Smoothness and quietness are major features in all Lexus models.
Though the CT200h isn’t quite in the same class as its bigger brothers it is still very pleasant to travel in.
Interestingly, the Lexus CT200 was the first model to be sold in Australia only as a hybrid — there was no pure-petrol option.
Again in the Lexus manner the CT200h’s interior is finished to a high quality both in materials and fit and finish.
Interior space is good in the front seat but the back is tight for legroom and you may need to juggle the front seats to make space for four adults.
The typical mum, dad and two kids family will find it fine.
Check the boot, though, as it’s relatively shallow and may not suit full-on family needs.
This smallish Lexus is a five-door hatchback with styling that takes its own direction.
A facelift in April, 2014 added the Lexus ‘spindle grille’ shape at the front.
Inside there were changes to the trim designs.
Another facelift in October, 2017 again saw styling changes, including a fashionable honeycomb grille.
The tailgate was renewed to use a similar design to the ‘L’ shaped lights used in larger Lexus model Lexus.
The infotainment screen was increased from 7.0 inches to 10.3 inches.
Safety was further improved by a pre-collision warning system and autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning.
While far from being a hot hatch the CT200h has a touch of sporting flair thanks to the sharp throttle responses that are a feature of all electric, or part-electric vehicles.
Lexus CT200h has a 1.8-litre petrol engine assisted by an electric motor and drives the front wheels through a CVT automatic.
There are four driving modes. EV (electric-only), Eco, Normal and Sport.
It can operate on electric power only at speeds up to 45km/h.
But it doesn’t stay in EV only for any real distance.
Reversing is done using electric power only, thus leaving your garage free of fumes if you back into it.
Surprisingly there were no changes to the drive system as part of the 2014 or 2017 makeovers.
Official fuel consumption numbers on hybrids are often much less realistic than in other powertrain.
Lexus quotes 4.1L/100km for the combined cycle, but in real life most use 25 to 50 per cent more.
The 2017 upgrade was the last for CT200h and it was discontinued at the end of 2021.
Lexus can generally be found in the major metro areas, quite a few country cities are also covered.
Some topline Toyota technicians have been trained to work on Lexus models in case you have troubles away from civilisation.
Amateur mechanics should stick strictly to very basic work on these cars.
Spare parts and servicing cost and availability are about average for a car in the upmarket class.
Insurance companies charge pretty reasonable premiums, which isn’t surprising considering most owners lean in the conservative direction.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
We suggest you don’t even consider a car like this unless the service books are up to date.
Rough roads can knock the CT200h about as it’s really a city car.
If one has been bashed over bad roads there may be squeaks from the body and trim.
So it makes sense to find some bumpy stuff during your test drive.
As the Lexus is relatively low slung for aerodynamic reasons it can suffer scrapes under the front bumper.
If these are out of sight and only minor you may care to ignore them – but they can a topic of price bargaining.
On the earliest models some build quality problems were reported on overseas cars, these appear to have been sorted by the time the CT200h arrived in Australia.
Look over the trim as the CT200h is built down to a price compared with the topline Lexus models.
Hard use, or mistreatment by children may have caused excessive wear.
Other than that, make the usual walk around of the little Lexus for signs of crash repairs, uneven tyre wear and body scratches.
HOW MUCH?
Budget on spending from $6000 to $11,000 for a 2011 Lexus CT200h Luxury; $9000 to $14,000 for a 2012 Sports Luxury; $12,000 to $19,000 for a 2014 Sports Luxury; $14,000 to $21,000 for a 2015 F Sport; $20,000 to $27,000 for 2016 F Sport; $23,000 to $31,000 for a 2016 Sports Luxury; $25,000 to $33,000 for a 2018 Sports Luxury; and $31,000 to $43,000 for a 2019 Sport Luxury.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Ownership costs of upmarket vehicles can be a fair bit higher than for everyday cars.
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages so hunt around for the best deal.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can see the prices being asked and whether they are rising and falling as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
These can mean a lot of traded-in cars are taking up too much space in the yards and will be discounted to get rid of them.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can give you an insight to the quality of vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
If buying privately ask for proof of ownership of the vehicle and make sure it is covered for you taking a test drive.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to later discover a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
If you’re serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.
If they insist on coming that’s understandable, but try to avoid them ‘selling” the car to you.
Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.
The next owner may suffer as a result.
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/