LEXUS CT
Lexus brings its hybrid technology and luxury into a smaller package to produce the CT.
The Lexus CT launched in 2011, aiming to bring hybrid luxury into an area of the market where it hadn’t yet entered – the compact class. At the time of its launch, that combination of hybrid power and a luxurious fit and finish hadn’t yet been seen in that sector, but it’s safe to say that 8 years down the line it was a good decision by Lexus.
Hybrid and pure-electric power are both increasingly moving into all areas of the car market, so you could say Lexus was ahead of its time in launching the CT. The CT is a rival to the likes of the BMW 1-series and Audi A3 and is only available as the hybrid, something that separates it from those rivals in particular.
It’s a combination of a 1.8-litre petrol engine and a high output electric motor that you’ll find in the CT. Together, they combine for around 134bhp and Lexus says the CT can return 64mpg on a combined cycle while pushing out only 101g/km of CO2 emissions. The gearbox in the CT is Lexus’s ‘E-CVT’ automatic, an intelligent gearbox that uses clever engineering to effectively possess an infinite number of gears.
Lexus equips all of its machines very well indeed, and even the base CT – simply called ‘CT’ – has the firm’s ‘Lexus Safety Systems+’ features, dual-zone climate control, DAB digital radio and a 7-inch infotainment system with navigation. Aside from the base model, two other trim levels are currently offered – ‘F-Sport’ and ‘Takumi’. F-Sport adds sportier styling touches to the exterior as well as sportier seating and larger alloy wheels, while Takumi models go all-out on luxury, with leather upholstery and a premium Mark Levinson surround sound system.
This is one of those cars that really does fit well for both business and personal customers. With the low emissions and impressive fuel economy and comfort, style and luxury providing a really well-rounded product for both sides of the lease market. As a Lexus, this is also a product made to an extremely high standard.