THE search for the Holy Grail of high miles per gallon and low CO2 emissions continues to concentrate the minds of everyone associated with the motor industry. I recently spent some time in one of the classier hybrid options available in the UK and it was an experience which didn’t leave me disappointed. The Lexus CT200h Hybrid Drive came with quite something of a pedigree as the planet’s first luxury hybrid. However, it could have arrived with a little more head turning quality about it rather than the somewhat bland appearance produced by the Japanese car maker’s style council. But, what it lacks in looks on the outside is more than made up for within an interior which has quality stamped all over it. The cabin materials introduced into this five door hatch are absolutely out of the top drawer as it makes an impressive upmarket appearance. This newest, yet smallest, offering from Lexus includes some comfortable front seating facing a high centre console and a thoughtfully put together dashboard while two adults will find comfort in the rear seating. However, boot space is decidedly limited and with all seats taken stowage space measures well under 400 litres. Still, there is an extra cubbyhole beneath the floor and fold flat seats help to up storage area to 965 litres. All models come generously kitted out, the SE-i entry level model driven here including climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, six-speaker system with CD/MP3 player and rear privacy glass in its manifest. There is also a full quota for airbags on board while driver safety items include ABS with brake assist system and electronic brake force distribution, traction control and vehicle stability control. Press the start button and power comes via the hybrid drivetrain where a 1.8-litre 98bhp petrol engine joins forces with a 60kW electric motor to deliver some 134bhp of urge. Engage the continuously variable transmission and, with barely a whisper of its movements, the Lexus CT200h pulls silently away on electric power only. It can maintain this progress only for around a mile providing you don’t exceed the 28mph limit, at which point the petrol engine cuts in. Come to a halt and there's a stop/start system which helps conserve energy. Under normal driving conditions power switches automatically between the engine and tje electric motor for optimum efficiency while Sport and Eco settings can be selected to change accelerator response and steering as the blue hue of the dashboard switches to red for Sport mode. The silent running CT200h does not pretend to be the most dynamic of motors. Its major function is all about a driving experience of economy and environmentally friendly conditions. That said, it could still have perhaps been provided with a little more urge to go with the somewhat firm suspension. Overall there are some big pluses with phenomenal fuel economy of just under 70mpg, free road tax and a spot in the 10% Benefit in Kind bracket being further reward for its environmental friendliness - and that's much to consider as the race for ever more economy hots up. FAST FACTS Lexus CT 200h SE-i Hybrid Price: £23,485 Mechanical: 134bhp, 1,798cc, hybrid engine driving front wheels via CVT automatic gearbox Max speed: 112mph 0-62mph: 10.3 seconds Combined mpg: 68.9 Insurance group: 15 CO2 emissions: 94g/km BiK rating: 10% Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles | 
