Lexus refreshes IS, ES and CT ranges

LEXUS has announced an upgrade to its IS, ES and CT line-ups bringing new technology and cosmetic enhancements, while keeping most prices fixed at previous levels.

The entry level CT200h hybrid hatch retains its price of $39,990, plus on-road costs for the Luxury specification and gains new one-touch indicators and a revised Remote Touch Controller for the multimedia system.

The F Sport and Sports Luxury grades receive the technology, and maintain their old prices, while a new paint colour – Sonic Quartz – replaces White Pearl.

All variants in the IS mid-size sedan range have been upgraded, while retaining previous pricing, with F Sport and Sports Luxury grades gaining Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The petrol-electric hybrid powered IS300h variants are now available with Enhancement Pack 2 and 3 which includes a wood-grain-look interior, electric rear sunshade, 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, lane departure warning, three-position driver’s seat with memory and active cruise control.

Cosmetic changes to the IS range include LED fog-lights for Luxury and Sports Luxury variants. The IS300h has new hybrid badging and 18-inch alloy wheels can now be specified as part of Enhancement Pack 2 and 3.

Inside, the refreshed IS gets the new Remote Touch system, while silver accents have been given to the airvents, clock, centre console, door trim and the steering wheel. Moonstone interior leather-accented trim replaces the previous light grey interior.

The larger ES model range that returned to the local Lexus line-up in November last year has increased in price with the base ES300h Luxury now $400 dearer at $63,400.

The range gets an updated multimedia system bringing SD card-based navigation which alerts drivers to speed cameras and school zones. The safety package is bolstered with Rear Cross Traffic Alert now standard.

New Titanium Silver paint replaces Blue Pearl in the ES range.

Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley said the revisions bring added value to the models.

“Updates to the CT, IS and ES Lines improve the functionality, safety and visual appeal of these Lexus models,” he said.

“We’ve added these items at little or no extra cost to consumers – further enhancing Lexus’ reputation of comprehensive standard specification at outstanding value.” The IS is the most popular model for Lexus with 2074 sold so far this year to the end of September. That places it behind premium mid-size rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class on 3519, BMW’s 3 Series on 3473 and Audi’s A4 on 2115.

The current, third-generation IS sedan launched in Australia in July, 2013, while a mildly facelifted version of the CT arrived in April this year.

Lexus IS pricing*

250 Luxury	$56,500
250 F Sport	$65,500
250 Sports Luxury	$78,700
300h Luxury	$59,500
300h F Sport	$68,900
350 Luxury	$65,400
350 F Sport	$73,600
350 Sports Luxury	$84,800
Lexus CT pricing*
200h Luxury	$39,990
200h F Sport	$48,990
200h Sports Luxury	$56,990
Lexus ES pricing*
300h Luxury	$63,400
300h Sports Luxury	$72,400
350 Luxury	$64,900
350 Sports Luxury	$73,900

*Excludes on-road costs.