Price: $31,000 (estimated)

Scheduled to arrive in showrooms in early 2011, the Lexus CT 200h is a compact luxury hybrid four-door hatchback. Using the hybrid system lifted from the Toyota Prius, the CT 200h will generate a combined 134 horsepower from its 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine and electric motor system. A continuously variable transmission, or CVT, delivers power to the front wheels. Four driving modes include a "Sport" setting, which will deliver the most dynamic performance and a leisurely sub-10 second zero-to-60-mph time, while the "Eco" mode offers the most fuel efficiency and an estimated 42 mpg combined city/highway mileage.

Unlike the rather Spartan furnishings in Prius, the CT 200h presents itself as a luxury car befitting the Lexus brand. Available features such as leather seating and a hard-drive-based navigation system with 40 gigabytes of storage flesh out a standard-features list, including dual-zone climate control, iPod interface and Bluetooth cell phone connectivity.