LA LIVE: Facelifted 2014 Lexus CT 200h

Lexus has pulled the sheet on its new-look 2014 CT 200h.

Lexus has revealed its updated 2014 CT 200h at the Los Angeles Motor Show.

As expected, the refreshed 2014 CT 200h sports a new front end highlighted by Lexus’ signature spindle grille. Other front-end tweaks include a revised bumper, new fog lights and sleeker headlights.

Out back, the 2014 CT wears an updated bumper that gives the hatchback a slightly more aggressive look.

The hybrid hatchback’s cabin benefits from a new steering wheel, a 4.2-inch TFT screen mounted in the instrument panel and a thinner, fixed display for the optional navigation system. A new, more user-friendly Remote Touch Interface has been fitted, and the multimedia systems feature enhanced voice recongintion and a new controller located on the center console.

Uniquely, Lexus says the quality of the sound system has been enhanced by the world’s first bamboo loudspeaker technology (!). Bamboo fiber, plant opal and charcoal are combined in an injection molding process to create the industry’s thinnest loudspeaker diagram, which reportedly results in a noticeably improved sound quality.

Additionally, more than 94 measures have been adopted to decrease interior NVH levels.

Rearview and backup monitors, a tire pressure monitoring system and a parking assist system are all newly available options, and a number of new interior color and trim combinations have been added.

Lexus engineers increased the CT 200h’s body rigidity through additional spot welding, which in turn allowed different suspension tuning for a more comfortable ride. Changes include optimized coil spring rates, new shock absorber valves and a revised rear stabilizer bar.

An F Sport model with unique exterior and interior styling along with unique chassis tuning remains available.

The 2014 Lexus CT 200h will see some fierce competition in the luxury compact segment from the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3. To better take on those vehicles Lexus will reportedly expand the CT lineup to include a sedan and possible a gas-only version. However, those variants are at least three years out from production.