Lexus addresses CT ride and noise levels

Lexus has moved to address criticisms of the chassis and refinement of its compact CT 200h hatchback, revealing a midlife update at the Guangzhou motor show in China today.

The smallest and cheapest Lexus model, first launched in Australia in 2011, will go on-sale here in updated form late in the first half of 2014. At this stage there are no pricing or equipment details on offer.

The update is made obvious by the now signature Lexus spindle grille, but the more significant changes to the petrol-electric hybrid CT happen under the skin where the body has been made more torsionally rigid via extra spot welds and structural adhesive.

Lexus says the stiffer body allows a softer suspension to improve ride while not sacrificing handling quality.

It also contributes to improved noise, vibration and harshness levels, along with aerodynamic changes, a new engine inlet duct and another claimed “94” measures targeted at NVH.

A preliminary drive of pre-production CTs by Australian journalists in France in late 2010 generated criticism of the chassis set-up and the cabin noise isolation. Lexus promised it had made updates before the launch but verdicts were still mixed. Now its engineers have had another go.

“The changes to the CT 200h are more than skin deep, the depth of improvements go right to the heat of the model, improving its overall dynamic capability, driveability and visual appeal,” said Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley.

The 1.8-litre drivetrain shared with the Toyota Prius has also met with pallid reviews, but it is understood to be fundamentally unchanged. The current CT puts out 100kW and 142Nm. Fuel consumption is one of the most compelling CT stories, the official claim coming in at 4.1L/100m.

A powered-up version of the CT, perhaps using the new Lexus ‘200t’ 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, is unlikely to be seen before a new generation expected in 2016.

The CT is the seventh Lexus model to add the spindle grille. Other styling changes include new 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels, a new rear bumper and an L-shaped reflector housing. Changes inside include a new steering wheel from the IS, a 4.2-inch screen in the instrument housing and the second generation Remote Touch Interface.

The F Sport model gains its own sportier suspension setting, a mesh version of the spindle grille, a roof spoiler, dark-finish alloys and two-tone paint. The interior includes aluminium pedals and scuff plates and its own leather trim.

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