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

Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week
Mazda MX-5 v Alpine A290
Features

Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week

Alpine’s A290 is under consideration by evo contributor Peter Tomalin as a replacement for his MX-5. A comparison is in order…
19 Sep 2026
Gunther Werks Turbo review – part Porsche 911 Turbo, part hypercar
Gunther Werks Turbo
Reviews

Gunther Werks Turbo review – part Porsche 911 Turbo, part hypercar

Gunther Werks has built a Porsche 911 Turbo with hypercar performance. Can it be worth £1.25million?
20 Sep 2026
Lamborghini Countach LP400 (1974-1978) review – Italy's most iconic supercar
Lamborghini Countach LP400
Reviews

Lamborghini Countach LP400 (1974-1978) review – Italy's most iconic supercar

The Lamborghini Countach set the template for all supercars that would follow. But does the real thing live up to the legend?
21 Sep 2026