Lexus Finally Discontinues Blandest Model With Special Edition Send-Off

TheLexus CT 200hfirst appeared in the US for the 2011 model year and was finally dropped at the conclusion of the 2017 model year. This five-door hatchback never did quite fit in with the rest of the Lexus lineup but it did offer one thing many buyers wanted: good fuel economy. Powered by the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder and electric motor setup from the previous-generation Toyota Prius, the CT 200h had a combined output of 134 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque. It's easy to understand why it never caught on with Lexus buyers, even traditional ones who weren't necessarily seeking lots of power.

But, the CT 200h sold relatively well elsewhere, such as its home country of Japan. Now, however, it's finally being discontinued in that market and Lexus is giving it a sendoff called the Cherished Touring edition.

The CT 200h Cherished Touring edition is available in only two color combinations, Graphite Black or Sonic Quartz, both with a Sonic Titanium roof. Both colors feature a silver finish added to the somewhat still-controversial spindle grille, fog light surrounds, and rear bumper. There are also power-folding heated door mirrors and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Step inside and Japanese buyers will be treated a two-tone upholstery on the seats and door panels. Red stitching on the instrument panel, door trim, knee pads, and steering wheel is also present. A heated steering wheel and seats round out the interior amenities. As expected, nothing has changed under the hood. The CT 200h Cherished Touring edition is already on sale and priced at 4,223,000 yen, which is about $36,600 at the current exchange rate.