Overview

When the Lexus CT first arrived in 2011, the premium arm of Toyota billed it as the world’s first compact premium hybrid – an affordable way of getting a Lexus on your driveway. Since then, a vast number of rivals have come and gone, with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric versions that have eclipsed the CT in almost every way.

Traditional rivals like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class have all been refreshed and renewed, with some available with desirable hybrid or PHEV power, leaving the CT ‘self-charging hybrid’ behind in some regards.

Aside from the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Ioniq, the CT is almost in a class of its own for offering a hybrid powertrain – especially in the premium hatchback segment, but with just one engine available, a dated interior and the draw of many more modern alternatives, is it still worth a look? It’s a sign of the times that the Lexus UX crossover has been introduced to take the baton from the CT – it’s around the same size but offers a far more pleasant exterior and interior look while retaining that hybrid Lexus appeal.

CT comes with a long list of standard equipment

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Navigating the CT’s trim levels is easy as there are just three. There’s the standard CT, the sportier-looking F Sport and the luxurious Takumi, mirroring the trim level line-ups of other Lexus models. Even entry-level cars come with sat-nav, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors and reversing camera, DAB radio and Lexus Safety System+. A series of packs can be added to boost the kit count on this model, focusing on either technology, luxury, convenience or a sporty look.

Similarly, F Sport models can have their kit count boosted by a selection of packs, while the top-spec Takumi comes loaded with all the kit available to the CT with LED headlights, a large 10.3-inch media display, Mark Levinson sound system and leather interior.

Just one engine: CT 200h self-charging hybrid

The CT uses a hybrid powertrain with a total system output of 136hp from its 1.8-litre petrol engine and electric motor. It’s one that’s been around for a while and is used in various Toyota models, linked to a CVT transmission and front-wheel drive. Lexus claims some impressive efficiency figures with CO2 emissions of just 97g/km.

Lexus calls this engine a self-charging hybrid. In short, you don’t have to worry about plugging anything to recharge. The engine and electric motor work together to deliver the power depending on the demands from the driver’s inputs.

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Cramped interior, but easy to drive

The hybrid motor and CVT setup lends itself to a relaxed drive, plus light controls make the CT very easy to drive indeed, especially around town where it’s effortless and quiet.

Spend a bit more time in the car, however, and you’ll become aware of some ergonomic issues thanks to the busy-but-well-built dashboard, confusing media system and noisy powertrain when you need to reach higher speeds. It’s also quite small inside when you compare it with an Audi A3 or Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Read on for the full Lexus CT review.