Lexus is playing all its cards regarding the new CT 200h before they release it to the market, and the latest trick is boasting its ownership costs. Naturally people think hybrids are more expensive and although they save you a couple of quids in fuel, their running costs are quite high. But Lexus proves here that, at least for the CT 200h, it’s quite the opposite!

Lexus’ premium hatchback starts at £21,287 and delivers good value for money with its Hybrid Drive that reduces scheduled service, maintenance and repair costs. It also offers 10 per cent benefit in kind company car tax and 100 per cent first year write-down allowance against Corporation Tax.

More importantly, it is exempted from London congestion charge.

CT 200h’s Lexus Hybrid Drive has low maintenance requirements designed-in. There is no starter motor or alternator, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) means there is no conventional clutch and there is no concern about diesel particulate filter performance. Furthermore, the regenerative braking system helps extend the life of the brake pads to an average 70,000 miles. The hybrid components are covered by a five-year/60,000-mile warranty.

Cost comparison – Benefit-in-Kind taxation over three years
CT 200h’s sub-100g/km CO₂ emissions (94g/km subject to homologation) mean that it attracts benefit-in-kind company car taxation at only 10 per cent. The impact of this compared to the tax charges on its main market rivals over three years is shown in the table below: in terms of tax, CT 200h can save a company car driver more than £90 a month.

Purchase date April 2011	Lexus CT 200h SE-I	Audi A3 2.0 TDi SE (MT)	Audi A3 2.0 TDi SE (A/T)	BMW 118d SE (MT)	BMW 118d SE (A/T)
BiK 2011/12	10%	13%	18%	13%	21%
BiK 2012/13	10%	17%	19%	17%	22%
BiK 2013/14	10%	18%	20%	18%	23%
BiK total (40%)	£2,753	£3,990	£5,068	£4,161	£6,076
Variance vs CT 200h	–	+£1,237	+£2,315	£1,408	+£3,323
Monthly variance vs CT 200h	–	+£34	+£64	+£39	+£92

Cost comparison – Retail, Company Car Driver and Company Car Operator
The new CT 200h can deliver cost savings to private owners, company car driver and company car operators, thanks to its combination of low emissions-linked taxation, high fuel economy and residual values, low service, maintenance and repair costs and a 100 per cent write-down allowance against Corporation Tax in the first year.

The table below shows that, compared to its principal rivals, CT 200h can save drivers more than £3,000 over three years or 60,000 miles. And for businesses choosing it as a fleet car, the savings can be well in excess of £7,000.

	3 years/60,000 miles	Lexus CT 200h SE-I	Audi A3 2.0 TDi SE (MT)	Audi A3 2.0 TDi SE (A/T)	BMW 118d SE (MT)	BMW 118d SE (A/T)
Retail	Total cost	£21,287	£21,828	£23,425	£22,943	£25,121
	Variance vs CT 200h	–	+£541	+£2,138	+£1,656	+£3,834
Company car driver	Total cost	£3,985	£5,312	£6,542	£5,513	£7,669
	Variance vs CT 200h	–	+£1,327	+£2,557	+£1,527	+£3,684
Company car operator	Total cost (inc. WDA)	£14,497	£18,938	£20,531	£19,957	£22,314
	Variance vs CT 200h	–	+£4,442	+£6,034	+£5,460	+£7,817