5 November 2013
Maximum appeal
Now in its third generation, the Lexus IS has grown wider, with a longer wheelbase while the engine choice has expanded to include three different configurations.
In developing the new IS range, Lexus Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama’s desire was to create a compact performance sedan that could rival the segment’s market leaders. Visually it has all the right ingredients with its trendy new design and hints of sportiness. The large hour-glass shape grille and sleek headlights, which are underscored with LED daytime running lights, and the sharp taillights complete the stylish look.
High quality trim materials are used throughout and a large seven-inch display screen for the audio, satellite navigation and reversing camera is controlled by remote joystick, allowing for easy navigation of the on-screen selections. The new air-conditioning control panel requires little effort to operate as the temperature setting is easily altered by sliding your finger along the regulator.
Going hybrid for the first time
The IS’s three engine choices start with the 2.5L V6 fitted to the IS250. There’s also a 3.5L V6 for the IS350 and for the first time a hybrid model enters the IS range with a 2.5L four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine combining with electric power in the IS300h.
The 2.5L V6 motor produces 153kW/252Nm for some smooth acceleration, but the exhilarating choice is the 3.5L V6 that develops 233kW/378Nm and is a fitting match for the sporty appearance. The 2.5L four pot motor delivers a practical 133kW/221Nm and combined with the Lexus hybrid system the performance is boosted to 164kW. The thirstiest of the lot is claimed to use 9.2L/100km of fuel in a combined motorway and city driving cycle while the hybrid model is said to consume only 4.9L/100km.
All IS models are rear-wheel drive, with the IS250 using a six-speed automatic transmission while the IS350 gains an extra two cogs. The IS300h uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Steering wheel paddles shifters are standard fitment and allow the driver to perform manual gear changes.
The double wishbone front and new multi link rear suspension setup deliver good overall handling and grip and although the car is positioned low to the ground the comfort isn’t compromised.
The Lexus Hybrid system uses a Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack that's located under the boot floor, where the spare wheel is stowed on other models in the range; the Hybrid getting a tyre inflation kit instead. Luggage space for the IS300h is reduced to 450 litres compared with 480 litres for the IS250 and IS350. The rear 60:40 split seats can fold down to free up extra loading area.
A good level of kit
The line-up has three levels of specification, starting with a standard spec IS, F Sport (which refers to the Fuji International Speedway, the former F1 Grand Prix racetrack that was used to develop the handling and performance characteristics, and Limited. All models are fitted with a decent amount of standard equipment and depending on the options you choose, available features include Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Pre-crash Safety System with Adaptive Cruise Control, Mark Levinson sound system with satellite navigation and an electric sun shade for the rear window.
All models gain the Drive Mode Select feature that allows the driver to switch from Eco, Normal and Sport modes while a Sport S and Sport S+ is added to models with Adaptive Variable Suspension. By turning the dial to one of the preferred modes the system changes the throttle response, the degree of steering assistance as well as air-conditioning control and for added visual excitement the Sport modes change the speedometer display from blue to red.
Standard active safety features include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Passive safety features include frontal and side airbags for front row occupants, curtain airbags and front knee airbags while Limited models gain side airbags for the outer rear seats.
The IS range is priced from $73,995 for the base model IS250 to $92,195 for the IS300h Limited and up to $108,395 for the top of the range IS350 Limited.