels are none too impressive. The CT’s stiff springs and 1,400kg+ weight mean you feel every bump in the road, even though the standard 17-inch wheels are small by modern standards.
What’s the Lexus CT’s interior like?
It’s a bit of mixed bag. First, the good – this is a Lexus, which means every control, switch and surface feels rock-solid and built to last. The materials are of superb quality with leather, chrome and soft-touch plastics abound.
The seats are also wonderful – another typical Lexus highlight – and audiophiles will love the impressive Mark Levinson sound system on top-spec models.
The build is beyond reproach, then, but what about the CT Hybrid’s other qualities? Unfortunately there’s a rather pervading sense of the CT 200h trying to be too clever for its own good. The dials and climate control interface are pleasingly designed and intuitive, but lower down the immaturely finished console, it’s not so clever. The pop-up seat-heater knobs are fiddly, as are the twin knobs for controlling the audio system.
Worse still, Lexus has chosen to use a heavily sprung, cool metal knob for the driving mode selector – though how many fleet market drivers are going to be switching out of Eco into Normal or Sport regularly? The worst feature has to be the infotainment controller, though. It’s the same floating mouse-style control that’s thankfully now been ditched from the rest of the Lexus range – it’s damn near impossible to use on the move and makes controlling the otherwise fully-featured infotainment system a battle.
As for space, it’s limited. The back seat’s tight, the middle perch is virtually unusable and the boot is incredibly shallow.
Verdict
Even two facelifts can’t address this Lexus CT 200h’s age – it suffers problems that have been weeded out in more modern Lexuses, such as the ghastly infotainment interface and the whiny powertrain. You’d have to be a real Lexus fanboy to pass this up in favour of a BMW 1 Series or a Mercedes A-Class.
If it’s Toyota reliability you want, the CT 200h is flanked in price on one side by the UX – a thoroughly respectable small crossover – and on the other by the Toyota Corolla, which is larger, better to drive and with the choice of a higher-powered 2.0-litre engine.
Keyword: Lexus CT 200h (2011-2020) review