For the 2018 model year, Lexus has thrown some updates at the CT200h, seeing changes applied to its exterior and interior in order to freshen up the off-beat hybrid-only hatch. It’s due to soon roll out to markets across the world and should be in Australia in Q4 of this year.
Across the range, the car now receives a revised front fascia that’s been treated to be more aggressive thanks to a restyled front bumper and mesh for the Lexus spindle grille corporate nose, flanked by new ‘arrowhead’ daytime running lights positioned above the single projector headlamps.
There are also new 10-spoke alloys measuring 16-inches in diameter - though they do look a little larger in these initial pictures - that have been given a dark metallic paint with bright machine-finished surfaces.
The CT200h stays mostly the same along the sides but the changes reappear at the rear with a set of slightly slimmer but wider combination tail lights. Below that we have a new bumper with silver and gloss black accents. Meanwhile, the exterior colour we see here is a new option called Heat Blue CL (Contrast Layering), but there’s also Lava Orange.
Stepping inside, the changes are as subtle upon first glance as those on the outside, unless you know what to look for. The most notable update across the range would be a 10.3-inch wide infotainment display, a 3.3-inch larger panel than before. Also, there are more customisability options for the upholstery and accents.
Choose the sportier F-Sport trim line and you’ll even get a black roof, larger wheels, and other ornamentation that adds a little more road presence to what is otherwise quite a mild-mannered hatch.
Under the bonnet is same petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain, comprising of a 1.8-litre 2ZR-FXE naturally aspirated four-cylinder that runs on the Atkinson combustion cycle for extra fuel efficiency. On its own it generates 73kW, which is borderline pathetic, thankfully it’s assisted by a 60kW electric motor that bumps the combined output to a more respectable 100kW and 207Nm while fuel economy stands at 4.1-litres/100km (claimed combined).
For more on Lexus, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
