2016 Lexus CT 200h at Deception Pass

The 2016 Lexus CT 200h is a stylish and eco-friendly hatchback wagon, featuring the plush refinements you’d expect from Lexus and some power that you wouldn’t expect from a hybrid.

Starting at an MSRP of $31,250 ($41,860 as driven), the 2016 Lexus CT 200h comes with a slew of luxuries, the technology you crave, and the performance you need for your busy lifestyle. But let’s start with the looks.

The 2016 Lexus CT 200h comes with the standard spindle grille up front flanked by dynamic LED daytime running lights while strong body lines lead eyes toward the rear hatch. Though, our test driver looks a bit more aggressive than your average Lexus CT 200h due to the F Sport Luxury Package.

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The F Sport accoutrements include luxury navigation, wheels grilles, seats, roof, suspension, trim… basically improving everything aesthetically to the tune of $3,325. Also improved with the F Sport package is visibility via LED headlamps and automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, eyes are saved via an automatically dimming rearview mirror, and happiness is elevated by the 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminum sport pedals and the sport-tuned suspension (but that last part we’ll get into in a bit).

On the inside, the CT 200h comes with a leather-trimmed steering wheel with all the needed controls, a leather-trimmed shift knob, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. The 10-way power seating includes lumbar adjustments and offered premium comfort on the drive up to Deception Pass. Heated leather seats come by way of the F Sport package along with power front passenger seat, driver position memory, and the perforated, leather trimmed steering wheel shift knob.

A standard Bluetooth-enabled, 6-speaker audio system featuring Lexus Enform infotainment suite comes with any 2016 Lexus CT 200h, but we weren’t driving just any model. Included in the F Sport Navigation add-on is an upgraded Lexus Enform system featuring more built-in apps, a remote touch controller in the center console, premium speakers, backup camera, and the aforementioned navigation system ($3,480 option).

Under the hood is a 1.8L 4-cylinder DOHC (dual overhead cam) engine with variable valve technologies for increased fuel economy. Connected to that, though, is the Lexus hybrid system. While tooling around the State Parks of Whidbey Island in EV mode, we were nearly silent. However, as soon as acceleration was required, the instant torque of the electric motors would kick in and away one goes.

Even though the suspension is ‘sport-tuned’, I wouldn’t quite call the performance of the Lexus CT 200h ‘spirited’, but it was good. Batteries packed in the bottom ensured corners could be taken fast and flat, and the torque from the motors ensured that a smile graced lips upon the acceleration post-corner.

Best yet, the regenerative braking didn’t give you whiplash while refilling your batteries upon deceleration. Thank you for that, Lexus.

Being a hybrid, you’ll never have to experience range anxiety of full EVs. The Lexus CT 200h achieves an EPA-estimated 42 mpg combined; 43 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.

Overall, the 2016 Lexus CT 200h gives you exactly what you’re looking for in a luxury hatchback wagon for stylish city living. Whether the added $8,000 in premium F Sport packaging is worth the cost is up to you, but it was a very handy set of add-ons along with others that just looked good.

For more information, please visit www.Lexus.com or drop by your local Lexus retailer today!