Lexus has revealed the new, 2014 CT 200h. This compact luxury hatchback offers more dynamic, sophisticated exterior styling, a refined interior with upgraded equipment, and an enhanced driving performance. In addition, F SPORT version is noticeably distinctive with a stronger differentiation.
The front of 2014 CT 200h introduces a new Lexus ‘spindle grille’ design. The center has been pushed forward to create a powerful, more three-dimensional form. The bottom corners are spaced wider and the spindle ‘pinch point’ has been lowered, reinforcing the CT 200h’s low front profile and wide, sporting track.
Its spindle shape is emphasized by a dark finish and upper chrome. The grille is positioned lower than the headlamps to create the resolute look of every Lexus.
The new 2014 CT 200h profile may be identified by a choice of newly developed, 10-spoke, 16” and 17” alloys, and a new shark fin-style roof antenna.
To the rear, a new bumper design features a more horizontal structure. Lower at the extremities, it incorporates distinctive, L-shaped reflector housings and a black lower center section to emphasize the vehicle’s low center of gravity and broad rear stance.
The new CT 200h is available in a choice of eight body colours including a new, Redline. All paintwork now benefits from a scratch-resistant, self-restoring top coat.
The 2014 CT 200h interior has been refined to offer enhanced levels of equipment and improved visual and tactile quality.
The driver now benefits from a new, 370 mm diameter steering wheel. The central TFT multimedia display screen is now thinner, and the second generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) features a new, more user-friendly push entry control switch.
The Lexus Display Audio (LDA) and Electro Multi Vision/Navigation (EMV/N) multimedia systems feature added functions, improved operability and enhanced hands-free and voice recognition control. The former features a new, center-console-mounted controller.
The sound quality of the Lexus audio system has been enhanced by the adoption of world’s first bamboo loudspeaker technology. Bamboo fibre, plant opal and charcoal are combined in an injection moulding process to create the industry’s thinnest loudspeaker diagram, which results in noticeably improved sound quality.
Additional equipment upgrades include the availability of rear view and back guide monitors for the LDA system, as well as Intuitive Parking Assist, a Tire Pressure Warning system and a Traction Control ‘Off’ switch.
The center console trim colours and combinations have been revised. A new door panel trim and upholstery design incorporates stitching for added visual quality. And a new, more sophisticated, metal film finish has been added to the center console switchgear.
Interior upholstery choices include fabric, leather, or Lexus NuLuxe synthetic leather.
The 2014 CT 200h combines increased body rigidity, suspension revisions and enhanced aerodynamics with comprehensive NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) measures to offer a more agile, engaging driving performance and an even quieter cabin environment.
Body rigidity has been improved through additional spot welding and the extensive use of structural adhesive technology.
Increased body rigidity has allowed for suspension re-tuning. Coil spring rates have been optimised, a new shock absorber valve adopted, and the rear stabiliser bar diameter altered to enhance ride comfort with no loss of handling agility.
Complimenting the inherent quietness of the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain, no less than 94 separate measures have been adopted to further reduce NVH. A Lexus hybrid first, a new inlet duct design realizes both excellent intake efficiency and a high level of quietness.
The 2014 F SPORT has been designed with a more powerful road presence, to give a stronger differentiation between it and other versions of the CT 200h model range.
A new spindle grille design features the same sporting, aggressive mesh pattern as that of the new IS F SPORT, which is reversed between the upper and lower sections. The fog lamp housings share the same mesh finish, and are underscored with a fin also finished in black.
To the rear, an exclusive roof spoiler features cut-outs to provide additional downforce for even greater grip and stability.
17”, 10-spoke alloy wheels feature an F SPORT-unique surface treatment. The vehicle is available in a choice of 5 exterior colours including F SPORT-exclusive White Nova. The F SPORT interior features exclusive upholstery, ornamentation and trim.
The F SPORT features all the driving performance enhancements of the 2014 CT 200h model range. In addition, it benefits from bespoke coil spring settings and optimised front/rear roll rigidity distribution to further enhance its sporting driving dynamics.
Lexus Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 37 dealerships across Canada. With 15 Lexus models on the road today, five of them being hybrids, Lexus has the largest luxury hybrid lineup; allowing guests a choice in a large range of luxury vehicle segments. In the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), Lexus was the highest ranking nameplate in the industry.