IT doesn't look too different from the landmark Lexus that brought luxury hybrid power to us back in 2010 but the latest CT 200h has been spruced up to offer vastly better refinement and ride.

A tidied up rear end and the new family grille are the visual giveaways to the revamped CT.

Fidgety ride and unsettled handling were two of the main criticisms of the original five-door and now after a reported ear-bashing from on high, engineers have strengthened the body improving the road holding and dynamics as well as benefiting ride and reducing noise and vibration.

Economy is also improved and the corresponding CO2 emissions are lower.

As before, power is from twin sources - a 1.8-litre petrol four cylinder engine knocking out 98bhp and an 81bhp electric motor. Gearing is via continuously variable transmission with an eco/power control to suit your preferred driving style.

A bonus is that instead of the price going up, it has been reduced so the base version I drove now costs £20,995.

It's still not the car to captivate hot-hatch fanatics, but if your bag is cool, calm refinement allied to unusually good economy, then read on.

Certainly the 90-odd improvements have produced a much more comfortably riding family car. One that no longer crashes its suspension over poor surfaces and remains resolutely composed when hurried along.

Steering is light but pleasantly touchy-feely via the beautifully covered leather wheel. In fact, the whole interior has that Lexus feel which means it's much posher than your average £20,000 saloon.

The S version I drove isn't treated to goodies like leather seating and rear parking sensors but it does get sat nav, electric windows, air con and alloy wheels.

The cabin has ample space for four but the luggage area is somewhat constrained by the large battery which is situated beneath the rear platform. With rear seats in position there's 375 litres are cargo space - about 100 litres less than the class average. Fold the rear seats down and this grows to 965 litres.

Those unused to driving a hybrid will encounter few difficulties. At first, travel is totally silent as the Lexus draws away and even when the 1.8-litre petrol engine joins in, noise levels - both mechanical and otherwise - are very subdued.

The CVT auto box has been refined and is now almost unnoticed, you merely press or release the accelerator once in drive. The eco/power knob works well and sharpens-up performance noticeable when in power mode.

CO2 emissions have been marginally pared down to 87g/km and economy is significantly better. During some hard driving I never dipped below 46mpg and when being more judicious my average was 64mpg. The official combined figure is more than 70mpg.

It may still look slightly ungainly from the outside, but beneath the skin the latest CT200h is a hugely improved family car that provides genuine luxury and refinement allied to excellent economy for a below average price.