2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport UK Version review and pictures

Lexus CT 200h F-Sport UK Version review:

Lexus fires up the new CT 200h F-Sport

Hotter looks, sharper handling and extra equipment for full hybrid premium compact

KEY POINTS

New F-Sport grade for CT 200h, Lexus's full hybrid luxury compact

Sports theme reflected in new body styling elements - larger rear spoiler, flared side skirts, mesh grille and revised aero bumpers

Dark-finish 17-inch alloy wheels and electrically retractable electrochromatic door mirrors

F-Sport steering wheel, aluminium pedals and scuff plates, cruise control, F-Sport black leather upholstery and heated front seats all fitted as standard.

Revised suspension featuring lateral front and rear damper system and sports-tuned Kayaba shock absorbers

Available to order now, price from Pound27,850

Lexus has added some extra visual muscle, introduced more top-flight equipment features and sharpened up the handling of its CT 200h full hybrid premium compact model to create the CT 200h F-Sport.

While the new model's looks are bolder and more attention grabbing, there is no penalty to pay in the combined low emissions, fuel efficiency and low cost of ownership performance that make CT 200h an unmatched proposition in one of the car market's most competitive segments.

On the outside the CT 200h F-Sport makes its presence known with 17-inch dark-finish alloys, a larger rear spoiler, flared side skirts, a mesh front grille and new aero-styled bumpers front and rear. In the cabin the distinguishing features include an F-Sport steering wheel with a flat bottom section and aluminium pedals and scuff plates.

Adding to the specification of the SE-L grade, the F-Sport gains cruise control, F-Sport black leather upholstery, heated front seats, electric driver's seat adjustment, auto-dimming (electrochromatic) electrically retractable door mirrors and a rear parking camera that links to a display in the rear-view mirror. And if that isn't enough, owners can ramp up the specification with the option of an advanced HDD navigation system combined with Lexus's Remote Touch control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, back guide monitor and 10-speaker audio package. Front and rear parking sensors and a sunroof are also available.

Lexus has tuned the CT 200h F-Sport's suspension for a more engaging drive, and fitted its lateral damping system as standard. Coil spring rates have been changed and the standard Showa shock absorbers replaced with Kayaba dampers that give more sports-oriented performance.

The lateral dampers, unique in the CT 200h's class, help minimise body vibrations, leading to a more linear steering feel and rewarding driving experience, as well as greater comfort for everyone on board.

Headline performance from the new F-Sport matches its CT 200h sister models with a zero-road-tax 94g/km CO2 emissions and 68.9mpg official combined cycle fuel consumption. And, as the only full hybrid in its class, it can run for up to a mile in slow moving traffic on its electric power alone, reducing fuel use and tailpipe emissions to zero.

The new Lexus CT 200h F-Sport is available to order now, with first UK deliveries in January. On-the-road prices are from Pound27,850.