Lexus will launch a lower medium hybrid model at the end of this year, claiming it will be the lowest emitting model in its class.

That means the petrol-electric CT200h will out-point Audi‘s 109g/km A3 Sportback TDIe model, though official fuel consumption and emission figures won’t be confirmed until nearer the launch. But the Toyota Prius that uses the same drivetrain achieves 89 or 92g.km depending in which wheels are specced, so a figure in the low-mid 90s is anticipated.

The CT200h is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor, and can run in electric mode alone for 1.2 miles at up to 28mph.

A luggage capacity of 345 litres puts it between the A3 and BMW‘s smaller 1-series.

More details on pricing and specification, as well as the all-important efficiency figures, will emerge later in the year.

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