2012 Lexus CT 200h

The 2012 Lexus CT 200h sticks out within the small but impressive premium-compact segment because of its high gas mileage, sporty handing and attractive cost. For 2012, the Lexus CT 200h will get a couple of additional features. The first is an audible warning system to alert people on the streets and bike riders for this silently approaching hybrid. These guys the not compulsory F Sport Exclusive Edition package that contributes an activity-updated suspension and numerous visual tweaks.

Since the 2012 Lexus CT 200h shares its powertrain with the Prius, the CT is an infrequent visitor to the gas station. Weighing a few hundred pounds more than a Prius and sporting larger tires, the CT 200h doesn’t get quite the miserly fuel economy of the Toyota, but its combined mileage of 42 mpg is plenty impressive.

This combination of high fuel economy but slower acceleration puts the CT is an unusual position in the premium compact segment. The only model that comes close to matching the CT’s fuel economy and four-door hatchback practicality is the diesel-powered Audi A3. Beyond this, you’ll likely be looking at regular gas-powered, two-door cars like the better-handling BMW 1 Series or the stylish Volvo C30. These are all pretty desirable cars, but the 2012 Lexus CT 200h remains a respectable choice. It’s affordably priced, practical, nicely furnished and, of course, the greenest of the bunch.

2012 Lexus CT 200h Hatchback

The 2012 Lexus CT 200h is a premium compact four-door hatchback that comes in base and Premium trim levels.

Standard equipment on base models includes 17-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, dual-zone climate control, premium vinyl upholstery, Bluetooth (with audio streaming) and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and auxiliary audio/USB jacks. The Premium model adds heated front seats and a sunroof.

A number of option packages are available for the Premium trim. The Premium Audio package adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an upgraded 10-speaker sound system with a six-disc CD changer. The Leather package adds rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, auto-dimming side mirrors and driver-seat memory settings. The Navigation package adds a hard-drive-based navigation system (with real-time traffic and voice control), the Lexus Remote Touch interface, a back-up camera, increased Bluetooth functionality and Lexus Enform telematics.

The 2012 Lexus CT 200h is motivated by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a pair of electric motor/generators. Combined output is 134 horsepower and power is sent to the front wheels through a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Standard safety equipment on the 2012 Lexus CT 200h includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags and dual front knee airbags. Also standard are the Vehicle Proximity Notification System (which emits a low tone to warn pedestrians and cyclists of the approaching Lexus) and Safety Connect (a telematics service with automatic collision notification, a stolen vehicle locator and emergency assistance).

If you’re expecting standard Lexus opulence and lots of wood trim, you won’t find it here. However, the CT 200h’s cabin is still upscale, with soft-touch surfaces on the most heavily contacted points. The optional leather upholstery feels rich, yet the standard “NuLuxe” upholstery (a synthetic imitation that’s 50 percent lighter than leather) is convincing and won’t disappoint. The cabin looks modern in a premium sort of way, with the exception being the radio’s dated-looking panel layout and display screen.

The most performance-oriented setting is Sport, which sharpens steering and throttle response, making this car seem more willing than most other hybrids. Despite its unremarkable 10.4-second acceleration time to 60 mph, the CT feels reasonably powerful and responsive with Sport mode engaged. We’ve yet to drive a 2012 Lexus CT 200h with the new F Sport package, but we’re pretty certain that enthusiast-minded shoppers in this segment will still be better served by the nimbler BMW 1 Series or quicker Volvo C30.