2017 Lexus CT 200h

Born at a time when gasoline prices were sky high and hybrid vehicles were all the rage, the Lexus CT 200h offers a different take on the compact luxury car with an emphasis on quality, economy, and handling.

When it was conceived, the CT had little by way of direct competition, other than the short-lived Acura ILX sedan. The sharp-angled styling was updated several years ago, but still looks current thanks to its super-sized spindle grille. Compact dimensions and a hatchback body shape give it more of a European look and feel than most Lexus products. These days, its closest rival is the Audi A3 e-tron, which is a plug-in hybrid and costs significantly more money.

Powering the CT is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine that comes mated to a CVT engine. A small Ni-MH battery pack drives an electric engine, giving it the ability to be driven for short distances with zero tailpipe emissions. This engine is the same unit found in the previous-generation Toyota Prius. While the total output of 134 hp lags behind most compact cars, the CT returns all-round excellent fuel economy figures. According to Transport Canada, the CT's 5.5 L/100 km city and 5.9 L/100 km highway ratings make it one of the most fuel efficient vehicles around.

Though the CT may use a lot of Prius technology in its drivetrain, it does not share its platform with the parsimonious and frugal Toyota. Instead, it leverages Toyota's international compact car platform which is shared with the Scion tC among other vehicles. The CT has four-corner fully independent suspension, sharp electric power steering, and when equipped with the optional F Sport packages, provides enthusiastic cornering abilities and more grip than you'd expect of a econo-hatch. Certainly, its lack of power is noticeable, but its ability to nip in and out of traffic and easily slot into parking spots makes it a boon for urban owners.

For 2017, the only changes of note are the addition of new F Sport exclusive colours - Atomic Silver with Black Roof, and Nightfall Mica with black roof. The eye-catching F Sport Blue is no longer offered. Also new this year is a standard reverse camera, which is integrated into the rear-view mirror.

The CT's cabin is perhaps the most unusual part of the vehicle's design and includes an unusual gearshift lever on a canted panel below the centre stack. The design is button-heavy, though models with the optional display audio system feature a console-mounted remote for controlling the screen. Artificial leather upholstery comes standard; all others, including the F Sport trims with sport bucket seats, get perforated leather. Buyers should note that the CT is on the small side; rear quarters and trunk space are tight.

While the CT may not have the high-speed refinement and performance of some of its compact rivals, its nimble manner, efficient powertrain, and high-quality construction, and bulletproof reliability have earned it praise from owners.

The 2017 CT 200h starts at $32,750 and tops off at $41,200 for a loaded model with the F Sport 2 Package.