Lexus CT200h lineup simplified for 2014

Upgrades include revised exterior styling, new alloy wheels, slimline navigation or display screen, new-style shift lever, and an IS-style steering wheel. In line with this, the CT 200h's chassis and suspension have been tweeked to provide more composed and dynamic driving characteristics.

Selected models also receive Lexus's connected mobility solution Enform, LED fog lamps, Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Pre-Collision Safety System (PCS) as well as new exterior and interior colours.

The entry-level CT 200h is the $39,990* Luxury. Based on the deleted Prestige, this model now features reversing camera, Lexus display audio with 10 speakers (replacing six), rotary-style Lexus Remote Touch controller and rain-sensing wipers as standard - at no extra cost.

On top of this base price, a number of optional 'Enhancement Packs' are available, ranging from $3,250 to $9,950. The packs add things like 17-inch alloys, front fog lights, leather-accented interior, heated seats, digital radio, satnav, self-dimming interior mirror and a moonroof.

Stepping up to the F Sport-spec CT 200h means a $48,990* starting price, which is a $2,000 saving over the previous model.

New features include a unique black roof, all-new larger rear spoiler and Enform as standard. Lexus' own in-car infotainment system, Enform uses compatible smartphones to access a range of apps and services, including information and recovery assistance from the 24 hour Enform Call Centre.

Leather-accented interior trim is standard, as is a power driver's seat with heater, sports pedals, rear privacy glass, satnav and anti-theft tech.

Like the Luxury, the F Sport comes with optional Enhancement Packs. For $2,500 extra, Pack 1 adds a moonroof, while the $6,500 Pack 2 bundles the moonroof in with ACC, PCS, smart card key and a Mark Levinson audio system.

At the top of the CT range is the Sports Luxury model, which has carries an RRP of $56,990* - a saving of $1,000 over the previous model

The Sports Luxury adds LED headlamps and fog lamps, privacy glass and 'Shimamoku' trim as standard. First seen on the LS model last year, Shimamoku is a distinctive timber finish made up of multiple layers of alternating light and dark timber veneer. Taking more than a month to complete, Shimamoku gives a subtle, almost marbled finish that helps set the Lexus interior out from the usual woodgrain finishes found in other luxury cars.

Already fully equipped out of the box, there are no Enhancement Pack upgrades on the Sports Luxury variant.

The common powerplant across all three CT models is Lexus's hybrid 1.8-litre inline four-cylinder, which combined with the 650V electric motor, produces 100kW, but sips fuel at only 4.1lt/100km (combined). On its own, the 1.8 delivers 142Nm of torque at 2800-4400rpm, to which the electric motor adds 207Nm. Transmission is Lexus's electronically-controlled CVT auto, driving the front wheels.

All CT 200h variants are 5-seaters, with a 40/60 split-fold rear bench and 375 litre rear luggage capacity. Interior space is good, with adequate room for rear seat passengers in the five-seat layout.

A comprehensive safety package includes regenerative braking, ABS, EBD, VSC, traction control, ACC, eight airbags and the aforementioned PCS, resulting in a 5-star ANCAP rating.

Nine exterior colours are available, with Flame Blue exclusive to the F Sport. Six interior seat trim options are available, with Dark Rose leather (with Wedge Metal dash trim) exclusive to the F Sport, while Shimamoku is limited to the Sports Luxury.

The revised CT 200h range is now available from Lexus dealerships Australia wide. A 48-month/100,000km warranty is standard across all the new CT 200h variants. See your Lexus dealer for further details.

* NOTE: listed pricing does not include on-road costs.