2012 Lexus CT 200h Sport

Here’s Lexus’s take on an upscale sporty hybrid. It shares components with its less expensive cousin, the Toyota Prius. Lower the suspension and stance and you get a Prius on steroids.

Remember, this is a hybrid, so this car looks sportier than it drives. Just remind yourself that you are driving a cool looking car that averages 42 miles per gallon.

Here’s what makes this CT 200h tick. This is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a pair of electric motor/generators that make 134 horsepower. The tranmision is a CVT, continuisly variable. The not-so-good news for driving enthusiasts is a zero-to-60 time of 10.4 seconds, even pokier than the Prius.

The interior of the CT hybrid is understated compared to the rest of the hybrow Lexus stable. I really like the intuitive joystick system on the Lexus. It’s intuitive and easy to use. The rear camera is a good idea because rear visibility is pretty sketchy. There are three driving modes: Normal, Eco and Sport. The left side of the dash morphes into a tachometer and the binnacle glows red when you switch to Sport–not to mention a change in throttle response and sharper steering. This part of the interior looks dated.

Rear seat room is OK unless you’re hauling basketball players. The Lexus is a half a foot shorter than a Prius, but it’s one inch wider. There’s enough room for golf clubs and groceries behind the rear seats, 14.3 cubic feet to be exact.

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Mike West has been on the air in Seattle for more than 30 years as part of Seattle’s best morning show teams. He also did mornings on KLOS Los Angeles for a little over a year before returning to Seattle. He currently hosts Breakfast With The Beatles every Sunday morning on CBS Seattle station KZOK, 102.5 FM.