A series of updates to the Lexus CT 200h hybrid includes a significant improvement in the car’s safety package.
Described by Lexus as the world’s first luxury hybrid hatchback, the CT 200h has sold 27,000 examples in the UK in the seven years since it launched, more than a third of the model’s entire European sales.
Now a facelift package for 2018 model year cars includes new styling to the exterior and interior, a simplified grade structure and the inclusion of the Lexus Safety System+ package as standard on all but entry-level SE models.
The safety package comprises active technology including a system to lessen the severity of collisions, adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure warning with an assistance system, automatic high-beam headlamps and traffic sign recognition.
Styling updates are intended to give the car more presence. There is a new mesh pattern to the grille which no longer has a bumper dividing it up, while on the top Premier and F Sport Premier Pack models the daytime running lights sit above the headlamps and flow into the car’s side styling lines. L-shaped lights top the rear-end modifications.
Inside there are new upholstery and colour options, while the navigation system that is optional on all bar the entry-level model and standard on upper grades gains a larger screen, growing from seven to 10.3 inches.
The simplified grade structure sees the entry SE model joined by a new Luxury grade, above which is the F Sport model with sports-pitched additions including performance dampers and bespoke styling. Top of the range remains the Premier model.
No changes have been made to the CT 200h powertrain, the car still claiming a combined-cycle fuel economy figure of plus 73mpg and CO2 emissions down to 88g/km. Order books are open for the revised car at prices from £23,495.
