Order books open for high-tech new Lexus CT200h

Lexus’s facelifted CT200h hybrid hatchback has gone on sale with a £23,495 asking price.

The premium five-door hatch features a revised front end, improved on-board technology and a range of new safety gadgets.

At the front, there’s a new, more prominent grille, while the Premier and F Sport Premier Pack variants have repositioned daylight running lights. The lights have changed at the back, too, with L-shaped LED tail lights added to give the car a sportier stance.

F-Sport models also benefit from a sportier grille with an exclusive mesh pattern and black trim.

Inside, the high-spec models get the Lexus Premium Navigation System as standard. Upgrading the screen size to 10.3 inches,  the new system offers split-screen functionality and a clearer display.

The Japanese company has worked to improve the personalisation options, too, with various two-tone leather and cloth upholsteries on offer.

The real differences, though, are in the new on-board safety kit. The new Safety System+ includes adaptive cruise control, Lane Keep Assist and Road Sign Assist as standard on all but the basic SE trim.

While it’s all change on the surface, however, the car’s mechanical attributes remain. The suspension and chassis have gone unchanged, as has the hybrid powertrain. The 134bhp unit is capable of returning official fuel economy figures of up to 74.3mpg, while emitting 88g/km CO2.

Though prices for the newcomer start at just under £23,500, the the top-of-the-range Premier model comes in at more than £30,000.

Chika Kato, Lexus’ chief engineer for the CT200h said: ‘The CT Hybrid has been refreshed and revitalised by enhancing its progressiveness. Its updated design is more emotional and sporty, making it the ideal premium hybrid compact car for younger customers who enjoy driving, but care about the environment.’