Lexus CT Hatchback

We say The CT hybrid is reliable, refined and cheap to run. Just don’t expect much joy when driving it.Performance Inside the hatchback has a 98bhp 1.8-litre

We say The CT hybrid is reliable, refined and cheap to run. Just don’t expect much joy when driving it.Performance Inside the hatchback has a 98bhp 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine in combination with an 82bhp electric motor. In all trims the CT 200h achieves 0-60mph in ten seconds and a top speed of 113mph which isn’t fast. In purely-electric mode, the CT 200h can travel up to 28mph.Emissions All trim models can do 68mpg and emit just 94g/km under the normal driving setting.Driving Even in the sport setting the CT is sluggish. It handles the road well enough and body roll is virtually non-existent, but rival hatchbacks offer a much more interesting drive.Feel The CT is sharp and precise through the corners, but the steering has barely any feedback and the ride is very firm, particularly if you pick the 17” alloys over the 16” wheels.Space The amount of room inside is okay in the front, but it’s limited in the back where only children are really suited. All round visibility is not ideal. Like most small hatchbacks, the CT’s boot is small as well, with 375 litres worth of capacity.Equipment Whichever of the three trim levels you go for, you get lots of equipment as standard. The standard kit includes climate control, Bluetooth while mid-spec cars get leather seats.Price Pricing currently ranges from £23,750 to £30,950.Quality Lexus is a luxury brand and this is reflected inside the CT 200h. All the materials and the console are very nice all-round and reliability should be high as well.Safety The CT 200h has loads of safety equipment. As standard you get eight airbags, electronic stability and traction control to help protect everyone onboard.Pros Opens the Lexus brand to a new group of customers, switch to petrol engine and electric power is seamless, CO2 emissions are very low and fuel economy is high. Standard equipment is also plentiful and the interior is very well made all-round.Cons The drive is numb and the ride is uncomfortable. Space and visibility is limited in the rear. The CT’s automatic gearbox is also frustratingly noisy.Alternatives Audi A3, Volvo C30

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