New Lexus CT200h now cheaper to buy and run

Lexus has announced its petrol-electric hybrid – the Lexus CT200h hatchback – will now cost less to buy, is cheaper to run, and better equipped than the car it replaces. Lexus claims the new car is also better fun to drive, and has more comfortable suspension.

The pricing restructure means that the basic 2014 Lexus CT200h S now costs £20,995 – £1,000 less than the old model – while other variants now represent a saving of up to £1,500. The CT200h S is also available from £219 per month for business users, while the mid-range Advance model can be had for £259 per month.

The CT200h S also boasts CO2 emissions of just 82g/km, which means it qualifies for the lowest benefit-in-kind company car tax band of 10 per cent, making it cheaper to run for business users. Running costs have also been reduced thanks to improved economy, with the CT200h S now capable of 78.5mpg (up from 74.3mpg), while the rest of the range returns 68.9mpg.

Visual changes include the car’s prominent new grille, which is now wider and lower set. The Lexus CT200h F Sport now gets a metal mesh-style grille (as seen on the Lexus IS F performance saloon), a revised rear spoiler, and new alloy wheel designs.

Interior changes include a new slimline centrally-mounted seven-inch monitor, a sports steering wheel, and a new-look gear selector.

The old car’s six models – S, SE, Advance, Luxury, F Sport and Premier – remain, but now get extra kit. In mid-range Advance trim, the Lexus now gets parking sensors, heated front seats and the new, fully integrated Lexus Navigation system, but its price remains the same as the old model’s. High-end levels of trim now get a GPS-controlled clock, while top-spec Premier models add aluminium door sills and bright LED front fog lamps.

When Mat Watson drove the original car he marked it down for its stiff ride, something Lexus claims to have addressed in the new car. The 2014 car is also said to be more fun to drive on twisting country roads – but we'll have to wait until we've driven it to see if this rings true.

Prices for the new Lexus CT200h range from £20,995 for the basic S model up to £23,995 for the mid-range CT200h Advance, while the top-of-the-range CT200h Premier now costs £29,495 – or £1,500 less than the old car.

You can find full reviews of the Lexus range, on the Carbuyer Lexus reviews page.