Used Lexus CT 2011-2021 review

On paper, the idea of a small, premium hatchback like the Lexus CT, built by a reliable brand and harbouring a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain underneath its compact bodyshell, seems like a very good idea indeed.

To combine modern technology with the reliability and luxury the Japanese firm is known for, and to be able to sidestep the fraught issue of diesel engines, seems very desirable in these uncertain times. But to succeed at this premium price level, a car must still be able to perform like a BMW, have the refinement of an Audi and be at least as desirable as either.

Alas, the CT, which shares much of its hybrid technology with the iconic Toyota Prius, drives rather poorly, with lacklustre performance from its 1.8-litre engine and electric motor which, combined with a CVT automatic gearbox, make the car noticeably unrefined when accelerating. True, it can cruise around town on electric power alone, but not for long, and when the engine joins in, things begin to get too noisy. Add in quite a lot of road noise and a choppy ride that on some of the trims with larger wheels is actually downright uncomfortable, and suddenly the CT seems to lose a lot of its on-paper charm.

Things aren’t much better, perhaps surprisingly, inside the car. It feels well-built and some of the materials look and feel of a high quality, but rivals from Audi and BMW still have it beaten for overall class and finish. There’s enough room up front, but rear passengers will be cramped, especially if they’re tall, and while the boot is a good size, it’s not as practical and as large as those of some rivals.

The CT is an expensive car, too, even when bought used, and although its claimed official average fuel consumption is a healthy 68.9mpg, our experience suggests that you won’t get anywhere near that figure in real-world use.

So, the CT, however well priced a good used example may be, appears to offer some of the refinements of an upmarket compact hatchback but in everyday use is compromised by its drivetrain and unable to match its rivals' better all-round abilities.

Its trump card is its outstanding reliability record, which means a used example should still be pretty dependable, and that peace of mind will be worth a great deal to a great many potential owners.

It’s possible to buy a CT for less than £8000, but will have a high mileage. It's better to spend between £8000 and £10,000 on a 2011/12 example with an average mileage for the year and a full service history from an independent dealer. Up the money to between £11,000 and £13,000 and you’ll net a good 2013 car with all the above criteria, while £14,000 to £16,000 will get you a 2014 car.

There's only one engine option in the CT: a 1.8-litre petrol mated to an electric motor. The claimed average fuel consumption is 68.9mpg in most versions and a splendid 74.3mpg in the SE trim. In reality, though, you’re unlikely to get near those figures. At least CTs registered before April 2017 are exempt from road tax.

Insurance rates should be reasonable, with groups ranging from 17 to 20.

Servicing can be covered by Lexus Service Pricing, which will cover all the services required on your CT during the course of its life. The fixed annual price includes parts and labour. It starts from £195 for vehicles of all ages and can be paid by direct debit. There’s also a special Hybrid Health check included in the package.

There's only the one 1.8-litre petrol engine linked to an electric motor option, badged the 200h, but there are several trim levels.

Entry-level SE gets 16in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and Lexus's infotainment system complete with a 7.0in screen, a DAB radio, Bluetooth and USB.

SE Plus Pack comes with 17in alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, sat-nav and a wealth of Lexus's safety systems.

Luxury provides keyless entry, part-leather upholstery, heated front seats, tinted rear windows and front parking sensors.

F-Sport gives the CT a sporty bodykit and gunmetal grey alloy wheels.

With F-Sport Premier Pack, the CT is given a dose more luxury, including a leather upholstery, premium sat-nav, LED headlights and a Mark Levinson sound system.

Topping the range is Premier, which adds electrically heated and folding wing mirrors to an already rather comprehensive package.

Our favourite Lexus CT: 200h 1.8 SE

The Hyundai Ioniq is a relatively new car that’s available in three different states of electrification: petrol-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid or as an electric car. The Hybrid model is the closest match for the CT. It's quicker, cheaper to run, better equipped and more practical, but its ride can be firm (although not as bad as the CT’s) and it provides limited head room in the rear.

The Toyota Prius is an iconic petrol-electric hybrid that’s also now available as a plug-in hybrid for increased electric-only driving range. It’s not as quick or as refined as the newer Ioniq, but it's larger and roomier than the CT, as well as generally being cheaper to buy, both new and used.

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