Lexus CT 200h hatchback review - CarBuyer

Lexus CT 200h hatchback 2014 review: bit.ly/1iav5cy
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Hi everyone, apologies for the re-upload we forgot the all-important luggage bay shot... D'oh!
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CarBuyer.
The CT200h offers plenty of positives, including ultra-low running costs and a well appointed cabin, but it's also let down in a number of key areas. It seems as though engineers have sacrificed comfort in the pursuit of agile, sporty handling, but it may have been better suited to a more comfortable ride in the first place. When compared with efficient diesel rivals such as the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 you realise that the CT200h doesn't offer good enough fuel returns to make it stand out in this competitive segment.

[@Rjhs001]

I've had one for nearly a year now and love it. I don't think the ride is particularly harsh and the acceleration is something you get used to. I have averaged over 58mpg in 11 months and, given that mine is a 2013 model, nothing rattles or shakes...great build quality and very refined.

[@niemanickurwa]

Hey John, I'm considering one of these as well, 2014 maybe. Were there any mechanical issues either before or after you bought it? I know it's a Lexus so I'm expecting too many issues, but the Hybrid makes me a little nervous it was fairly new tech back then.

[@StevoHDA]

do pre 2013 models have a reputation for rattles?

[@soumyadeepbhunia172]

Back when Mat liked the mousepad more than the swivel wheel. Well...those days are gone now..

[@eternalhalloween1]

Overall, it seems to be a good reliable car with decent room, good fuel economy, a nice interior, and good reliability. This car wasn't designed to be a sports car, so it's really unfair to criticize it on those grounds.

[@yamahass66]

eternalhalloween1 So why is is like a Toyota yaris without dampers then?

[@bighands69]

+yamahaevo The car is as smooth as any other in its class. It is not as light on response as a 1 series but so what.

[@yeongvinsheng7639]

And it is ff

[@theodraws5887]

‘Good room’ are you fucking alright in the head

[@Elaba_]

I love the BMW's, but i am terrified of the timing chain failures on the N47-engines. The Lexus is much more reliable.

[@RevLexus]

They really are! I moved from BMW to Lexus

[@muhammadnabeel6049]

The Gmail team of people who are looking for an hour and half hours

[@muhammadnabeel6049]

7777777777uuu Auris

[@muhammadnabeel6049]

@@RevLexus Error please notify me immediately if you want me to help you

[@sohaib304]

@@RevLexus how about resale value?

[@fraserp2377]

If anyone is wondering about how the ride compares to a prius, a ct200 on 15 inch wheels has a similar ride quality to a prius on 17 inch wheels. A prius on 15 and ct200 on 17 are quite some way apart , 17 inch lexus is very hard. The face lift model doesn't really improve the ride quality, it supposedly has softer suspension, but the chassis was also stiffened up. I couldn't tell the difference. Lexus has much better build quality and is much quieter in the cabin. Prius has poor sound insulation and lots of creaks and squeeks inside. Average mpg on the prius is about 5mpg better. I think a ct200 on 15 wheels is a good buy, the car in this review has 17's. They got poor reviews because of the suspension issues so they have depreciated hard.. you can get a ct200 cheaper than an equivalent prius which is crazy when you think of the price new. btw don't buy a 17 inch wheels lexus and think you can easily swap to 15" , even the oem 15's wont fit. Cars with 17" wheels got larger brake calipers from the factory that will foul the 15 rims.

[@BielCT]

Fraser Poole Thanks for the information! Do u mean Prius 4?

[@mdo]

That's some quality info there. By the way, think some 16 inch would fit the F-Sport? While 15 inch definitely improve ride quality I think they ruin the car's stance completely.

[@JaseSung]

Good information for those who don’t quite fancy the ride. If you have a 2014 onwards F-Sport with the damper package, I think it rides quite well despite the hard suspension so personally I don’t see any real issue with it, but then I’ve suffered through the R52 MINI so I guess anything would ride better.

[@yasarmuhammed3136]

What about maitanance

[@jaksonjack251]

I had this for 2 weeks now, and I completely agree that the ride could be a little bit softer. Theres no point having a sporty suspension when the powertrain is so uninspiring.

[@carnifex8]

As a Prius owner and a fanboy of Toyota i gotta say... Lexus CT200H will be my next car! :)

[@RevLexus]

they are really nice! I have a few videos on my 2019 CT if you wish to see it?

[@s.z.x.01]

Not worth it in my opinion, considering that outdated interior

[@carnifex8]

@@s.z.x.01 Hmm. For some it looks outdated for some it's modern and new. Depends on your budget of course. For rich people its probably meh. For me it would be an amazing car and i'd enjoy every bit of it :)

[@RevLexus]

@@carnifex8 soo true! The CT is discontinued in the UK now so its only the UX250h if you want a new compact hatchback Lexus :) I still enjoy my 2019 CT

[@RedBull.RedBull]

Many complaints on engine sound. Not worth buying.

[@alvarodr7619]

his opinion on infotainment has really changed, hasn't it

[@andrewchan164]

Indeed. He absolutely destroys the lexus infotainment system now and says that the remote touch system is absolutely terrible

[@thadynakat]

😂

[@karimtemri1664]

​@LNS_CTDi lecus ct is horrible

[@Top_Gear_Clips_Central]

@@karimtemri1664nah it was pretty good only a few slight problems, the ux that replaced it is still better tho

[@OhNellly]

Thanks for the reminder on the under floor storage in the back. When I bought my CT I look under there once. Check, tire, tools and first aid kit. I completely forgot about the storage compartment.

[@taitoradephx]

Dang, a young polite Matt Watson. No Carwow sass yet!

[@hswafk2]

the best reviewer

[@ytmndan]

This is the second review I've seen with the underfloor storage in the trunk, yet nobody on ct200hforums has seen one with it.

[@cozziemusic]

One other thing he also mentioned in a later review is doing a hill start with a manual gearbox AND foot-operated parking brake. It's like doing a dance on four pedals in a cramped area.

[@grandanalog4959]

I disagree, I purchased the CT after driving a Golf for 4 years (and test driving a fully loaded 2012). The cost per-month (including gas) are almost the same. What you lack in HP in the CT you make up for in luxury features. Plus IMO the CT is a smoother drive. I really enjoyed my VW and have owned 2 but they are really lacking in fuel efficiency and standard technology.

[@serene4961]

So u spent the same on gas ?

[@MAXXFIGO]

i like how the shirt of Matt fits with the color of the car...finally a good color for a car and why not even for a shirt

[@manzarek74]

I prefer a reliable car (lexus) before a god looking one (bmw)

[@lvoecloud]

+manzarek74 bmw is reliable too

[@penvon]

BMW is reliable? 😂😂😂 thanks for the laugh

[@nathant5819]

Owning both I'm sure Lexus is more reliable. My BMW has had more services even though it's the high end model

[@fredrikkarlsson1623]

Lexus is more good looking than the BMW with it's huge pig grille

[@farzadjahanfard]

I want to buy it in 2023 is it worth it?

[@Vucko100]

Can you do the Honda Civic SI review? please

[@pipeqez911]

That car is not sold in uk

[@RevLexus]

@@pipeqez911 well said!

[@pipeqez911]

@@RevLexus huh?

[@pmacc3557]

Who? Me?

[@alittlehuskyasvartpilendia222]

@Demetrius Vihaan you're right, no one cares. Jog on.

[@ikybaiiki]

I love the outside of the car it looks brilliant, shame it's just a Prius underneath. I hope they make a hot hatch petrol version

[@Revel83]

thank goodness i watched this video before contemplating a purchase

[@dragutuful]

nice to see Mat back

[@maxdob757]

DA CAR IS A REAL BEAUTY

[@Narrowcros]

I noticed most Lexuses and Mercs and BMW's looks good white

[@oldbloke135]

Some of the comments are beyond stupid. The purpose of this car is to satisfy the increasingly harsh anti pollution legislation being introduced worldwide. For example, here in the UK this car is exempt from London conjestion charge, saving the driver over £2000 a year! Saying they should put a 2 litre turbo engine in it suggests a lack of understanding of the real world outside computer games! Of course, you could buy the Prius but let's face it, they are butt ugly (even Toyota seem to acknowledge this as the new Prime is the least Prius looking yet). Other manufacturers will soon all join in with hybrids and electrics but Toyota/Lexus have had a few years' head start now and have an enviable reputation for reliability.

[@howardkerr8174]

oldbloke135: In the US, Toyota/Lexus offer NON HYBRID versions of many of their hybrid models. If I understand correctly, the platform under the ct200h DOES support many models that are powered by gasoline engine only powertrains. For Lexus to market this particular car as even remotely sporty borders on sham/false advertising since the SPORTING part of this car is pretty much limited to suspension bits. Therefore, Lexus should just be honest and market this as a luxury compact hybrid (perhaps starting a market niche?) or, save the sporting pretensions for a gasoline engine only model of the same car. Yes, I read magazines like CAR, and understand this models intended market, but as is often the case car enthusiasts will be puzzled when a manufacturer decides to avoid building what might be an even more successful model than the one they produced.

[@Akash-jz2vf]

What!!! Matt prefers Lexus infotainment more than the BMW idrive?!? Time really flies.

[@JoanFortnite-jh1oz]

All car, all brand , and all body style look gorgeous in white. Thats my opinion.

[@J3rRY717]

Is that MAT from CARWOW

[@BorisMakingTea]

He's so young

[@grandanalog4959]

I test drove a TDI but I wanted something new and it was basically the same car as the VW id been driving since '08. The TDI advertises 6.7L/km city driving where as I'm averaging 5.2L/km and saving almost $120/month (CDN) in fuel compared to my '08 Golf. I lol'd at the numb steering comment, you must not have driven a Lexus before, that's pretty much what sold me on the CT, it handles much better then the Golf I had and the one I test drove, you should test drive one and see for yourself.

[@ssisakl]

OMG first lexus review ever on car buyer..any chance that u might be reviewing the is250?

[@RevLexus]

I have a video on my IS250 and my 2019 CT if you want to see them?

[@SuperAmazingAnt]

These old reviews are better than new ones.

[@mosesraradza679]

4 years later I still agree with this comment

[@kismetau]

he dressed like the car!!

[@RevLexus]

I was thinking that

[@hwangeruk]

you're wrong, I test drove this car - it is luxurious inside. The harsh ride and low power put my off, so most of the review is correct.

[@HyperbirdF6]

Still way better than its german rivals

[@Ikesthetic]

The new Lexus GS review please! It's about time we see more Lexus reviews!

[@meso06]

why do you have spare wheels on it are the full size wheels an optional extra? i thought it was a mazda 3.

[@RevLexus]

Great cars! I love my 2019 CT 200h!

[@RetroGamerVX]

Problem with most lexus cars is that they don't look like a luxury car :o(

[@eriskooo]

that's not a problem, that's advantage ;)

[@tokekkk]

Just a reminder, CT200h got a CVT transmission for fuel efficiency

[@danupwell7017]

it is redesigned prius. How many miles it can do on electric only?

[@samdurling6053]

Someone needs to show him this review of the infotainment system

[@apunk015]

Yeah, they sell a lot so I assume most people like them but I have never seen them as more desirable then a Mercedes or BMW

[@mrmanna123]

For the 2011 model, would you need to pay congestion charge in C. London

[@RationalCreed]

congestion charge is applicable on every car now unless its full EV - and that concession will end in 2025 as well.

[@CdotPoppy]

But ulez doe

[@MdBoss-qg5zd]

@@CdotPoppy Ulez is free for hybrid car

[@dominicfong6341]

Thanks for pointing out the foot operated parking brake; I will stick with my Toyota Prius C.

[@the80386]

mechanical parking brakes are ALWAYS better than those new tiny electronic switch bullcrap.

[@wolverine1981pl]

4:25 would you say leg room is less than in honda civic?

[@Ikesthetic]

Finally a Lexus review!

[@RevLexus]

I have my channel dedicated to Lexus :)

[@dacovaz]

I am doing 1.000 km with 1 fuel tank, nice!

[@BfoYhDoT]

you must be joking! my f sports only get 350miles through LONDON

[@FlyingNitro1990]

What's the problem with foot parking brake? I don't trust these electronic ones.

[@mixedboi]

not a bad one, but unconcentrated, i personally like the middle console parking brake, feels familiar :)

[@tordatfalviciprian5775]

I own a ct200h f sport i am super happyy with it had before a A classe from mercedes benz so i cant conpare between them i guess are the same

[@adamY2K]

Not only that it is probably built better than any other brand out there.

[@everydaygamez105]

A Young Mat Watson

[@M9A5P]

Finally a new video

[@AWFJ2014]

This is my future car.

[@MrSadat619]

did u get it ?

[@userfromcentury]

His name are Mat Watson and there is carwow😂

[@arifaytan29]

What is the colour of this car?

[@kr0pp]

I can totally relate to that, even lexus LFA doesn't catch my eye like most premium german cars

[@m92singh]

why is the middle seat the back always raised slightly compared to the side ones? Car manufacturers almost want people to not sit there.

[@Lostspirit221]

MATT (or Anybody who knows what they are saying for that matter) do you have any ideea about any special running costs ? i mean do you have to replace the electric acumulators? if so, at what period? what other things that are out of the ordinary does this car require to be serviced properly?

[@smileychess]

I guess no one knew what they are saying.

[@Mylobae]

Could you redo this review?

[@SuperDogBiscuits]

Storage underneath the boot? So... No spare wheel? Can anyone confirm this?

[@thermojo5223]

Becca Atkinson not sure where you are but I believe in the UK they don’t have a spare, just a pump up kit and sealant. In the US and Australia they come with a space saver spare wheel.

[@drnh1111]

Hmmm love these but the low performance does put me off. Maybe Lexus should have deployed a smaller turbo unit combined with the electric motor instead of a 1.8 normally aspirated engine. Maybe a MK2 model?

[@foxtrot_oscar]

Lexus hate turbos

[@the80386]

^ for good reason

[@gmax876]

Have you considered wanting the LFA?

[@XjawSFLung]

damn its young mat

[@atlzdreamboy4eva]

i brought it yday 2012 brand new 0 milage!! i liked it a lot!! gr8 car!!!

[@AHMADF93]

If only there's a performance version of this car.

[@tjfSIM]

Really don't like the back of this car - looks fine from the front to the B pillar, but after that everything seems to go wrong.

[@comedyman112]

is this a plug in? or just regenerative?

[@Top_Gear_Clips_Central]

regenerative

[@lffit]

I hope they have improved, bought my son and IS 200; what a horror of a car, gearbox like a tractor, jumpy clutch, vague steering, dodgy handling but it was quiet and well finished, that's about all lol

[@ts6070]

Matts blue shirts 👔 matches the car 🚙 colour..

[@alphasutopia]

Do you have to pay congestion charge

[@RevLexus]

you do unless its an EV

[@alphasutopia]

@@RevLexus 5 years later....

[@RevLexus]

@@alphasutopia haha you could have googled it :P

[@M9A5P]

I don't know why, but never have I seen a Lexus and thought: "Yes, that's a car I want to have", and even less so because of their price. I know they are the equivalent Mercedes of Japan, but even so, I would prefer the european rivals...

[@amapolishplummer]

They should do a CT F with like 250 or 350hp to rival the Focus ST or the A45 AMG.

[@TheEGGtech]

i know it is silly to ask this about a hybrid, but does anyone know how fast this is 0-100km/h?

[@krasimirkks]

About 10 seconds

[@Felix96xy]

Mat looks just like the typical German Prius driver ^^

[@vladislavlazovik1439]

matt is very different now))))

[@Juice82]

Whats the point the Ampera is here

[@hammy434]

i think he doesn't like it because it clogs up the footwell so there is no where to rest your foot on long journeys. please explain how a person is a bad driver if they forget/are too lazy to set and release the foot operated parking brake? in my opinion being lazy does not effect driving skill, its not like its exercise, and unless the person driving is too forgetful to remember how to drive the car, neither does being a forgetful person.

[@TheEGGtech]

awesome, good to see the boot :)

[@99Lezard99]

the older 1.9 tdi are pretty reliable but if you are talking about a 2.0 tdi then you are totally worng. they are everything but not reliable. besides maybe the ones under 140hp. but if you got a 2.0 tdi with 140hp or more you will have, pretty sure, some big or at least not that big problems.

[@iTroozTrooperDown]

Well idk but I'm used to call it "handbrake" and I expect a handbrake to be operated with my hand...

[@Vesper778]

With that price people would prefer to buy a GTI.

[@MlTSUBlSHI]

MY WIFE DRIVE ct for 5years it is a nice car

[@RSUnicorn]

What's the differences between Prius and this except for the few hundred euros?

[@Libanass]

Lexus is smaller, specially in the back, feels lighter, the steering is more responsive (a bit like BMW), the looks are better. But overall, it is just like a Toyota Prius, same engine

[@JoeCnNd]

The joy of not being judged for driving a Prius.

[@00kirbyd]

Foot operated parking brakes are necessary in hybrid cars

[@elukok]

Totaly agree. There are better cars on the price range of this car.

[@Syakir2004]

i wouldnt say its luxurious. but it is comfortable

[@JensS94]

why you never wanted one, is explained at 18-23 seconds: 'it uses the pertol-electric hybrid system from a toyota PRIUS'

[@alexdan9170]

Nice watch

[@EdwardSinclair]

Golf and Audi, yes... but Porsche? Are you sure? Don't tell that you just based this on the company underpinnings. I find Porsche have some of the best handling around... maybe it's just me.

[@leedarmanin]

He forgot to mention the supposedly great sound system xD

[@dovydasrimdeika8311]

Would really like to find out is this car is quiet at motorways speed as it is one of the deciding factor for me when buying the car. And I really like everything else about so can some owners can help with this one? :D

[@jhmsmarttv795]

+Dovydas Rimdeika Why don't you just go to a dealership and take it for a test drive? Noice is a very subjective factor, and you shouldn't rely on other people's opinions, when buying a car for yourself.

[@AS-ln3pl]

I've driven this and its one of the quietest cars out there.

[@CATAILYSTify]

Hey mat could you do a review on a Lexus gs please?

[@kazar777]

Lexus is also most expensive in its class as well.

[@aspiringdrummer17]

He couldn't do a better job than you did. At least he didn't speak negatively of other nationalities

[@LRS905]

Nice how he dodged the bullet about the nice appearance of the interior materials with just a slight mention of it. But the hell they are, look at those plastics, just like the ones on a damn plain toyota...

[@storyclips]

we need a CTF!!!!

[@DeeJayJozo]

what's the deal with the shirt?

[@alzo9117]

😂😂😂 how much mat has changed

[@zxy0192]

This Car needs to change its batteries every 10years like the prius

[@Bjornry]

GREAT LEXUS!!