Lexus have revealed the UK pricing and specifications of the new CT 200h, its fully-hybrid powered entry into the UK’s small luxury car market. The entry level CT 200h SE-I is being positioned head-to-head with BMW’s 118d SE and Audi’s A3 2.0 TDI SE with prices starting at £23,485 climbing to £30,635 for the CT 200h SE-L Premier.

Now forgive me for being a bit of an eco-luddite, but you can pick up a Mk 6 Golf GTi for a smidgeon more, however Lexus would say that I was missing the point of its new compact premium car. You see, the CT 200h’s trump-card is its class leading CO2 emissions figure of 94g/km, which if you travel into Central London in 2011 will exempt you from paying the congestion charge. The CT 200h is also the first Lexus to qualify for Band A Vehicle Excise Duty (£0 annual charge), so running costs are likely to be considerably less than its German rivals.

In the UK the CT 200h is available in three equipment grades, SE-I, SE-L and SE-L Premier. SE-I standard features include dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, 17-inch alloys, push button start and LED daytime running lights. SE-L adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and front and rear parking sensors, whilst SE-L Premier includes LED headlamps, cruise control, smart entry system, electrically adjustable front seats, 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, HDD satellite navigation, Lexus Remote Touch multi-function control and a rear parking monitor.

All three specifications are available to order now, with first customer deliveries expected in early 2011.

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