The Lexus CT 200h has laid down a marker in the balance sheets of business drivers.
Here’s a medium sized executive car which feels like a larger premium model but delivers the sort of economy and low emissions you would find on a smaller model.
It slashes under the 100gkm barrier and comfortably sits in Band A and we found it almost returned 60mpg in mixed use so its not going to cost you a lot to run and tax.
But the really clever bit is that all this comes in a car which is very enjoyable to drive in town or country.
The engineers have refined Lexus well known hybrid system so it delivers a very seamless spread of power from the moment you start to the end of your journey.
Unless you monitor the in-built electronic displays on the dash you would hardly know in which mode its running, it just takes away that responsibility from the driver who can simply enjoy the whole experience.
Power is plentiful from the petrol and electric motor, the continuously variable transmission puts it onto the road without hesitation or drama and you have good kick-down to overtake if needed. Steering and brakes are pin sharp as well and it handles with confidence and agility around town or around twisting turns.
I liked the way the suspension soaked up all manner of bumps and potholes too, letting the wheels stay firmly planted on tarmac and it faithfully responded to inputs without any drama whatsoever.
Not only is the ride quality good, but its remarkably quiet as well. There is some wheel and road noise but it’s very low and probably seems louder because of the otherwise silent nature of the powertrain and very low wind noise.
I liked the layout of the instruments, the low energy heating and ventilation system and the secondary controls. Oddments room is fairly good, not brilliant, but the boot holds a minimum 375 litres and with the hatchback’s rear seats down it is closer to 1,000 litres.
Access is good into the back or front and the seats are really figure hugging and comfortable with a great range of adjustment possibilities so you can find any position for comfortable driving or riding. Room is good in the front, more of a compromise behind if tall passengers are carried.
I liked the low waistline and sensible windows but found there was a small blindspot over the shoulder when pulling out or reversing.
Looking ahead, the wipers and lights did a really good job at keeping everything in sight.
VERDICT
I was always a Lexus fan and the new CT 200h has reinforced my belief that this is one of the best cars you can buy in this sector and it comfortably eases most rivals off the page. The view most will get of the Lexus CT 200h
Fact file:
Lexus CT 200h SEL Premier 5dr £30,986
Insurance group: 17
Mechanical: 98bhp 4cyl 1.8 litre petrol & 81bhp AC electric motor, CVT,
Performance: Max 113mph, 0-62mph 10.3sec
Fuel consumption: 57mpg
Emissions/ tax: 94gkm/ VED band A
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
