Lexus CT vs Mazda 2
What's the difference?

Lexus CT

—

2018 price

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Mazda 2

$14,500 - $26,998

2024 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Summary

2018 Lexus CT

2024 Mazda 2

By Tim Robson

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.8L

Inline 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

4.1L/100km (combined)

5.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Still dynamically fun
Manual remains
Ergonomically sensible

Dislikes

Interior is dating
Engine noise under load
Pricing not quite 'first-car'

2018 Lexus CT Summary

There are two ways to look at the Lexus CT200h; as either the cheapest model in the Japanese company’s range, or as a planet-saving hybrid.

Either way, the four-door, five-seat CT200h hatch – which has been updated for 2018 – differs from the rest of the Japanese luxury brand’s lineup for a number of different reasons.

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2024 Mazda 2 Summary

The entry-point into one of Australia's most popular brands has been around for almost 10 years in its current generation, but the Mazda2 has had a refresh.

Possibly for the last time in its current lifespan, the small hatchback gets a facelift to remain appealing, Mazda hopes, to first-car-buyers.

Mazda's up against not only direct rivals, like the Suzuki Swift and Toyota Yaris, but also the shifting market.

Mazda has sold just over 3500 Mazda2s so far this year, but almost 11,000 CX-3 small SUVs, the latter based on our friend here's platform.

It's a name with a little over two decades behind it, but can it be a first-car-favourite in an increasingly difficult small car market?

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Lexus CT 2024 Mazda 2

Verdict

The cheapest Lexus of them all isn’t chasing badge snobs with the CT200h as blatantly as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi do with their entry level cars… but it’s perhaps not quite the Lexus you’d expect it to be.

It has a lovely front-of-cabin, for example, but there’s a lot of last-gen Prius in plain sight in the rear of the cabin.

The hybrid powertrain, too, is noble in concept, but the day-to-day reality is that it’s not as nice to drive, especially town to town, as a regular petrol-powered car of similar size.

The foot brake, silly multimedia joystick and odd gearshifter also spoilt the party a bit.

Empty nesters who are looking for a nice city runaround with a tinge of greenwash about it will love it… and if the current Prius is anything to go by, the next CT will be a very good thing indeed.

Verdict

While Mazda's insistence that the Mazda2 is a 'first-car' could be very limited by the incomes of most teenagers or early-20s city-dwellers, the starting price being close enough to $20,000 for a dynamically enjoyable and convenient small car isn't to be scoffed at.

The new styling of the Mazda2 is well executed, and as an alternative to small SUVs (which continue to become more popular) it's a sensible option, especially considering its efficiency and ease of use.

The lower specifications in the range are probably the best in terms of value, as even the features on the higher grades aren't groundbreaking, and the Pure SP definitely exudes the most style cred.

Lexus CT vs Mazda 2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus CT vs Mazda 2
What's the difference?