New-look Lexus CT 200h coming

The slow-selling Lexus CT 200h hatchback is about to go under the knife for cosmetic surgery and will get improved safety technology as part of a face-lift. The nip and tuck is designed to increase its visual appeal while new premium interior upgrades add a bit more eye candy.

Priced from just under $40,000 at present, the face-lifted Lexus CT 200h is expected to carry over its 1.8-litre hybrid petrol-electric powertrain (73kW/142Nm + 60kW/207Nm) but gets a fresh look via re-sculpted bumpers front and rear.

It's not clear if there will be price rises for the vehicle in Australia.

Sharper, more angular lines at the front end bring the car's visuals closer to its siblings, as does a giant spindle grille and new headlights. High-grade models will get the arrowhead daytime running lights of the Lexus IS 300 and its ilk.

Different alloy wheels are added and the rear of the car features new-look LED brake lights and there's some reshaped body work in evidence around the lower rear bumper too.

Arriving in Australia from October 2017, the facelifted CT 200h is "…more emotional and sporty than before," said Chika Kako, global chief engineer for the hatch.

It is an "…ideal premium hybrid compact for younger customers who enjoy spirited driving, but still care about the environment," added Kako.

F Sport versions of the new model, pictured, feature several black accents and Lexus has also tizzied up the cabin of the CT 200h.

Two-tone synthetic leather and fabric upholstery will be offered along with a newly-installed 10.3-inch widescreen infotainment display, in lieu of the current 7.0-inch number.

F Sport models can be optioned with high-end interior detailing or Naguri ornamentation, "which showcases high levels of Takumi craftsmanship" says Lexus.

All models will come with autonomous emergency braking, active (radar) cruise control, lane departure warning with steering control and automatically-dipping high-beam headlights as standard.

The Lexus CT 200h is a direct rival for the likes of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3 hatch but due to a lack of powertrain options and a dated design it's struggled to attract customers in similar numbers.

There's been talk that Lexus would kill off the CT 200h in favour of a compact hybrid SUV, and a sedan model had also been mooted to shore up sales in the USA, but it seems as though Lexus will soldier on with the hatch for now.

Globally the CT 200h has sold around 300,000 units in its lifetime, but in Australia that figure is just 6500.

In the first five months of 2017, the Lexus CT 200h has found 387 buyers, and although that represents a 30 per cent increase year on year, the Audi A3 sold almost 2000 units in the same period. The Benz A-Class managed 1894 sales.