Lexus wanted to make a BMW 3 series-beater when it launched the first IS in 1999... and it came close. The latest diesel version of the IS is the revised 200. Our test car comes with the F-Sport pack, so it certainly looks the part.
Rear-wheel drive, beautifully balanced and compact proportions are IS attributes, but, as we've seen with the dreadful winter weather, rear-wheel drive cars are the last thing we want. Despite the icy conditions, Motors managed to keep the IS on the road without much drama.
The 2.2-litre, four-cylinder engine gets a makeover. Unlike most engine revisions, Lexus has dropped the power output! Bhp is reduced by 25 horses to 150bhp as the engine is retuned to deliver better fuel economy and much lower CO2 (134g). The new cleaner IS means it takes a price drop to a tempting and competitive €34,680.
F-Sport replaces the old Sport grade and is an optional pack. F-Sport is available on both petrol and diesel cars and it brings the 200d's price up to €38,620. The cheapest petrol six-cylinder IS250 (pictured) is €43,240 (now 194g CO2).
Diesel and the IS work well for those of us who rack up the kilometres. The six-speed manual gearbox helps deliver excellent fuel consumption figures for what can be quite a sporty drive. As ever with the IS, diesel sixth gear is very long. You need to be on the flat to engage it at 100km/h, or else doing the motorway limit in order not to feel the engine labour. But even if you don't go near sixth the first five cogs do a great job of propelling the compact five-seat car around. If you don't like shifting gears, the petrol IS250 is the option for you as it comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Outside the F Sports pack gives the car a shot in the arm as it looks a lot more purposeful. There are sexy, black alloy wheels, a mesh grille and subtle aerodynamic styling bodyparts. Inside there are sports seats in a mix of leather and alcantara plus racy metal pedals and an F Sport steering wheel. This, of course, helps the IS look like the high performance IS-F (which has a €104,970 price tag and performance to match). Behind the wheel the IS feels a little dated. Switchgear and the general dash layout are looking too familiar and in need of freshening up if the IS is to remain a premium offering. Even when the second generation IS was launched in December 2005 the steering column stalks and digital clock were already dated for what is meant to be a posh offering.
IS200d F-Sport has the right looks and attitude for youthful potential buyers yet is friendly to the fleet manager, too, with its low running cost. IS was once the entry point to the luxury Japanese brand, but now the new sub-€30,000 CT200h hatchback points the way for future Lexus models. It has a fresh look and hybrid power, delivered using Lexus Hybrid Drive, to aid economy and reduce emissions.
Michael Sheridan
