This text was not translated, because it is originally in English
When I first saw a 2011 Lexus CT200h on the freeway I thought it was a 2011 Mazda3 hatchback. To some, that might be negative comment but I like the looks of the Mazda3 hatch much better than the sedan.

When I got the opportunity to spend time with a 2011 CT200h last week I was not disappointed. True it has been getting mixed reviews but I enjoyed it much more than the Honda CR-Z I drove a few weeks ago. Although its not really fair to compare the two, as there is a $10,000 price difference I could not help but make the comparison. The CT200h is bigger, has four seats, four doors — yet it is sportier.

During the time I dove the CT200h it returned 39. 2 mpg according to the cars computer, which was slightly worse less than the official EPA ratings of 43/40mpg (city/highway). Whats really surprising is that, although the Toyota Prius and Lexus CT200h share the same 134-horsepower (combined) hybrid system with a 1. 8-liter engine, the Prius gets much better fuel economy. Even though the Prius is larger it is not quite as heavy as the CT200h, which suggests that Toyota put more emphasis on economy in the Prius than in the CT200h. It makes sense to me.

Like most fuel-sipping cars there are three transmission settings – economy, normal and sport. Naturally the Sport mode was most fun, especially as the instrument panel lighting changes from blue to red and the hybrid power indicator disappears to be replaced by a tachometer. Neat.

Overall, I had no complaints about the cars handling. Its not really a sporty compact but then it does not really pretend to be. Unlike others, I did not find the look and feel of the CT200hs interior to be disconcerting. Those who love being coddled in the luscious interior of a Lexus LS 460 might be disappointed, though.

I have three gripes about the 2011 Lexus CT200h. The amount of tire noise was surprising considering how good Lexus has been at isolating sounds in its other cars. The trunk space is limited because of the high floor caused by the battery pack. Finally, I had trouble at first getting used to the gearshift pattern. Since when does it make sense to move the lever forward for reverse and backwards for drive?

The 2011 CT200h is now the lowest cost car in the Lexus lineup. If you want a Lexus its a good starting point. If youre after economy though, the Toyota Prius is less expensive, has more interior space and delivers better fuel economy.