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 BMW’s £50k sports coupe beat the Audi RS3? – car pictures of the week
Audi RS3 and BMW M240
Features

Can BMW’s £50k sports coupe beat the Audi RS3? – car pictures of the week

In the current issue of evo, we test BMW’s updated M240 against the Audi RS3 – these are our favourite shots
18 Jul 2026
Rolls-Royce Phantom review – the epitome of excess and British engineering excellence
Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II
Reviews

Rolls-Royce Phantom review – the epitome of excess and British engineering excellence

Despite its age, the eighth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom remains in a class of its own as the most luxurious way to travel by road by a significant …
20 Jul 2026
Why car bosses are quietly scrapping their multi-billion pound EV plans
Porsche badge
Opinion

Why car bosses are quietly scrapping their multi-billion pound EV plans

Industry giants U-turning on EV plans is not entirely good news, reckons Meaden
21 Jul 2026