Lexus says "CT" stands for "Creative Touring" — and that description could certainly fit the Lexus CT 200h. It's derived from the ever-green Toyota Prius platform and running gear, but remade with the style, comfort and poise that one expects from a Lexus.
While the Lexus lineup offers a full range of hybrid-equipped vehicles, those are all larger, existing platforms with hybrid systems fitted to them. The CT 200h was designed only to be a hybrid, and is the smallest and most efficient car Lexus builds.
What's under the hood?
The CT 200h uses the same 1.8 litre VVT-i inline-four from the Prius, along with electric motors to make a combined 134 horsepower, connected to a Continuously-Variable Transmission.
Observations
Driving
The CT feels much more solid and capable than you would ever expect from a small hybrid. The steering is weighty and body roll has been minimized. Power is sluggish, but the brakes are good and don't suffer from the numb 'sponginess' that a lot of regenerative braking systems tend to deliver. In town, it's maneuverable, and on the road it feels planted. It has a 'Sport Mode' which sharpens the throttle response, sets the electric assist for maximum boost and cleverly turns the Hybrid System Indicator gauge into a tachometer (see below.)
Styling
The CT 200h is a pointy, creasy machine, but it's one with pretty good proportions. It achieves its primary goal — to look way, way better than a Prius — easily, and the interior is beautifully shaped and well-finished. It's upscale, for the most part, but we wish it looked a bit more dramatic. The cool wraparound rear window is a small blip of flair on an otherwise subdued design.
Comfort
Lexus seems to pay extra close attention to making things in the cockpit feel ergonomic. Even if it means it may look oddly shaped. The handles, dials and anything you grip seem to be made with this in mind — it's distinctive.
Utility
The hatchback is not as large as it appears from the exterior, and neither are the back seats.
Efficiency?
The CT 200h is rated at 43 mpg city, 40 highway and 42 mpg combined.
How much does it cost?
The 2013 Lexus CT starts at around $32,000. Our test car, with navigation, leather and premium audio came in at $39,515 including the destination fee.
What's Good?
• BMW, Mercedes or Audi offer nothing that competes with it in the United States.
• Fantastic interior design and finish
• Very well-integrated hybrid system, with minimal electronic clunkiness and noise. Works as advertised, essentially.
• Quiet
What's Not?
• Not a lot of power. Plan your freeway onramp approaches in advance.
• Hints of clever design on the exterior, but nothing more
• Not as efficient as a Prius (EPA 51/48 mpg)
Our Verdict
The CT 200h is effortless to drive, and compact enough to fit anywhere in congested urban environments. You and your passengers (or at least your front seat passenger) sit in well-appointed, luxury comfort, and all the while you're averaging more than 40 mpg. How many other cars can achieve all of that?
How we'd buy it:
We would probably go for the F Sport package, which adds $1,000 to the price, but adds better suspension, graphite wheels and just looks a bit more premium and less like a run-of-the-mill five-door. Make ours Ultra Blue Mica.
The Lexus CT 200h began as the LF-Ch concept in 2009.
Photo by Kevin McCauley
The Lexus CT 200h began as the LF-Ch concept in 2009.
