It's a mark of how important the Chinese market now is that Lexus has chosen the upcoming Guangzhou Motor Show to reveal its updated CT 200h.

That's despite both the Los Angeles International Auto Show and the Tokyo Motor Show starting around the same time--both shows hosting several significant launches for 2014.

The 2014 CT 200h is a little less significant though, mainly amounting to a facelift and a few other detail changes.

Most notable is the new Lexus 'spindle' grille design, found across the automaker's range and now finally appearing on the marque's smallest model. It's a little less pronounced here than on the larger IS models, but does seem to suit the CT's compact form.

There's also a new set of alloy wheels available, and a revised rear end with "a more horizontal structure"--though you'd have to be a serious fan of the old model to spot the differences without a back-to-back comparison.

2014 Lexus CT 200h

2014 Lexus CT 200h

Equipment changes are also likely, though Lexus won't reveal the details until the show itself on November 21.

It's unlikely Lexus will incorporate any major changes to the Prius-derived 1.8-liter engine and electric motor setup, so don't expect economy to change--the EPA's Fueleconomy.gov website already lists the 2014 model with identical economy to the 2013 car: 43 mpg city, 40 highway and 42 combined.

You can keep up with all the latest car launch details on our dedicated Auto Shows page.

_________________________________________

Follow GreenCarReports on FacebookTwitter and Google+