The season for giving may still be more than a month away but Lexus is already demonstrating its goodwill spirit with the introduction of the new CT 200h Advance, a model that comes with a prestige equipment specification at a high value price.

The new Advance slots into the CT 200h line-up just above the regular SE grade model with an enhanced equipment list that includes a new integrated satellite navigation system, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, a folding function for the electrically adjustable door mirrors, reversing camera, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated parking monitor and metallic paint. In spite of gaining all these extra features, its on-the-road price is just an additional £500 compared to the SE, at £24,495. The Advance also introduces Tahara, a supple and durable new upholstery that is an attractive alternative to leather. It weighs half as much leather and is less harmful to the environment to make, generating 65 per cent less CO₂ and no potentially damaging volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Customers can choose from four metallic paint shades, including Celestial Black which is exclusive to the Advance. According to the colour chosen, the Tahara trim can be specified in black or tan.

The new model also introduces the MoveOn navigation system, which can be operated using a touch pad integrated in the centre console below the gear selector. Move On also enables access to Live information services, using a 3G connection to a SIM card that is built into the system, avoiding the need for a mobile phone link. Customers enjoy free access for the first year to the Live services, which include TomTom Local Search, weather forecast, mobile speed cameras and HD traffic data. Thereafter an annual subscription is payable. In other respects the Advance mirrors the CT 200h SE specification, with premium features such as dual-zone climate control, push button start, Bluetooth, fog lights, rear privacy glass, 17-inch alloy wheels and a six-speaker audio system with USB port.

Its refined and highly efficient Lexus Hybrid Drive full hybrid system delivers official figures of 94g/km (qualifying for zero annual road tax) and 68.9mpg combined cycle fuel consumption. As well as its normal driving mode, the driver can select from three on-demand modes EV, Eco and Sport, to tailor performance for greater efficiency or a more engaging drive. In EV mode the car can be driven with zero tailpipe emissions and minimal noise for up to 1.2 miles (according to road conditions and the level of charge in the hybrid battery).

The CT 200h Advance can be specified with smaller, 16-inch alloy wheels at no extra cost. Other options include front and rear parking sensors and a DAB digital tuner (which requires deletion of the Move On satellite navigation).