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

Was it a mistake to include a Land Rover in a test amongst flagship supercars?
Octa
Opinion

Was it a mistake to include a Land Rover in a test amongst flagship supercars?

The lineup for this year's biggest performance car test was varied to say the least, and one contender stood out from the get-go
28 Dec 2025
Skoda Fabia 130 review – 175bhp hot hatch to battle the Mini Cooper S
Skoda Fabia 130 review
Reviews

Skoda Fabia 130 review – 175bhp hot hatch to battle the Mini Cooper S

Skoda’s back in the hot hatch game, albeit not with a full vRS-badged return. Does the new Fabia 130 cut it?
29 Dec 2025
The major modern flaws that even today's greatest V12 supercars suffer with
Vanquish and 12 Cilindri
Opinion

The major modern flaws that even today's greatest V12 supercars suffer with

Even one of the best eCoty lineups in years didn't escape the problems inherent in modern cars
30 Dec 2025