Johannesburg - It’s turning out to be a good week for cars that are so uncommon that it’s easy to forget that they’re still for sale.
Following hot on the heels of the updated
earlier this week comes the Lexus CT 200h. Yes, it’s still here, and yes it’s been given a refresh for the 2018 model year.
At R529 300, the CT 200h is your least expensive pathway into new Lexus ownership and the latest one gets some styling tweaks inside and out.
Starting at the front, the 2018 CT gets a revised bumper and ‘spindle’ grille design, flanked by new single-projector LED headlights. Moving to the side you’ll see fresh 10-spoke 16-inch alloys with a dark metallic finish, while the rear end gets a new garnish and restyled lower bumper.
The CT also gains a trio of two tone exterior paint options with contrasting roof colours, these being Titanium/Black, Mercury/Morello and Titanium/Quartz.
Inside the central display screen in cars equipped with the Lexus Premium Navigation system has been enlarged from 17.8cm to 26.1cm, and there are some new interior colour options, including Sunflare Brown.
As before, the CT 200h is powered by Toyota’s second-generation, Prius-derived hybrid drivetrain, which mates a 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine to an electric motor for a system output of 100kW.
According to Lexus, the CT will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 10.3 seconds, reach a top speed of 180km/h and sip 4.1 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.
There are three driving modes: Sport, Eco and EV - the latter allowing the vehicle to run on battery power alone for short distances at speeds below 45km/h.
As mentioned, the CT 200h costs R529 300 and comes with a four-year/100 000km maintenance plan.