Lexus is making the most comprehensive package of improvements yet to the CT 200h range, with styling, handling and equipment changes that will make the hybrid luxury hatchback a more appealing proposition. The upgrades follow reductions in prices and finance options which Lexus hopes will open up the prospect of Lexus ownership to many more customers.
The 2014 CT 200h range is now available from £20,995 for the entry level S model, a £1,000 reduction over the previous offering; elsewhere in the six-strong line-up, prices have fallen by as much as £1,500.
Lexus say the new model is attainable with a varirty of finance offers to try and help those who prefer that route of purchasing. For example, the new CT 200h S is available from just £219 per month, and the high specification Advance model from £259 per month through Lexus Business Drive contract hire.
Of course the showroom price tag is only one aspect of the CT 200h’s cost of ownership profile. With CO2 emissions across the range falling below the 100g/km threshold – and with a new class-leading low of 82g/km for the S version – the CT 200h carries no charge for annual Vehicle Excise Duty. For business users this also secures the lowest band for benefit-in-kind (BIK) taxation, at 10 per cent for the first year.
The new Lexus Hybrid Drive system that powers the CT 200h complies with forthcoming Euro 6 emissions standards which should help keep fuel bills low, and the official combined cycle consumption figures are 78.5mpg for the S grade, and 68.9mpg for the other models in the range.
Lexus say that full details of the improvements to the CT 200h will be revealed soon. Amongst the improvements, are new styling elements that Lexus say bring the car more in line with their latest design language. Most noticeably, the front grille has been altered to give a “wider and lower ground-hugging look”.
In the F Sport model, Lexus say it will look even more aggressive and it adopts the same mesh grille pattern as the new IS F Sport saloon, and a new rear spoiler with integrated air ducts. New detailing, wheel designs and a shark’s fin antenna have also been introduced across the CT range.
In the cabin there are a few subtle and mostly insignificant changes, including a new slimline seven-inch monitor on the centre console, a new steering wheel adopted from the new IS and a new shift lever design.
The current range of six model grades – S, SE, Advance, Luxury, F Sport and Premier – is retained, with the addition of some new equipment features and options.
The Advance model benefits from a comprehensive upgrade that introduces parking sensors, heated front seats and the new, fully integrated Lexus Navigation system as standard. This wealth of new features it provided with no increase in the model’s on-the-road price from Lexus’ previous offering. However, it is worth noting that all the other models have had price reductions, so in effect these additions to the Advance model come at a price.
Elsewhere in the CT 200h line-up a GPS-controlled clock is provided on higher grade models and the Lexus Navigation package is offered as an alternative to the established Premium system (standard on the Advance, as detailed above). Additional features for the Premier grade include new aluminium scuff plates and LED front fog lamps.
Going beyond visual changes, the CT 200h benefits from better ride quality, stability and handling. Production methods have been altered too as laser welding and body adhesion techniques are now being used in the construction of the CT range. These new methods have already been tried and tested in the Lexus IS and LS models.
Prices, VED, BIK and insurance
The 2014 CT 200h is available to order now, with first customer deliveries from March.
| MODEL/GRADE | VED | BIK | INSURANCE | OTR PRICE | PRICE CHANGE |
| CT 200h S | A | 10% | 18E | £20,995 | -£1,000 |
| CT 200h SE | A | 10% | 19E | £22,495 | -£1,500 |
| CT 200h Advance | A | 10% | 19E | £23,995 | No change |
| CT 200h Luxury | A | 10% | 19E | £24,495 | -£1,500 |
| CT 200h F Sport | A | 10% | 20E | £26,745 | -£1,250 |
| CT 200h Premier | A | 10% | 20E | £29,495 | -£1,500 |
Source; Lexus
