Small, perfectly formed and full of energy. But enough of Kylie Minogue... what about the Lexus CT200h?

This is the new car which proves hybrid power can be more alluring than some of the mundane-looking offerings from rival manufacturers. Yes, I mean the Prius and Insight.

The Lexus is in a different league, looks-wise. Frankly, it doesn’t need the association with Ms Minogue to appear desirable, but I guess there’s no harm in it.

What the CT200h does require, however, is a catchier name. This one hardly rolls off the tongue. It sounds more like a photocopier or a low-tech mobile phone rather than one of the most impressive (and important) cars on the road.

So, what exactly have we got here? Essentially, it’s a compact five-door hatchback on the lines of BMW 1 Series or Audi A3.

But it’s under the bonnet where the difference stands out. It has a 1.8 litre petrol engine and an electric motor which work impressively. Like Morecambe and Wise or even Little and Large, they work best together, the electric motor bolstering the bigger petrol engine.

Even if you’ve never driven a hybrid before, the CT200h presents no additional challenges – simply get in, sit down and start it up. Like any Lexus, there’s no need to slot a key; just push a button, and all that follows is a quiet murmur and movement in the dials to indicate that it’s ready to go.

At low speeds, the electric motor will do all the work. At higher speeds, they both work together, and when the electric motor is out of power the petrol unit works alone and regenerates the electric unit.

It means the car manages more than 60mpg on average. In fact, around town or on a run the mpg is more or less the same. That’s in contrast to a conventional car, where the economy around town can be only half as good as that on a run.

In fact, fill up a CT200h and you can drive for 682 miles. What’s more, emissions are 94g/km, the sort of figure you might expect from a Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa, not an executive saloon. Impressive. In fact, even a MINI One emits 99 to 127g/km, depending on the model.

But the CT200h is an altogether more substantial car. It’s solid and stylish, especially on the outside, and very efficient. There is something eery about floating along in total silence in EV (electric vehicle) mode. In fact, it’s almost a hazard for the unwary pedestrian.

So, how does the wizardry work? Very well. In fact, it flits between conventional power and electric so smoothly you’ll barely notice.

Inside, there are some interesting touches. I must say, it’s a very smart and comfortable car to be in. Perhaps not as sporty as an Audi or as posh as a BMW, it is nonetheless stylish. My favourite feature is the satellite navigation system which works with a mouse-like feature which will come naturally to anyone who has used a laptop.

The CT200h also has a prominent control on the centre console that allows the driver to switch between three additional modes of operation.

In EV mode it runs on battery only for as long as possible, and although the quoted range is 1.2 miles, in practice a greater range is possible when driven with care – all the while producing zero emissions. Eco mode puts the emphasis on minimal fuel consumption by softening the response of the accelerator pedal and reducing the power consumed by the air conditioning system. Small changes they may be, but they put the driver in the right frame of mind as a result.

Overall, it’s an impressive car. It is green without the need to plug in or be limited by battery range.

The facts and figures stack up for themselves. Road tax is free and you won’t have to pay a London congestion charge. If you don’t believe me, ask Kylie.

Lexus CT200h:- PRICE: £23,485. This is the cheapest in a range costing up to £30,635.

ENGINE: A 1.8 litre petrol engine generating 98bhp allied to an electric motor generating 36bhp via a CVT (continuously variable transmission).

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 112mph, 0-60mph in 10.3 seconds.

COSTS: 68.3mpg on a combined route.

EMISSIONS: 94g/km.

INSURANCE: Group 15E.

WARRANTY: Three years, 60,000 miles. Hybrid components have five year, 60,000 mile guarantee.

Steve’s ratings: Performance: 4/5 Economy: 5/5 Ride/Handling: 3/5 Space/Practicality: 3/5 Equipment: 4/5 Security/Safety: 4/5 Value For Money: 3/5 OVERALL: 4/5