Lexus has taken the world’s first luxury hybrid hatchback and refined the formula for the 2018 Lexus CT. Changes include stronger exterior styling and more choices in the already best-in-class cabin. You’ll find new colour and trim options, revised bodywork, and a simplified grade structure which now includes: SE, Luxury F Sport, and Premier, with additional SE Plus Pack and F Sport Premier Pack models.
For peace of mind, the Lexus Safety System+ will also be provided as standard on all 2018 Lexus CT models above SE grade.
Building on the model’s well-established strengths of city-friendly convenience, efficiency and reliability, Lexus has refined the CT’s design to project an even more striking image. Chika Kato, the model’s Chief Engineer, summed up the impact of the changes: “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.”
The car’s new look is achieved with a suite of deft changes. The daytime running lights keep their arrowhead pattern, but on the Premier and F Sport Premier Pack models they have been repositioned, sitting above the single-projector bi-LED headlights. The grille has a sophisticated new mesh pattern and more prominence thanks to the removal of an integrated bumper section that used to divide its upper and lower sections. Detailed touches also include new metallic grey bezels for the fog lights, set in sharp-edged surrounds.
There are changes at the rear, too, with new Lexus L-shaped taillights creating a wider, sportier feel. These are now more efficient all-LED units, with the turn indicators moved to the lower edge of the unit, strengthening the L-motif. A new tailgate garnish has been added with a strong rearward flare and the rear reflector bezels have a metallic grey finish to complement the front fog lights.
From a technological standpoint, the Lexus Premium Navigation System (standard on Premier grade and F Sport with Premier Pack, optional on Luxury grade) now benefits from a larger screen, increased from seven to 10.3 inches, enabling Lexus CT 200h customers to enjoy a more spacious navigation experience. It also includes a handy split-screen function.
The CT 200h F Sport benefits from exclusive changes that leave you in no doubt which is the sports-focused model in the range, with a host of black-themed design touches that are guaranteed to make a statement. The F Sport will also be available with two distinctive new colours – Solar Flare and Azure Blue. These colours, plus Fuji Red and F Sport White can be combined with a contrast black roof (styled differently from the bi-tone models).
The 2018 Lexus CT 200h adopts Lexus Safety System+ on all versions above SE grade, a set of truly active safety features that can help prevent or mitigate collisions in a wide range of traffic situations. Its advanced technology features include a Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Lane Keep Assist, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist.
The CT 200h’s hybrid powertrain continues to set a new standard for CO2 emissions, with combined cycle figures from 88g/km (using 16-inch wheels). It also offers low NOx and near-zero particulate emissions. Despite the power output of the CT, fuel economy starts from an impressive 74.3mpg (combined).
All information is correct at the time of publishing.
