Skip advert
Advertisement

Lexus CT200h review - A premium hatchback alternative - Prices, Specs and rivals

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

There might only be a single engine and transmission choice, but Lexus has gone to town on the trim levels. There’s the entry-level S, followed by SE, Advance, Luxury, Advance Plus, F Sport and Premier. The CT 200h S starts at just over £21,000, with the Premier model topping the price lists at a few quid under £30,000.

Advertisement - Article continues below

That S comes with a fairly comprehensive specification list, though those fuel and emissions saving 15-inch alloy wheels do look a bit measly under the chunky-sided body. SE adds some privacy glass, larger 17-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps, though Advance is required if you want cruise control, keyless entry, heated seats, front and rear parking sensors and navigation.

Luxury gains the usual leather, though loses navigation. Advance Plus loses the leather but gets back the satnav. It all gets pretty confusing, above that, while F Sport brings 'sports suspension' and the lateral damping system as well as some F Sport specific styling changes. Premier adds all sorts of chrome and aluminium trim along with powered seats and a premium Mark Levinson audio upgrade.

Rivals are the usual Germanic trio of the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class - all in their most economical diesel guises. If you’re really intent on saving the planet, then a BMW i3, VW e-Golf or Audi A3 e-tron all offer a more interesting drive, if higher price points. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

TVR: Why we think it’s all over
TVR Griffith
Opinion

TVR: Why we think it’s all over

There’s barely a flicker of life when it comes to TVR and the ‘new’ Griffith. We can only fear the worst
17 Jul 2025
Save £30k on a new Range Rover and buy a Renault 5 with the savings!
Range Rover
News

Save £30k on a new Range Rover and buy a Renault 5 with the savings!

Discounts on new Range Rovers are so big you could buy a new Renault 5 with the money you save…
15 Jul 2025
​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – affordable new performance cars
Best hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars

​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – affordable new performance cars

Contracted though the hot hatch market may be, there are still some great models out there, from the electric Alpine A290 to the five-cylinder Audi RS…
14 Jul 2025