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

This 900bhp Lotus Emeya has Bugatti specs, but carrying passengers reveals a problem
Lotus Emeya
Opinion

This 900bhp Lotus Emeya has Bugatti specs, but carrying passengers reveals a problem

A well-engineered electric performance car can be an impressive thing to drive but carrying passengers is very different from a petrol-powered equival…
2 Oct 2026
New BMW 3-series revealed – M3 power for the M350 Audi S5 rival
BMW 3-series M350
News

New BMW 3-series revealed – M3 power for the M350 Audi S5 rival

On top of being as fast and powerful as an F80 M3, the new M350 will come with a drift mode too
29 Sep 2026
Aston Martin DBX S review – beating the Ferrari Purosangue to the top of the class
Aston Martin DBX S front
Reviews

Aston Martin DBX S review – beating the Ferrari Purosangue to the top of the class

Lots of tweaks and upgrades inside and out keep Aston Martin's SUV at the top of its game in DBX S-form
2 Oct 2026