The new 2014 Lexus CT 200h facelift, unveiled a few days ago at the Tokyo Auto Show, receives its official EPA ratings, and it’s 42 mpg on the combined cycle, plus 43 city and 40 highway. They are good numbers, but there are petrol models that do pretty much the same, and diesels that do way, way better.

That begs the question what is the point of a complex, expensive hybrid car when a simple, cheap diesel does a lot better? But you see, with the CT 200h is not just about the economy. The thing is a premium hatchback and it’s just got a new face that makes it look more luxurious, what with that humongous spindle grille up front.

Lexus CT 200h uses a 1.8-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor through an electronic continuously variable transmission. The total system output of 134 horsepower. It has the ability to operate in silent zero-emission electric mode, but it won’t last long.

The characteristics of the Lexus CT 200h do not lend themselves to spirited driving, and yet Lexus has gone ahead and prepared a full-on F Sport package for it that comes with stuff like 17-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, bolstered front seats, a wide-grip steering wheel and triple-dial instrument gauge panel.

The more useful features the 2014 Lexus CT 200h is blessed with include 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and four-way manual-adjustable front passenger seat; standard six-speaker audio system with the world’s first automotive speakers constructed with sustainable bamboo and resin; and voice recognition and Bluetooth technology hands-free communication.