Lexus Gives 2018 CT 200h A Final Facelift And Drops It From U.S. Lineup

June 15, 2017

After seven years in the market during which it received several minor facelifts, Lexus has come up with yet another subtle update for its aging CT 200h.

But before we give you a rundown of what’s new for the 2018 model, let us tell you that a Lexus spokesperson told Carscoops that the CT 200h will indeed be dropped from the company’s U.S. lineup this year, as rumored.

With 300,000 units sold worldwide from December, 2010 to May, 2017, the CT 200h hasn’t exactly been a success, but Lexus claims that “sales have remained strong in key geographic regions that include the European Union, China and Japan, where hybrid-vehicle sales continue to grow”. In the States, Lexus has sold 3,311 units from January through May, 2017, which is 11.2 percent down from last year.

Can you tell me what’s new about the exterior?

Well, we won’t blame you if you resort to comparing pictures of the 2018MY with the 2017MY, to find the differences. Perhaps the biggest change is that all models get the uninterrupted (at least until you screw your license plate) F Sport style ‘spindle’ grille with a mesh pattern instead of horizontal bars.

Moreover, the fog light bezels are now painted metallic grey and are enclosed by an outer frame with a triangular cross-section, while Lexus repositioned the “L” daytime running lights above the single-projector headlamps.

At the back, you’ll find redesigned wider "L"-signature shaped taillights in an all-LED configuration combined with a sportier designed center section on the tailgate that hints at a spoiler. The rear bumper was also restyled.

Completing the exterior revisions are new wheels, ranging in diameter from the base 15-inch (yes, they’re still offering them) to the F-Sport’s 17-inch dark metallic rims.

Anything new inside?

Not much, but Lexus did add a new navigation system with a much larger 10.3-inch wide display screen versus the outgoing model’s 7-in. monitor. They also expanded the interior color palette with several new combinations including two-tone leather in Sunflare Brown / Noble Brown and Ochre/Light Ochre and Chateau/Fromage, among others, and two new trims, Sunflare Brown Film and Bamboo.

And what about the F Sport?

Being that all models now feature the same grille that was previously reserved for the F Sport, Lexus updated the mesh pattern for the spindle grille, with the same mesh now used as a backdrop for both the fog light inserts and surrounds. Also, exclusive to the F SPORT, are jet black plating used on the upper and lower front grille molding and a metallic black center lower trim garnish at the rear of the vehicle.

Inside, the F SPORT variant receives new exclusive interior combinations including two-tone leather in Flare Red/Black, White/Black and Chateau/Black and fabric in Black/Red and Chateau/Black.
For 2018, the CT 200h F Sport will offer new two-tone exterior paint schemes named Lava Orange CS (Crystal Sunshine) and Heat Blue CL (Contrast Layering).

Is that all?

Pretty much yes, with the hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.8-liter gasoline four and an electric motor producing 134hp paired to an ECVT automatic, remaining unchanged. The only other thing Lexus changed is the availability of the so-called Lexus Safety System + package that bundles a number of safety features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with steering wheel control function and Automatic High Beam (AHB) headlights.

The updated 2018 CT 200h will go on sale in Europe, Japan, China and other select markets around the world (but not in the USA), later this year.