Lexus CT200h, test (Exterior, interior design and finishes)

We continue with a premium hybrid, which is also a candidate for CAI, Internet Car of the Year 2012 Ultimate BP. We talk about Lexus CT200h, which we already told you all about the engine, performance and hybrid system in the first part of the test.

Now in the second part it is our turn exterior and interior design review (where the quality of the finishes stands out), of the interior space and trunk. We already mentioned that despite its compact appearance, it is quite spacious inside.

Exterior design

Lexus enters fully into the segment C with this hybrid of only 4,32 meters long, a fairly compact size but which they have managed to take full advantage of on the inside. From the front, it was one of the first models from the Japanese firm to incorporate the new design language.

That front We have seen the trapezoid-shaped design in the new GS and in future creations of the brand, with this CT200h being one of the first to incorporate this design. The LED lights are another element that does not go unnoticed on the front, while the rest of the lighting is halogen and the fog lights are not available as standard on the base finish.

As standard they are the 15 inch alloy wheels, with 195/65 R15 tires. And again, LED technology is present in the rear brake lights, rear with an angular design. Both the front and rear bumpers stand out for their dimensions, making it look like a larger car.

Interior design, habitability and finishes

The design of the dashboard has the Lexus’ hallmark with that mix of design and innovation, with quite a few buttons and controls, especially on the central axle, so many controls can be scary at first but in a short time we get the hang of the car.

The materials are of quality, with soft plastics on the top, leather-lined areas and the possibility of having wooden inserts in the central console (which gives it a premium touch). In general, the interior environment is premium, although we can find some hard plastics, the quality is correct.

The climate control system has all the controls and some functions do not have to be controlled from the touch screen, as is the case in the Lexus RX. It also has the typical mouse for controlling the sound and navigation system.

The Seats stand out for their comfort and quality of leather (in our unit we had seats upholstered in beige leather). The driving posture It is rather low and comfortable, but we have to qualify the position of the steering wheel, which can be annoying when sitting down and getting up, as it has some adjustments that could be improved.

The space in the rear seats There is room, especially for the feet, while in terms of height, if you are around 1.75m tall there will be no problems, but if you are taller things are different. Even in the front, there is not much headroom.

Holes and trunk

Ahead we have hollow in the central train, in the doors and a glove compartment of rather small but correct size. The problem we have is in the rear seats, where they have literally forgotten to put some kind of hole or glove compartment in the doors, it is a shame because the passengers in the rear seats do not have a single hole where they can leave their things, neither in the doors, nor in the central console nor in the armrest.

El trunk does not stand out for its capacity, with its 375 liters, but it has very useful shapes so you can get a lot of use out of it.

In the third part of the test We will focus on the equipment, prices and overall rating of the Lexus CT200h.

Photos | David Taboada