It may be a class-defying comparison (probably should’ve waited till the CT 200h comes out), but CNN put up a comparison of the 35 mpg HS 250h and the 34 mpg Audi A3 TDI.
While a sportier character and fold-down seats work in the A3’s favor, the HS has a more techno-rich cabin, produces 15% less CO2 and 25% less smog emissions annually, and uses cheaper gasoline, making the Lexus hybrid the more “green” model in this test. It seems author Peter Valdes-Dapena is personally more interested in sporty driving, but he does note that it “all depends on your priorities.”