2011 Lexus CT 200h review By Kelsey Mays

Americans love hybrid hatchbacks, but mostly for the hybrid part; overall, we're still lukewarm on traditional hatchbacks. Lexus added a third ingredient — budget luxury — to create the CT 200h. With a starting price just over $29,000, it's the least expensive Lexus in nearly two decades, and it shows.

The 2011 CT 200h feels at times like a cut-rate Lexus, but its combination of fuel efficiency and handling should win the brand some much-needed younger buyers.

The front-wheel-drive CT's styling is the closest yet to Lexus' LF-Gh concept, and it comes in base and Premium trims, which you can compare here. We evaluated a CT 200h Premium.

See also:

Moon roof
Use the overhead switches to open and close the moon roof and tilt it up and down. Opening and closing 1. Opens the moon roof*. The moon roof stops slightly before the fully open position to r ...

And the inside?
Like the exterior, the ES’ interior makes neither friends nor enemies. It’s business as usual for Lexus, which means you’ll be treated to acres of glossy wood, sumptuous leather and a generally co ...

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
The Lexus ES 350's aluminum 3.5-liter V6 produces 272 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. The chain-driven camshafts employ Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligen ...