Skip advert
Advertisement

Lexus CT200h review - A premium hatchback alternative - Design

A frugal choice, but lags well behind German rivals for driving entertainment

Evo rating
RRP
from £21,000
  • Peerless Lexus service, reliability and tax-dodging emissions status
  • Eco focus makes for a dreary drive, yet the suspension is overly firm

Design

The CT is a curious looking hatchback, its heavy slab sides making it look weighty, more Toyota in its style than Lexus. The addition of the Lexus 'spindle' front grille has given it a more obviously familial look, but it’s unlikely the styling is ever going to have your head turn like it might with an optioned-up Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In S specification the Lexus CT looks terribly under-wheeled, those deep flanks exacerbating the visual effect of tiny alloy wheels. A smart, rather than sharp looker then, which, in the cut-and-thrust compact premium marketplace, is a problem. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The £75k Genesis GV60 Magma performance EV has fake Porsche 911 sounds
Genesis GV60 Magma
News

The £75k Genesis GV60 Magma performance EV has fake Porsche 911 sounds

The GV60 Magma is up for order in July from £75k, as the first proper performance car from Genesis, with 641bhp and a simulated 9000rpm six-cylinder e…
28 May 2026
New Morgan Supersport 400 review – a real Porsche 911 rival with added power and focus
Morgan Supersport 400 front
Reviews

New Morgan Supersport 400 review – a real Porsche 911 rival with added power and focus

A 67bhp power hike makes this the most powerful Morgan road car ever, and one of the most exciting
27 May 2026
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 review - the 340bhp V6 sports car you never knew you needed
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 corner rear
Reviews

Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 review - the 340bhp V6 sports car you never knew you needed

By putting a 340bhp Jaguar V6 in Mazda's MX-5 specialist Rocketeer has created one of 2026's unexpected driving hits.
22 May 2026