Lexus IS Range Car Review

Facts At A Glance
Car: Lexus IS range
Prices: £24,350-£56,540 – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 12-20
Emissions: 134-270g/km
Performance: [IS250 4dr] 0-60mph 8.1s / Max Speed 144mph
Fuel Consumption: [IS250 4dr] (combined) 33.6mpg
Safety: Twin front, side & curtain airbags / ABS
Dimensions: Length/Width/Heightmm 4575/1800/1425

IS Range: Ten Steps Forward

Our Rating: No Rating Available

Even though the Lexus brand has always received rave reviews across the board from look to quality it has never truly been serious competition to the German luxury brands that continue to lead the pack in the compact executive car class. That may change now that Lexus has re-launched the IS with some tweaks that are sure to please the German loyalists.

The first major change for the Lexus IS line is that it is now being offered with a diesel engine option. The diesel choice is sure to please the oil-burning lovers across the UK. The engine comes in as a 2.2-litre that produces 148bhp of power and 340Nm of torque at only 2,000rpm. It can get from 0-60mph in 10.2 seconds. The quicker engine choice comes in the form of a 2.5-litre V6 that runs on 202bhp and can get from 0-60mph in 8.1 seconds. The choice of engines will basically come down to what the buyer needs most, the quick pick-up of the petrol or extra pulling power of the diesel.

The new version of the Lexus IS series comes with an array of handling and safety upgrades. One of the most notable of the upgrades is the Vehicle Integrated Dynamics Management that now comes standard on all IS models. Basically this system works to create seamless communication between the Electronic Brake Force Distribution, the Traction Control System and the Vehicle Stability Control which provides a safe and smooth ride during any weather situation and at any speed.

Standard features on the Lexus IS include; climate control, cruise control, privacy glass, power assisted windows, central locking system and an impressive 13-speaker stereo system that sits at the top level audios systems in any car. All the IS models are also equipped with an excellent security system that will make the care nearly impossible to break into or steal.

Lexus for the first time is offering the IS in a convertible model that may be one of the best hardtop convertibles on the market. They have also given the IS model a couple of sporty special editions they call the IS-F and the IS F-Sport. Both are excellent cars for people looking for a sporty compact executive saloon.

Overall the revamp of the IS line-up is a raging success and will most likely catapult the Lexus brand into the hands of many more German car buying loyalists than ever before. Rarely has a car maker been able to make such a huge leap forward in just one generation of tweaks, but what Lexus has achieved here is truly remarkable. The car looks better, feels better and comes better equipped than most cars in the same price class. The best part is that the Lexus may be a little less expensive than the others, but it doesn't look or act like it. Buyers may be compelled to tell their friends how little they paid, but it may be best just to let them think that you paid way more that you actually did.