LOOKS
First off, the CT200h is a small package, with very little room in the back seat. The front seat is comfy though, and the exterior is sharp with a bold and attractive trademark Lexus grille up front. Inside you get the typical high-end Lexus materials, including smooth black leather that feels great and conveys the brand’s quality well.

ENGINE, HORSEPOWER
The CT 200h features Lexus’ hybrid system, which features a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine that works with two electric motors and a battery to get you 134 horsepower. Those are not exactly thrilling numbers, but it’s a hybrid -- and most people aren’t expecting thrills when shopping for hybrids. They want solid mpg and accept the shortfalls that come with that.

The CT 200h is quite slow getting up to speed, by anyone’s standards. Switching to Sport Mode will get you at least some power, though it’s still not a ton. Eco mode is the other direction and you will feel like you’re in slow motion; I don’t recommend it unless you’re about to run out of fuel.

This is not a “drivers’ car” for people who want to tear it up on the road; Lexus has many faster, sportier models for that purpose. This is for those who want to sip gas and not slurp it.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY
The quirky mouselike controls on the user interface hamper an otherwise decent tech system; Voice commands were usually responsive; but occasionally flaked out. You have to speak clearly and make sure there’s no outside noise to distract the system from understanding you.

The optional Navigation system comes with a backup camera, plus an awesome premium audio system that really lets you feel the music.

Standard safety features include traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitor and a bevy of airbags.

MPG
The official numbers for fuel mileage are 43 city/40 highway/42 combined; I averaged about 42, so I was right on the nose. While not as high as you can get on a Prius, for example, these numbers are still very impressive and come in a much more attractive package than most hybrids.

PRICE
The 2015 CT200h starts at roughly $32K, and with interior and tech enhancements the total of my test vehicle came to just over $39K. That’s pretty pricey for a little car, but it is a Lexus and it is a hybrid and both of those things will bump up a car’s price.

BOTTOM LINE
This is a hybrid ride for folks seeking big numbers from their mpg without the look of a boring old Prius -- the more upward-bound and showy type of people who want fuel economy and pizzazz.
If you’re looking for speed and power, look elsewhere, but for saving gas and looking good it does quite well.

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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu