Lexus CT 200h review

As with other Toyota/Lexus hybrids, the CT starts up in electric-only mode, so it’s serenely silent around town. This makes for a relaxing driving experience. However, Lexus has misjudged the chassis. Instead of focusing on comfort, it appears to be squaring up to its sportier German adversaries with a firm ride and taut body control. We’re all in favour of decent control, but the CT does not cope with broken surfaces half as well as we’d like. Sure, it corners keenly and competently, but as there’s precious little feedback, it’s not what you’d call engaging to drive. The hybrid power delivery doesn’t help. If you want to go fast, you really have to switch the car into Sport mode, and then the engine sounds a little uncouth as it’s held at high revs. Yet even so, the CT takes a lifelong 10.3 seconds to hit 62mph from a standstill. All this we could accept if Lexus had made the car exceedingly comfortable. Needs a rethink in the chassis department.