Updated 2018 Lexus CT 200h Arrives at Japanese Dealerships

Posted by Kevin on August 24th, 2017

The freshly-updated Lexus CT 200h has arrived in Japanese dealerships, and that means a whole set of new images to look through:

The exterior changes include a new front grille, bumper, and headlights, along with similar adjustments to the rear. Inside, the navigation screen has been increased to 10.3-inches and there’s now a colorful interior palette to choose from:

The updated CT 200h will be available in most regions, though both Lexus USA and Lexus Canada have confirmed that the hatchback will no longer be sold in North America.

DealershipsJapanLexus CTh: First Generation
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Comments
L
Excellent!
meth.ix
Overall a very good looking refresh, looks much more modern. The fact that the horizontal grille slats are gone and replaced with mesh grille even on the non- F Sport models is further proof that soon the whole lineup will only have mesh grilles.

My only gripe about the design is the DRLs that are placed above the main lamps. Kinda would look weird coming from behind you mirror. Reminds me of todays teenage girls who overdo their eyebrows and they look hideous lol.
R
  • R
    RDS
  • June 14, 2017
Lexus just didn't want to kill the CT just yet, huh? Although the latest facelift is a good looking one!
mikeavelli
I think these updates are fantastic. I just don't understand why they won't build a next generation CT AND bring the UX.
D
  • D
    DDas
  • June 14, 2017
I'm digging these non-FSport mesh grilles! They give base models such a classy, yet, sporty look which *should* be the Lexus image. The checkmark LEDs are interestingly placed...I cannot tell if I like them or not. Other than that, I think it looks great overall. The red taillights were needed IMO. Not sure if I speak for all Lexus fans in the USA, but we'll miss ya, CT - like actually miss you unlike the HS which no one cared for to begin with.
Trexus
mikeavelli
I think these updates are fantastic. I just don't understand why they won't build a next generation CT AND bring the UX.
Totally agreed! I love theses updates but please make the 2CT already. Wish lists include an inch wider and an inch longer. Cupholders in the back seat, more luxury and refinement. Expand the CT as well to include CT 200h and CT 300h and maybe a CT 200t?

Bring the UX as well. SUV's are so hot now. Both the UX and CT can co-exist. By keeping the CT and introducing the UX this just expands Lexus lineup. BMW has so many models and variants, Lexus needs more models and variants as well. Some models overlap as well such as the X1, 3 series wagon and 3 series GT which are all great. Lexus needs to keep up. Bring the UX, heck bring back the IS sportcross as well and IS 300h...
M
The changes look great. The non F-sport model looks classy and sporty at the same time. In this iteration, the standard CT looks better than the F-sport which is a reverse from the usual. I'm assuming that this is why Lexus stopped sales of the CT in the US -- to make way for the new CT. Unless it truly is discontinued?

(Also, is it necessary for Lexus models to have almost 8-10 year long generation cycles? Geez.)
Dreski
Jumped off this CT bandwagon and I'm so happy we did not buy it. Pretty disappointing hatch imo. This refresh looks great but way too damn late. *Same story over n over* Late to the game.
krew
krew [​IMG]

Images and analysis of the refreshed hybrid hatchback.
View the original article post
mikeavelli
Dreski
Jumped off this CT bandwagon and I'm so happy we did not buy it. Pretty disappointing hatch imo. This refresh looks great but way too damn late. *Same story over n over* Late to the game.
According to the report over 300,000 are sold. And its Lexus only model that is hybrid only. That is not an insignificant number :)
S
Since UX250h is trademarked, I can see next CT getting that powertrain while Auris stays with Prius one.
Dreski
mikeavelli
According to the report over 300,000 are sold. And its Lexus only model that is hybrid only. That is not an insignificant number :)
They could have sold 800k a year & its still a disappointing hatch imo. Somewhat like an ES. Cash cow but its a no frills, no thrills kinda car. Got all the 411 during our dealership visits. The amount of 'Nothing' of things you can't get in the CT is pretty sad. Tbh, we would have bought it if at minimum they optioned an AWD. Prob won't care what power train or lack of features inside outside. AWD was big deal for us. So.. not a very big fan of this hatch. If they sold the Merc or Bimmer hatches here this would be embarrassed. But thats another story.
S
Dreski
They could have sold 800k a year & its still a disappointing hatch imo. Somewhat like an ES. Cash cow but its a no frills, no thrills kinda car. Got all the 411 during our dealership visits. The amount of 'Nothing' of things you can't get in the CT is pretty sad. Tbh, we would have bought it if at minimum they optioned an AWD. Prob won't care what power train or lack of features inside outside. AWD was big deal for us. So.. not a very big fan of this hatch. If they sold the Merc or Bimmer hatches here this would be embarrassed. But thats another story.
you have to realize that you are in particular situation... AWD is bought by something like 8% buyers. Actually they did sell Audi hatches and they did get outsold easily by CT200h :).
Dreski
spwolf
you have to realize that you are in particular situation... AWD is bought by something like 8% buyers. Actually they did sell Audi hatches and they did get outsold easily by CT200h :).
Yeah i have special ed needs.

But not able to change seat colors? C'mon thats so basic. But its no biggie i suppose. Imo it could have been so much fiercer.

Good. Glad to hear they outsold that Vag. *hate em* heh
S
Dreski
Yeah i have special ed needs.

But not able to change seat colors? C'mon thats so basic. But its no biggie i suppose. Imo it could have been so much fiercer.

Good. Glad to hear they outsold that Vag. *hate em* heh
well in Europe they had some colors to it but by now it is old model, so yeah, it is not that interesting... for new version if they do CT250h, it will certainly be a lot nicer.

Problem is that at these prices, why not buy new UX250h in the US? In Europe, there is larger difference in pricing, in USA they will likely both be around 30k+.
Dreski
spwolf
well in Europe they had some colors to it but by now it is old model, so yeah, it is not that interesting... for new version if they do CT250h, it will certainly be a lot nicer.

Problem is that at these prices, why not buy new UX250h in the US? In Europe, there is larger difference in pricing, in USA they will likely both be around 30k+.
I'll take a look at this when the i get some service done later. It looks great compared to previous models.

Looking to add a luxo hatch. One missing piece in my tool box. Waiting to test and feel the rumored UX. Hopefully, it has enough of what Im looking for since Bimmer is keeping M135i/M140i hatch only in your region. You so lucky!
S
Dreski
I'll take a look at this when the i get some service done later. It looks great compared to previous models.

Looking to add a luxo hatch. One missing piece in my tool box. Waiting to test and feel the rumored UX. Hopefully, it has enough of what Im looking for since Bimmer is keeping M135i/M140i hatch only in your region. You so lucky!
dont worry, most people here buy 3cly diesel ones, so ends up about the same... too much money for what it is. If you want it the way you want it, ends up very expensive.
mmcartalk
RDS
Lexus just didn't want to kill the CT just yet, huh?
According to several sources (including this one) it is gone from the American market for 2018.

http://www.thetorquereport.com/lexus/lexus-ct-200h-dead/

f you were hoping for an updated Lexus CT 200h, you’ll be disappointed to hear that the hybrid hatchback won’t live past the 2017 model year in the U.S. According to a recent report, the CT 200h, which arrived in 2011 will be disappearing from Lexus’ US lineup, although it will continue to be sold in other markets.

The Lexus CT 200h will be replaced by the new UX crossover


Sales of the CT 200h have dropped off significantly since it was introduced, with only 8,903 units sold in 2016. Sales of the smallest Lexus model pale in comparison to the Mercedes-Benz CLA with 25,792 units sold in 2016 and the Audi A3 with 31,538 vehicles finding owners.

Related: Next-gen Lexus ES to replace the GS?

The CT 200h shares its powertrain with the previous-generation Toyota Prius, but with only a 42 mpg combined EPA rating, the hybrid hatchback is showing its age. This marks the second time that a standalone Lexus hybrid hasn’t made it past the first generation – remember the Lexus HS 250h?

What’s next? Lexus is working on a smaller subcompact crossover that will be related to the Toyota CH-R and called the Lexus UX. The Lexus UX will be offered with a hybrid powertrain, in addition to a conventional gas powered model.

Source: Car and Driver
A
Do we know if the same engine is used? Or have they switched to the new one from the Prius?

The lack of information on the press releases makes me thing this is just a cosmetic package.
Joe
asoksevil
Do we know if the same engine is used? Or have they switched to the new one from the Prius?

The lack of information on the press releases makes me thing this is just a cosmetic package.
Indeed, no technical changes, only cosmetic.
meth.ix
What I wouldn't do for a more powerful gasoline engine and an F variant! Perfect for Lexus Enthusiasts on a tight budget (me)
krew
krew [​IMG]

Both USA & Canada have confirmed the cancellation.
View the original article post
krew
krew [​IMG]

Both USA & Canada have confirmed the cancellation.
View the original article post
Dreski
Well. Good riddance then. That was a bit confusing but makes thorough sense.
Dreski
Well. Good riddance then. That was a bit confusing but makes thorough sense.
GSCT
Dreski
Imo it could have been so much fiercer.
Pretty much sums it up. RIP (in North America anyway) CT.
GSCT
Dreski
Imo it could have been so much fiercer.
Pretty much sums it up. RIP (in North America anyway) CT.
Trexus
What a dam shame that the CT is being discontinued for the North American market. One third of the total worldwide sales of the CT came from the U.S. I guess Lexus doesn't want that piece of the pie. Instead of increasing the model line/variants lets decrease the model lineup. Might as well cancel the GS, IS, LX, RC and maybe in the near future after the hype dies down the LC...let's not stop there...no V8 in a flagship sedan...LS might as well be DOA...

Another wish list I would have like the 2CT to have was a little more horsepower.

CT 200h 150hp~180hp
CT 300h 200hp~250hp
Trexus
What a dam shame that the CT is being discontinued for the North American market. One third of the total worldwide sales of the CT came from the U.S. I guess Lexus doesn't want that piece of the pie. Instead of increasing the model line/variants lets decrease the model lineup. Might as well cancel the GS, IS, LX, RC and maybe in the near future after the hype dies down the LC...let's not stop there...no V8 in a flagship sedan...LS might as well be DOA...

Another wish list I would have like the 2CT to have was a little more horsepower.

CT 200h 150hp~180hp
CT 300h 200hp~250hp
R
Possibly a logical decision, however smacks of failure which is disappointing for Lexus owners. However I am beginning to think with the advent of the LC range there could be a dramatic change in focus at Lexus. With the discussion around the dropping of the ES and GS models as we currently know them and a replacement model combing both these models -interesting indeed. The CT never quite did it for me and I suspect a lot of other potential buyers it was neither sporty nor luxurious enough to tempt buyers away from the Germans. Lexus you have shown us the LFA and now the LC bring it on please upscale!

R