Business Car Manager verdict

The changes to construction are all aimed at improving the ride quality of the CT, but despite Lexus’ best efforts the car still skips and bounces across cracks and potholes around the city and in the countryside.

That said, once it’s up to speed and cruising along a motorway, the ride smoothes out and order is restored.

Don’t be fooled by thinking that the firm ride equates to a sporty drive though. Despite a new steering column designed to aid feedback from the front wheels, there’s a wide ‘dead space’ when the steering is pointed straight ahead, and limited feel makes swift progress difficult and unappealing.

There’s no shortage of grip though, so its a shame that it’s so difficult to make full use of it.

Nor is there any extra power in the facelift, so it retains the existing 99PS 1.8 litre petrol engine with an electric motor to assist taking the total to 136PS. This is attached to a modified CVT automatic gearbox that now behaves in a more linear fashion, the revs rising as the speed increases rather than simply shooting high and then staying there. It’s still a little glacial compared to its peers though, with zero to sixty taking 10.3 seconds.

Where the CT scores very well is when it comes down to cost of ownership. With low CO2 emissions and a strong price point, P11d values and company car tax rates are kept exceptionally low, making this a potential favourite with small fleets.

In the entry-level S specification, with 15-inch wheels, CO2 emissions have been dropped to just 82g/km, while the list price has also been reduced by £1500. Spec for spec, the CT is cheaper than all of its rivals, while also coming at least 4% lower on company car tax rates, in part thanks to its avoidance of the 3% diesel penalty.

The new business-friendly Advance grade adds cruise control, sat nav, heated front seats, rear privacy glass and 17-inch wheels to the spec list for £4000, and remains within the 11% band, as does the fast looking F-Sport even with its 17-inch alloys.

While the LEXUS CT 200h may be flawed in a number of areas, it still creates a pleasant environment in which to spend your time. The fact that it offers business buyers such financial advantages over its rivals explains why it’s been so popular for Lexus thus far.

With the changes made for 2014, the CT is now a little quieter, a little more comfortable and a little more efficient, which means it’s a worthy contender in this segment.

Others may ultimately be more enjoyable to drive, but the CT will leave you with more cash to spend after the taxman has had his take.

The Low Down…

…and what it costs