Lexus CT200h, road test (Equipment, prices and overall assessment)

After several days getting to know the Lexus CT200h in depth, it’s time to reach the end of this road test of an interesting premium hybrid which, thanks to its dimensions, its build quality and its design, stands out from the usual hybrid mould.

Everything about the engine and performance, as well as how the hybrid system works and its consumption, we covered in the first part of the test. In the second part, the star was the design, both exterior and interior, as well as the quite high standard of finish and the interior space.

Now, in the third part, we are going to focus on the equipment, without overlooking the safety equipment fitted as standard, as well as prices, and we will close this test with our overall assessment of the Lexus CT200h.

Equipment

Within the safety equipment fitted as standard, the airbag provision really stands out: in addition to the front, side and curtain airbags, it also fits knee airbags for driver and passenger, something rarely seen in a premium compact. On top of this come stability control, BAS, ABS and active headrests, among other features.

In the crash tests carried out by Euro NCAP it achieved five stars, with a fairly good score for adult and child protection, as well as a maximum score in the whiplash test.

The rest of the equipment is divided into three trim levels: Hybrid, Hybrid Drive and Hybrid Plus. As standard it is fairly complete, with features such as LED daytime running lights, 15-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth for the phone, a 6-speaker audio system, a USB port, dual-zone climate control and cruise control, among other things.

Our car was in Hybrid Plus trim, but some items were missing, such as bi-xenon headlights, which are not available even as options and would have been an interesting extra for this model. It also lacked electrically folding mirrors. Otherwise the standard equipment is very complete, and the optional multimedia system stands out, as it adds navigation and offers plenty of functions.

Overall Assessment

The Lexus CT200h shares many similarities with the Toyota Auris, from similar dimensions to the same hybrid system. What I mean by this is that if you are looking for a compact hybrid, the Auris can be an interesting option thanks to the comprehensive standard equipment and because its hybrid system is the same as the Lexus’s.

But if what you are looking for is greater build quality, better finishes and a different image, that is where the CT200h comes into play. The interior quality is high, and the finish in general lives up to the premium label it carries.

Another point we liked is the comprehensive equipment for prices that sit slightly below 30,000 euros, although with some optional items missing that are hard to understand on a premium model.

Overall, it is a model with which you can save above all in town and on country roads, while on the motorway its consumption is similar to a diesel’s or slightly higher. It is not a car with much character, but in return it is comfortable and relaxed.

Prices

• Lexus CT200h Hybrid 28,850 euros
• Lexus CT200h Hybrid Drive 29,950 euros
• Lexus CT200h Hybrid Plus 35,700 euros

Photos | Diego G. Moreira