The entire Lexus CT 200h model range has been significantly revised for 2013, with an increase to five model grades, extending the appeal of the market’s only fully hybrid luxury compact hatchback to an even greater number of customers.
Some small, but attractive equipment changes have been made with the realignment of the grade structure: Premier (replacing SE-L Premier) gains a DAB digital tuner and electric front passenger seat adjustment. F Sport likewise adds an electric passenger seat control plus Smart Entry and Start. Luxury (replacing SE-L) adds power-folding door mirrors and Smart Entry and Start. And SE (replacing SE-I) benefits from power-folding door mirrors. All these models come with a revised front armrest with additional soft padding.
The satellite navigation system that is available as an option for SE, Luxury and F Sport models and is standard on the Premier grade, now comes with a DAB digital tuner and single-disc DVD player.
Available from Lexus Dealers
Prices start at €29,575
RX 450h
The RX 450h adopts a whole new sporty persona with the introduction of an F Sport version to the RX range for the first time, offering both sharper looks and performance.
Style-wise the F Sport stands out with a deeper, more vertical front bumper and a dedicated mesh treatment for the upper and lower grilles, which together make the new spindle grille shape an even stronger feature.
There are also dark-finish 19-inch alloy wheels and F Sport badging on the exterior, while in the cabin the model’s distinctly sporting character is reflected in aluminium-effect sports pedals and trim inserts, F Sport smooth leather upholstery and scuff plates with the Lexus logo in black. There is also a black roof lining and a bespoke steering wheel with a stitched leather trim.
Other equipment features include a head-up display, and LED headlights with the I-AFSadaptive system that angles the light beam in line with the vehicle turning angle through bends and at junctions.
The new RX 450h F Sport is not just about sportier looks, it also offers sharper driving dynamics thanks to a lateral damper system that increases stability and improves ride comfort by absorbing small vibrations.
The system, similar to that introduced in the CT 200h F Sport, uses a front lateral damper in place of the usual fixed bracing between the left and right suspension towers. A second damper unit is deployed at the rear, connecting each side of the lower back panel. The units are designed like a monotube suspension damper and adjust in line with changes in the body rigidity, noise and vibration of their surroundings to give the best possible absorption of body torsion, flexure and fine vibrations.
Sport drive mode
The RX 450h gains an additional Sport mode for itsLexus Hybrid Drivesystem. Selecting Sport (using the new drive mode switch on the redesigned steering wheel) modifies the throttle and electric power steering settings to gain faster responses, and also programmes the Vehicle Stability Control and traction control for less intrusive operation, letting the driver fully exploit the car’s dynamic abilities.
The shift to Sport mode is reflected in the ambient illumination of the instrument panel changing to red.
Revised equipment specifications
Lexus has revised equipment specifications across all RX 450h, in addition to introducing the new F Sport.
The RX 450h SE entry point to the range gains LED daytime running lights, a new perforated leather upholstery and re-designed steering wheel, while the Luxury grade model adopts (in addition to the above) dark-finish 19-inch alloy wheels and benefits from an upgrade to its 12-speaker audio system with aDABdigital tuner and single-discDVDplayer.
At the top of the range the RX 450h Premier is newly equipped as standard with a tilt/slide sunroof and head-up display.
Available from Lexus Dealers
Prices start at €62,450
LEXUS GS 450 Hybrid
The GS, powered by a smooth and ultra-efficient combination of a 3.5-lire petrol V6 and a compact 650V electric motor, delivers sharp performance with fuel economy and emissions that are unmatched by its conventional petrol-powered rivals.
Revised Pre-Crash Safety system and active headrests
The Pre-Crash Safety system in the GS 450h has been revised to include pre-crash brake technology to support the established pre-crash seatbelt and brake assist functions.
Both front seats have new, inflator-operated active headrests, which are activated by a signal from the ECU should the car suffer a rear-end impact. The inflator slides a piston into the headrest, unlocks the mechanism and projects the headrest forwards and upwards to support the head and reduce the risk of whiplash injury.
Navigation and audio upgrades
In common with its sister Lexus models, the GS 450h has a new 40GB hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system, giving Europe-wide coverage with traffic information data capture in each country. The
HDD also provides 10GB of storage space for owners to create their own on-board sound library of digital audio files – room for around 2,000 music tracks.
Two audio systems are featured in the GS 450h range: a 10-speaker Lexus premium package and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System giving 5.1-channel surround sound on selected CDs and DVDs. Both systems come with a USB port and audio jack plug for full connection and integration of portable music players. The Bluetooth, provided as standard, includes an audio streaming function. As an option, owners can upgrade their audio system to receive DAB digital broadcasts.
Styling
The 2010 GS 450h has a new front grille design that features a series of horizontal bars. The hybrid-blue rear lamp clusters have been modified to incorporate larger, transparent outer lenses and a new 18-inch alloy wheel design has been introduced for the SE-L model. The SE version rides on 17-inch alloys, with five-double-spoke 18-inch wheels available in a combined package with parking sensors.
In the cabin there is a new hybrid-blue backlit stop/start button and the choice of a new Venaro Grey semi-aniline leather upholstery option, with contrasting black stitching and grey bird’s eye maple wood grain trim.
The range of 11 exterior colours includes three new shades: Vanilla Mist, Richmond Green and Atlantic Blue.
Available from Lexus Dealers
Prices start at €55,950
Lexus LS
This Lexus high end Luxury Hybrid Saloon is available in Hybrid Petrol. There are over 3,000 changes made to the new LS model since its first generation was launched in 1989. The LS uses the same Hybrid technology system that can be found accross the Lexus range. Maximum speed is limited at 155.0mph/249.4km/h.
Order from Lexus Dealers
Price upon Dealer application