Verdict
The Lexus CT 200h is the world's first upmarket compact hybrid and the smallest Lexus yet. It blends luxury features and first-rate build quality with a frugal engine to create something unique.

Expert rating: 3.6

Pros
• Impressive equipment levels
• Superbly refined
• Classy image

Cons
• Firm ride
• Lifeless steering
• Not as attractive as rivals

1. Exterior: 3/5
The Lexus CT 200h is immediately recognisable as a Lexus with its angular lighting, chrome trimmings and bold, silver and blue L badge on the grille. The CT 200h has been designed to slip through the air, and is among the most aerodynamic in its class. All models come with alloy wheels.

2. Interior: 4/5
The cabin has a solid, upmarket feel rare in a mid-sized family hatchback. Soft-touch plastics and metallic finishes while the instrumentation is exceptionally clear, and the controls are logically positioned. A computer mouse-like controller operates the sat-nav. The entry-level SE-I model gets fabric seats but all other models get leather trim.

3. Practicality: 3/5
There's adequate space in the front, but room in the back is more compromised. Storage space around the cabin is on a par with rivals. The boot holds 375 litres; that's more than the BMW 1 Series and about the same as the Audi A3. The rear seats fold flat to create 965 litres and there's additional space beneath the boot's false floor.

4. Ride and handling: 2/5
Lexus bills the CT 200h as a sporty alternative to the Toyota Prius, and a sport dial which sharpens up the driving experience is evidence of this. The steering is nicely weighted, but it feels numb and doesn't inspire as much confidence at speed. The ride is also hard, and although it doesn't crash over bumps, the vibration is transmitted into the cabin rather sharply.

5. Performance: 2/5
One power source is available: a 1.8-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. With 134bhp, 0-62mph takes 10.3 seconds with a top speed of 112mph. The CT is happiest at urban speeds; at higher speeds the engine feels like it's working hard.

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6. Running costs: 5/5
Cost of ownership is the Lexus CT 200h's trump card. Exceptionally well equipped, a comparable BMW 1 Series costs an extra £1,690 once options have been added. As a result, company car drivers will see their tax bill roughly halved by choosing the Lexus rather than the BMW. The hybrid powertrain emits 94g/km so it's exempt from road tax and the London Congestion Charge. Official fuel consumption is 68.9mpg but we managed just 51mpg.

7. Reliability: 5/5
Few manufacturers have such a reputation for reliability as Lexus, which is backed up by numerous customer satisfaction awards. The technology has already been proved in the Prius, and first impressions are the car is built to a high standard.

8. Safety: 5/5
Eight airbags are standard, as are whiplash-reducing seats, anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control. Optional on range toppers is Pre-Crash Safety which detects obstacles and warns the driver before taking avoiding action if a crash is imminent.

9. Equipment: 4/5
Three well-equipped models are offered: SE-I, SE-L and SE-L Premier. All get tyre pressure monitoring, electrically retractable mirrors, alloy wheels, Bluetooth, climate control and LED daytime running lights. SE-L models add leather upholstery and heated front seats. Top-spec SE-L Premier models also feature a 13-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, DVD changer, sat-nav, electric seats and full LED lighting.

10. Why buy? 3/5
Many will buy the Lexus CT 200h for its green credentials, but most will enjoy the low cost of ownership, with a zero rate of road tax for buyers and low company car tax bills for fleet drivers.