The facelifted Lexus CT200h has been completely revealed in a set of shots months ahead of its early-2014 launch.
CarAdvice’s spy photographers captured Lexus’ compact premium hatchback on an official photo shoot in the US, uncovering the mid-life styling updates for the CT200h that is tipped to be revealed at January’s Detroit auto show.
As expected, the 2014 Lexus CT200h embraces the latest form of the Japanese manufacturer’s ‘L-Finesse’ design language, which is distinguished by the signature spindle grille.
F Sport badges confirm the spied hatchback is the flagship sports variant, which is likely to feature unique styling elements such as the grey fog light surrounds, racy 10-spoke alloy wheels, and restyled rear bumper with lower outlets and diffuser.
Lexus Australia CEO Sean Hanley revealed last week the updated CT200h – due in local showrooms in the first half of 2014 – represented a “big opportunity for the brand.
Sales of the Lexus CT200h, which starts at $39,990, have fallen 41 per cent this year to 646 units following the launch of newer and cheaper premium rivals like the $35,600 Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2328 sales) and Audi A3 (1436 sales), and the $34,990 Volvo V40 (754 sales), and the repositioning of the $35,600 BMW 1 Series (1559 sales).
Lexus Australia is expected to at least match the pricing of its European rivals, potentially signalling price cuts of $5000 or more for its updated entry-level model.
