2018 Lexus CT 200h update revealed

The now six year-old Lexus CT 200h will receive its second facelift later this year, despite being at an age when most cars typically receive an all-new replacement.

Revealed overseas and lined up for a local arrival in the fourth quarter of 2017, the updated CT 200h will adopt refreshed exterior plastics at front and rear that bring the CT’s styling into closer alignment with fresher metal like the IS and NX. An updated grille treatment, new wheel designs and revised headlamp and tail lamp internals will also be applied.

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Dark plastic foglamp surrounds and bolder mesh patterns for the CT’s spindle grille are the most noticeable changes, with the headlamps bearing new jewellery that mimics the L-shaped motif of other models, but occupying the same ‘cutout’ in the CT’s front-end sheetmetal.

On high-grade models, the L-shaped graphics within each headlamp become LED daytime running lamps.

The 2018 CT 200h F Sport gets a black metallic finish for its grille and foglamp surrounds, with unique 17-inch alloy wheel designs and a choice of two-tone paint schemes.

The updated CT’s tail lights get a similar treatment, with new internal lensing being applied to an unchanged casing. They’re complimented by rear bumper appliques that recall the rear-mounted radiators of the Lexus LFA supercar – without any of the performance-enhancing properties, of course.

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There are no changes expected for the CT 200h’s mechanical package, which consists of an Atkinson-cycle 1.8-litre petrol four-cylinder petrol hooked up to an electric assistance motor, with the combo producing a very modest total of 73kW and 142Nm.

Greater changes are evident inside the cabin, with a significantly larger 10.3-inch colour display for the CT’s infotainment system replacing the current car’s 7.0-inch screen. New upholstery options incorporating two-tone leather trim and new fabric upholstery round out the rest of the interior updates.

Safety tech also gets a bump, with the 2018 Lexus CT 200h making autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and auto high-beam standard across the range.

Expect full pricing and local specifications to be revealed closer to the 2018 CT 200h’s local launch later this year.