We recently test drove a Lexus CT200h hybrid for a week just as the first real snowfall arrived in SE Michigan. The CT200h is one of the first of the new compact luxury hatchback hybrids headed to the states - well-made small cars like this usually go only to European markets. We were very impressed with the ride's attention to detail inside and out. The lit doorsill logos, retracting nav screen, blue LED lighting elements and leather-wrapped everything spoke of serious quality. The 40+ mpg and under $30,000 price tag rounded out the package nicely, although our tester pushed the limits with a $38,000 sticker. But then the snow fell, and the CT200h couldn't make it 10 feet up our driveway. Scalloped door shapes and adorable hatch aside, the CT200h's inability to handle even one inch of snow put a lid on our enthusiasm for this little car. Check out our photo gallery to see all the fabulous details, and we'll tell you why you definitely will want one of these hybrid hatches... as long as you live in a sunny state.
Whether it can make it up your driveway or not is entirely dependent on the tires, and the stock tires are pretty hard and not suitable for snow. A set of snow tires is all you need.
http://lexusenthusiast.com/2011/12/09/lexus-ct-200h-demonstrates-the-importance-of-winter-tires/
I was wondering if you had the correct tires on the vehicle and who was driving that had the seats at the maximum distance from the steering wheel. The seats looked as if they were the furthest they could go back so of course there was almost no leg room.