Lexus calls it a quiet revolution... the launch of the world’s first full hybrid in the compact premium segment.

All the regular hallmarks of the brand are there – quality fittings, smooth drive, exceptional comfort – but there's now a hush that's delivered through the incorporation of a hybrid drive powertrain.

Pop songstress Kylie Minogue – not known as a particularly quiet sort – is being employed as ambassador to deliver the message that you can now have hybrid technology in a premium small car that won’t cost the earth.

Expected to be the biggest seller in the Lexus stable, the CT 200h will deliver average fuel consumption of more than 60mpg, while emitting a mere 94g/km of CO2.

It uses the 1.8-litre petrol engine already employed in the Toyota Auris HSD, together with an electric motor which produces a combined 134bhp. And the technology under the bonnet is matched by top-notch materials in the cabin.

This Lexus is targeted at a younger market, at those who might want to make the jump from a Toyota to a hybrid, but cannot afford – or don't desire – to make the leap into the much larger 600h, RX450h and GS450h models.

So, it's the smallest and lightest Lexus yet, with an entry-level price tag of £23,485, and it is going after BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 customers who want the luxury hybrid experience.

Lexus reckons that the equivalent offerings from its German rivals are about £1,500 more expensive, and that the CT200h has the lowest running costs, so it has an edge in the value stakes.

It’s also fun to drive, from the spooky silence of set-off, when the electric motor propels the car without assistance from the engine, to the continuous mind games that are played out between driver and computer.

At all times, the driver can see on an instrument panel display just how the electric motor is interacting with the engine and how this is translating to economic use of the hybrid sytem.

The driver can choose between “normal”, “eco” and "sport" modes for regular driving and even opt for "electric vehicle" mode to let the electric motor do all the work for distance of a mile or two when driving at speeds under 30mph. Breach the 30mph barrier and the engine will automatically kick in with virtually no effect on the smooth characteristic of the drive.

Unusually, buyers can choose between 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels with no extra charge for the larger wheel. But buyers should be aware that a more comfortable ride will be had with the smaller offering.

By giving the car the lowest possible centre of gravity and paying detailed attention to the bodyshell construction, Lexus has achieved its mission to create a smaller hybrid that handles beautifully.

For the most part, it is a quiet, relaxing and enjoyable experience, with the option to increase the power at the touch of a button should your mood or the situation demand more oomph.

In the cabin, air-conditioning and heater controls have been hived off to an upper display zone that sits below an LCD display screen, while all other functions are embedded either in an area sweeping down to the centre console or on the steering wheel.

Even the entry-level SE-I model gets dual zone climate control, push-button start, front fog lights, leather steering wheel trim, LED daytime running lights, rear privacy glass and rain-sensing wipers. Step up to SE-L and heated leather seats plus front and rear parking sensors are added.

SE-L Premier brings keyless entry and start, a 13-speaker audio system, satellite navigation, electric front seat adjustment, cruise control and LED headlamps.

It makes for a snug cockpit, with plenty of room, while rear seat passengers will not feel hard-done-by. For luggage, there’s 375 litres of capacity with the rear seats up, and this extends to 965 litres with the seats down.

If only by virtue of the fact that the CT200h will be the bigest-selling Lexus, this is a car of great importance to the brand. But it is also opening up an excellent hybrid experience to a whole new market. Now that’s something to shout about.


Lexus CT200h

Price range: £23,485 to £30,635.

Engine: 1.8-litre petrol, plus electric motor, producing combined 138bhp.

Transmission: Automatic.

Performance: 0 to 62mph in 10.3 seconds; top speed 112mph.

Economy: 68.9mpg.

CO2 Rating: 94g/km.