CT 200h in the Market

Lexus says CT 200h buyers cross-shop the Audi, BMW and Volvo competition — and the budget-luxury field is set to swell. Expect Mercedes and Infiniti to throw their hats in the ring, too.

But are the cars that swell? Most are what you'd expect: A half-step down from the brands' usual fare, but appealing on their own strengths. So it goes with the CT 200h, which combines Lexus touches with a Toyota driving experience. The wild card is styling, where conservative Lexus took a radical leap. It paid off. The car looks sharp, which should draw as many car shoppers as its gas mileage. It may not live up to every tenet of the Lexus badge, but the CT's prospects seem as bright as our test car's nuclear-gold paint job.

    See also:

    Using the AUX adapter
    This adapter can be used to connect a portable audio device and listen to it through the vehicle’s speakers. Connect the portable audio device. Press . Operating portable audio devices connec ...

    Under the Hood
    For 2006, the 4.7-liter V-8 produces 263 hp and 323 pounds-feet of torque. Those numbers are down slightly from the 2005 model's 270 hp and 330 pounds-feet of torque due to new SAE testing procedu ...

    Indicators and warning lights
    The indicator and warning lights on the instrument cluster and center panel inform the driver of the status of the vehicle’s various systems. - Instrument cluster. - Center panel (without a navig ...