Lexus upgrades the CT200h in a midlife make-over

Lexus has launched its new-look CT 200h Line as the proportion of the luxury hybrid pioneer’s hybrid vehicle sales exceed 40 per cent of the marque’s total sales.
Lexus hybrids made up 42 per cent of overall sales in the first three months of 2014, against the backdrop of a 16 per cent lift in overall Lexus sales.
That represents a 30 per cent rise in year-to-date hybrid line vehicle sales over the same period last year.
Since introducing hybrid vehicles to the luxury market in 2006, Lexus Australia has sold in excess of 10,000 hybrids – with the greatest proportion of those being CT 200h.
Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley said the growth in hybrid sales is being driven by greater acceptance, more choice and efficiency.
“The marked rise Lexus is experiencing in hybrid vehicle sales is being driven by the fact that the efficient drivetrain technology is well past early adopter status and is now considered a viable, reliable and powerful alternative to internal combustion engines,” Mr Hanley said.
“Since 2012, Lexus has launched seven new or improved hybrid vehicles in Australia alone. Those vehicles have aided growth in overall hybrid sales and demonstrated our long-term commitment to hybrid technology.
“We expect as the new-look CT and other new hybrid models become available the proportion of overall hybrid sales will continue to rise, getting ever closer to our goal of 50 per cent of total sales,” he said.
Lexus is the only manufacturer to offer a range of hybrid vehicles in the form of hatch, sedan, saloon and SUV across its CT 200h, IS 300h, ES 300h, GS 300h, GS 450h, LS 600h and RX 450h SUV.
Since 2006, Lexus’ proportion of hybrid sales has risen from 4 to 42 per cent.

• New-look exterior with more aggressive spindle grille
• Chassis suspension and steering improvements for even better dynamics
• Upgraded interior with new switchgear, displays and colours
• World-first engine inlet duct silencer for greater noise attenuation
• Streamlined range with price down on F Sport and Sports Luxury models. Price held on Luxury model

The new-look Lexus CT 200h range brings with it a simplified model line-up; gone is the previous model Prestige variant with Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury variants remaining.
All models benefit from greater specification as standard, with no price rise across the line-up and two of the variants at a lower recommended retail price.
The revised Luxury variant (based on the previous Prestige) starts at $39,990^* and now features reverse camera, Lexus display audio with 10 speakers (replacing six), rotary-style Lexus Remote Touch controller and rain-sensing wipers.
In addition to the new specification all models receive significant visual and technical upgrades, including new exterior styling, alloy wheels, slimline navigation or display screen, new shift lever, IS-style steering wheel and upgrades to the vehicle’s chassis and suspension – providing for more composed and dynamic driving characteristics.
Selected models also receive Lexus connected mobility solution Enform^#, LED fog lamps, Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Pre-Collision Safety System (PCS) and new exterior and interior colours.
The Luxury model can also be specified with four enhancement packs to add substantial specification to the vehicle.
F Sport models retail for $48,990^* – representing a $2,000 saving on the previous model.
In addition to the wide-ranging improvements, F Sport models also gain new specification including unique black roof, all-new larger rear spoiler and Enform as standard.
Two enhancement packs are available for F Sport models and feature a moonroof, parking sonar, Mark Levinson audio, PCS, ACC and smart card key.
Topping out the CT line-up is the Sports Luxury model carrying an RRP of $56,990^* – a saving of $1,000 over the previous model
The Sports Luxury benefits from the model-wide improvements and adds LED headlamps and fog lamps, new Shimamoku trim and privacy glass as standard.
Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley said the new-look CT 200h improves on an already pioneering package.
“CT 200h was and remains the first and only hybrid luxury hatch available to Australians, and these significant improvements and new look will enhance our already unique offering,” Mr Hanley said.
“Since launch, the majority of CT 200h vehicles sold in Australia have been Prestige, Luxury and F Sport models, and we’ve concentrated our improvements to cater for these high demand models by increasing value and specification.
“Since its introduction, over 3,000 Australians have chosen the CT 200h for its low emissions, enjoyable dynamics and pioneering hybrid technology,” Mr Hanley said.

^* Manufacturer’s list prices are provided for media purposes only and do not include statutory charges or other on-road costs.
^# Enform services rely on data from the driver’s compatible mobile phone and information provided by third parties. Availability is dependent on a number of factors, including mobile service, sufficient mobile data allowance and GPS satellite signal reception. Mobile usage is at the user’s cost. Enform is designed as a driver assist device only and should only be used in conjunction with safe driving practices. Check your local laws.
^{^} Digital radio station coverage dependent on vehicle location.
^** Current navigation mapping database encompasses major capital and primary national road networks and offers some coverage in regional areas.

new-look Lexus CT Line models receive a raft of chassis, suspension and steering improvements to enhance the dynamic and comfort capabilities of the hybrid hatch.
Additional body braces have been added to the rear floor and front cowl to increase both crash performance and body rigidity.
In total, 20 additional spot welds were added to the CT 200h’s rear hatch, while body bonding has been applied to front and rear wheel housings and rear side members – aiding overall body rigidity and stiffness.
Complementing the overall chassis improvements are no less than 94 separate measures adopted to reduce NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).
These include revisions to the dash cross-member, tunnel reinforcement, bulkhead, no.1 cross-member, rear inner rocker and floor, roof silencer, front pillars, centre pillars, side cowls, front and rear scuff panels, side trim and centre console, back door trim and window glass.
Also aiding NVH improvements is the world’s first engine inlet duct silencer plate and a repositioning of the CT’s rear engine mount. Both measures combine to improve refinement and reduce NVH.
Leveraging this improved foundation are revised shock absorbers, coil springs and larger front and rear stabiliser bar.
Spring rates, shock absorbers and shock absorber internal valving were changed to deliver greater compliance over rough roads while maintaining CT 200h’s handling performance.
The result is a vehicle that is more comfortable over rough roads.
F Sport models now receive unique shock absorber damping and spring rates that increase damping force at low speeds and greatly increase the force at high speeds, while roll rigidity has been increased and front/rear roll has been decreased for a firmer feel when turning in.
Improved steering was also a major focus for the engineering team, with changes made to the electronic power steering (EPS) system and steering column.
The EPS has been revised to ensure that the system now works better with the revised suspension and chassis calibration.
New coupling nuts have been added to the steering column to increase overall rigidity and enhance steering feel.

The Lexus CT 200h features a new look and the latest application of the luxury marque’s L-Finesse design philosophy.
All CT 200h models benefit from new frontal styling commanded by the spindle grille, rear bumpers, new headlamp design, aerodynamic enhancements, wheel designs and new colours.
At the front, the new-look CT 200h features horizontal-lined grille sections (upper and lower) separated by a placed-out centre that houses the number plate mounting.
The new design gives the impression of length and brings the CT 200h in line with styling cues on Lexus IS, ES, GS, LS, RX and LX models.
F Sport models receive a unique mesh grille that runs from the bonnet all the way to the base of the spoiler, reminiscent of the LF-LC concept and other F Sport variants.
F Sport models also feature unique contrasting black roof, blacked-out fog lamp sections, a more aggressive bumper design, larger boot spoiler with dual air ducts, unique wheels and F Sport badging.
From the side, new wheel designs complement each model with new twin five-spoke 16-inch alloys as standard on the Luxury model, 17-inch 10-spoke alloys on Sports Luxury (optional on Luxury) and a unique F Sport rim that features a machined face with blacked-out centre sections and centre caps.
At the rear, all models receive a new rear bumper and redesigned tail lamps featuring dual aerodynamic fins, with F Sport models receiving unique styling treatment at the rear.
Enhancing the overall aerodynamic improvements to the vehicle are fins between the doors and side mirrors, and a new shark fin antenna (replacing the previous pole antenna).
An all-new Caliente (red) joins eight other exterior colours: White Pearl, Mercury Grey, Premium Silver, Onyx, Elysium Blue, vermillion, Volcanic Bronze and Solar Flare.
F Sport models are available in seven colours – Premium Silver, Mercury Grey, vermillion, Caliente, Solar Flare, Flame Blue and F Sport-exclusive White Nova – each with contrasting black roof.
For the first time on CT, all models feature Lexus’ unique self-healing paint, to improve scratch resistance.

New Lexus CT 200h features a range of interior updates, including a new steering wheel, the addition of Lexus Display Audio with fixed display screen, new second-generation Lexus Remote Touch, new gear lever, new interior colour, trim, improved comfort and the addition of a switchable instrument panel as standard.
All CT models now feature an IS-derived 370mm diameter steering wheel. It provides a cleaner design and is easier to use – giving fingertip access to audio, phone, vehicle functionality and Active Cruise Control (where fitted).
Luxury models gain Lexus Display Audio as standard, enabling the fitment of reverse camera technology as standard across the CT Line.
In the Luxury models Lexus Display Audio is controlled by a rotary dial-style Lexus Remote Touch device, giving access to audio, vehicle set-up and phone functionality.
In CT 200h F Sport and Sports Luxury grades the Lexus Display Audio is operated via a mouse-type controller.
The fitment of Lexus Display Audio also allows for a cleaner centre instrument panel by reducing the number of buttons.
Vehicles specified with Mark Levinson audio systems receive metallic highlights.
All CT models receive a new fixed seven-inch slimline dash-mounted display screen.
Derived from the IS Line, the new screen features a clearer display and contributes to a cleaner dash layout and design.
The Optitron instrument binnacle is now available with an integral 4.2-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen which can be linked to the multimedia system and controlled via steering wheel-mounted switches.
Vehicles specified with satellite navigation* feature the second-generation Lexus Remote Touch System.
Smaller than previous units, the second generation system features an easier-to-use slide controller with push to enter, replacing the previous generation’s orbital joystick and enter buttons.
Sitting above the Lexus remote touch is a redesigned premium gear lever offering better grip and visual appeal.
Rounding out the revised cabin is an array of interior trim options, including three fabric and five leather-accented interiors and three interior ornamentation options.
Luxury models can be specified with black, Ivory Splash or Kaleidoscope Red fabric interior, teamed with black ornamentation.
Available as standard on Sports Luxury and optional on Luxury variants are three leather-accented interiors, including a new Topaz Brown, ivory and black, all matched to Shimamoku wood ornamentation.
Uniquely, F Sport models can be specified in black or an all new Dark Rose leather-accented interior – paired with wedge metal ornamentation.
Each interior colour is matched to new two-tone door trims front and rear, which incorporate contrast stitching for added visual appeal.
F Sport models also receive black roof lining, F Sport-emblazoned dimpled premium steering wheel, F Sport gear lever, alloy sports pedals and scuff plates.
Cabin comfort has also been enhanced with the addition of soft touch areas, notably the centre console and elbow rest