Revealed: UK locations that take the boredom out of charging your EV
Looking for somewhere more pleasant to charge your EV? Here are some great off-motorway options from Lexus (18-07-2022)
Precision Motor Group
Auto-Emporium.co.uk
Cars4You Ltd (Straiton)
Peak Motors Limited
Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable
MF Motors LTD
Arnold Clark Motorstore (Chesterfield)
The Lexus CT was among the first hybrids to enter the UK market, which has undergone several improvements since it was unveiled in 2011. The vehicle's CO2 emissions identify the different Lexus CT generations. The first generation is a 151 g/mile CT, which gave way in 2013 to the 140 g/mile CT, and in 2015, the 140 g/mile made room for the 132 g/mile Lexus CT. The range has undergone numerous performance upgrades along the way, but it still retains the CT's basic design. The hybrid powertrain pairs a 1.8-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a total power output of 134 bhp. Compared to most newer hybrids, the CT is relatively slow, taking 10.2 seconds to accelerate from 0-62 mph and a top speed of 112 mph.
The 151 g/mile CT originally released 3 trims: the SE-I, SE-L and SE-L Premier. In 2012, Lexus introduced a sportier 4th trim to the range: the F Sport. The trim specification levels changed over the years to include the Lexus CT S, SE, Luxury and the Premier, as well as several other trims trickling in along the way. The latest update to the CT family came in 2017 and re-defined the main CT trims: the SE, the Luxury, the F Sport and the Premier. However, the latest update didn't affect the CT's standard features, meaning newer generations remained the same as the earlier CTs. Some standard equipment features you can expect in your CT includes the following:
The mid-range CT trim comes standard with heated front seats and leather trimming, in addition to some other extras, such as:
Thanks to its stylish appearance and sporty interior, the racy Lexus CT F Sport stands out from the rest of the range. It comes with all mid-range CT features, plus memory functionality for the mirrors and the driving seat. Top-of-the-range specs are pricey, but it comes loaded with LED headlights, front fog lights, a 10.3-inch touchscreen display, upgraded sat-nav, a reverse parking camera, aluminium scuff plates and a premium sound system. As Lexus has continuously been revising and updating the CT almost every year since 2011, several other unmentioned Lexus CT trims are available in the used car market.
Despite having undergone several iterations, the CT's equipment pretty much remains the same throughout all the entry, mid-range and high-spec trim levels. Additionally, high-spec CT trims come with standard kits that are only available as options with the lower-level trims: the Premium Package option is the most popular. Other optional packages available for most dated versions of entry-level CTs include black alloy wheels, a DVD player, a glass sunroof and adaptive cruise control.
Even though age is taking its toll on early-version Lexus CTs, the luxury car still scores high when it comes to cabin quality. The CT's cabin is one of the many areas that Lexus improved on over the years, with later models getting high-end soft-touch materials, in addition to a much better well-built dashboard. One grey area in the CT is the touchpad on the infotainment system. It is almost impossible to control and use while driving, which might explain why most other manufacturers don't offer the feature.
Since all CTs come with the same CVT (continuously variable transmission) and electric-hybrid powertrain with a 1.8-litre petrol engine, the driving characteristics are nearly the same across all trims. Thus, all CTs deliver the best driving experience possible, especially on inner-city streets while cruising at a highly cost-effective low speed, as this is when the electric motor takes over to power the CT smoothly. However, it can get a little bumpy and feel slightly underpowered outside the city at high speeds, and the engine gets louder as you increase your speed.
The CT offers enough room to comfortably seat 2 taller adults in the rear seats, plus one front passenger other than the driver. For long journeys, it has plenty of legroom and headroom in the front and back. Still, the front passenger seat is usually the most comfortable. The driver will also be comfortable, thanks to adjustable seats and adjustable steering wheel options.
Considering the CT is a full hybrid, you have to keep in mind that the hybrid system takes up much of its back end. It still leaves you with a roomy 375-litre boot, which is a pretty acceptable amount of cargo room, even though it's below the class average. However, folding the rear seat opens up a solid 989-litre boot, which is just shy of what the Toyota Prius offers, the CT's main rival.
The Lexus CT is a very safe car. It received a 5-star crash-test rating by the Euro NCAP in 2011. Although tests have become more stringent over the years, the CT still has a good list of safety features and equipment, ranging from 8 airbags to driver-assist features, including lane-keep assist, road sign recognition and autonomous emergency braking.
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