The car is the first full hybrid in its segment and is targeted at competitors such as the Audi A3 and the BMW 1 Series.
There are four grades available, with the second level S-Design expected to account for the bulk of sales at €29,450.
The CT 200h is capable of EV-only travel only up to two or three kilometres, while the total hybrid system has an output of 136hp and it offers combined cycle emissions as low as 87g/km. This equates with those of cars such as the VW Polo BlueMotion, which is a size smaller and has only an 80hp output.
The new entry level Lexus has a CVT automatic transmission and in tests over a 66km route it has been shown to have travelled 24km of thyat in EV mode.
Speaking at the launch today, Lexus Ireland operations manager Kevin O'Reilly said the car means the brand can now introduce a new audience to the Lexus experience of hybrid drive.
He added that 75 percent of all Lexus cars sold in 2011 will be hybrid drive.
The Irish distributor expects to sell 300 CT 200h units this year, and as many as 600 in 2012, though there may be a restriction on available supply.
