Lexus CT 200h 2014 revealed
Updated Lexus CT 200h on sale March 2014. Price starts at around £22,000
The facelifted Lexus CT 200h has been unveiled and it features the firm's new grille, improved comfort, a new multimedia interface and improved emissions. The new Lexus CT 200h will go on sale in March 2014 from around £22,000.
Up front it features the new Lexus spindle grille design, while F-Sport cars have a mesh effect. There are revised fog-light surrounds while full LED headlamps available on certain models.
New 16 and 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheel designs have been introduced while at the back the L-shaped reflector housings and black lower centre section give the car a squatter stance on the road.
There's also a shark-fin ariel for the first time which improves aerodynamics and doesn't need removing when using a mechanical car wash.
The interior of the CT 200h has also been given a refresh. There's a new steering wheel matching that in the IS, and part leather gear selector.
A new 4.2-inch TFT screen is available for the instrument binnacle too. This can be linked to the multimedia system and controlled via buttons on the steering wheel.
On European cars, the main screen on the dash is now a fixed tablet type, though Japanese models retain the pop up version of the old CT 200h.
Also the multimedia interface has been updated to match that of the IS. On cars without sat-nav, and those with the basic navigation system, menus are controlled using a rotary dial like the BMW i-Drive. However, those with the premium sat nav retain the previous car's mouse control.
Other updates inside include new buttons for the stereo, which now uses bamboo- fibre in the speaker diaphragms from improved clarity. There's also softer trim on the top of the door linings and revised upholstery, while F-Sport models get unique detailing such as aluminium pedals and scuff plates.
Perhaps the most important changes to the Lexus CT 200h are those which improve comfort. Laser screw welding techniques used on the Lexus IS have been implemented on the CT for the first time increasing body rigidity by 5 per cent. The added stiffness has allowed softer suspension to be used for a more compliment ride to address criticisms of the previous CT 200h for being unnecessarily firm.
Another complaint with the previous model was the noisy drone from its CVT automatic transmission. That's why the newcomer's gearbox has been reprogrammed so that the engine speed increases with the car's actual speed to make acceleration feel more natural.
Lexus has also improved sound insulation on the new CT 200h to make it quieter to travel in at motorway speeds.
The final update for the new model is an increase in efficiency of the 1.8-litre petrol engine electric motor hybrid powertrain. The result is emissions from just 82g/km of CO2.
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