Introduced here in early 2011, the CT200h is the only entry-level compact executive hybrid in the market and is also Lexus' first hatchback.
The CT200h has always lived in the shadow of more talented rivals, but the recent facelift aims to add an exciting driving experience to the car's strong efficiency.
Up close and Personal
The biggest change for the CT200h is the addition of Lexus' signature spindle grille that brings it in line with the rest of the models in the stable.
It gives the front fascia of the car a sleeker and sportier look and when complemented by full LED head lights, the new CT200h does make an impression as it rolls into the driveway.
And for the first time, a two-tone colour option is offered, with a sporty darkened roof as seen on the test car here.
It's pretty much the same inside the CT200h and the car lives up to Lexus' reputation for luxury, thanks to upmarket materials and peerless build quality.
New to the cabin then is the leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel as seen in the Lexus IS, complete with multi-function switches and is a delight to hold.
Keener eyes will also notice that the 'umbrella handle' gear lever has been leather wrapped and the car receives a new Remote Touch Controller seen on other Lexus cars.
This results in improved access to the second generation Remote Touch Interface, which is displayed on a new fixed 7.0-inch screen. As you would come to expect, all these changes make the car more attractive than before.
The 375-litre luggage area is decent, and folding the rear bench liberates 985 litres for more cargo. More importantly, the boot floor is flush with the lip, making for easy loading and unloading.
The Drive
The department here remains largely unchanged for this facelift. Powering the CT200h is a 1.8-litre petrol engine that is also used by the Toyota Prius, as well as a 60kW electric motor that combine to deliver power to the front wheels via a CVT transmission.
Where the drivetrain previously disappointed was the way the engine revs rose under acceleration, lacking correlation with the speed of the car. But Lexus has tweaked the CVT gearbox in this facelifted model, minimising this with much improved results. It's still apparent, but to a much more acceptable degree.
The car offers three drive modes - Eco, Comfort and Sport, with the latter changing the cabin lighting to red, introducing a tachometer into the dial and, most importantly, giving a sharper throttle response.
There is also the extra option of setting the transmission level to 'B' mode, which uses the generator to maximum effect by creating a kind of engine braking effect, harvesting more energy as a result.
The department here remains largely unchanged for this facelift. Powering the CT200h is a 1.8-litre petrol engine that is also used by the Toyota Prius, as well as a 60kW electric motor that combine to deliver power to the front wheels via a CVT transmission.
Where the drivetrain previously disappointed was the way the engine revs rose under acceleration, lacking correlation with the speed of the car. But Lexus has tweaked the CVT gearbox in this facelifted model, minimising this with much improved results. It's still apparent, but to a much more acceptable degree.
The car offers three drive modes - Eco, Comfort and Sport, with the latter changing the cabin lighting to red, introducing a tachometer into the dial and, most importantly, giving a sharper throttle response.
There is also the extra option of setting the transmission level to 'B' mode, which uses the generator to maximum effect by creating a kind of engine braking effect, harvesting more energy as a result.
We managed some 17.8km/L over our test drive, still short of its claimed 24.4km/L figure. But considering that we drove the car hard, it isn't something we would complain about.
While the drivetrain has been largely carried over, the suspension has been comprehensively retuned. The stiffer structure of the updated CT200h has allowed Lexus to adjust the stiffness of the springs and dampers, improving ride comfort without sacrificing handling.
Conclusion
The revamped Lexus CT200h lifts its luxury game with new and spanking good looks and a quiet cabin with comfortable interior touches.
You could also opt for the Volkswagen Golf 1.2, which isn't too shabby when parked beside the CT200h and wouldn't lose out in terms of its driveability.
But when it comes to reducing your environmental impact, it's without a doubt that the Lexus hatchback remains the obvious choice for buyers.
