Lexus unveils revised IS range
Lexus unveils revised IS range Significantly improved IS gets new diesel model and styling changes.
Lexus IS ringing the changes! The Japanese luxury brand claims that the latest revisions to its 3-Series rivalling IS range are the most significant since the current car went on sale in 2005.
The line-up now boasts Euro V compliant engines, styling tweaks and more equipment, but prices remains unchanged.
The major change is that the previous IS220d has now been replaced by the IS200d. The car uses the same 2.2-litre diesel engine, and costs the same at £24,350, but the unit has be re-engineered to be more refined but detuned from 175bhp and 400Nm to 148bhp and 340Nm.
That means the 0-62mph time increases from 8.9 seconds to 10.2 seconds, but the all-important emissions figures improve from 50.4mpg and 148g/km to 55.4mpg and 134g/km, meaning that the IS drops a tax band and its Benefit-in-Kind rating drops too, which is good news for company car drivers.
However, the IS200d still can’t match the impressive BMW 320d which is more expensive, but faster, more powerful yet remains more fuel efficient and produces less emissions.
The IS250 and 250C use the revised V6 which is now cleaner and is only available with an automatic transmission, while Lexus has improved the F-Sport model line to make the looks more aggressive, and more like the range-topping ISF which the firm hopes will increase the car’s appeal to younger drivers.
All models benefit from styling tweaks to the bumpers, front grille and lights, and there are new alloy wheel designs and paint colours to choose from. Cars specced with the high-intensity discharge headlights now get LED daytime running lights, while buyers of the SE-I spec get auto wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and leather upholstery with heated front seats.
The high performance ISF will also receive the new LED headlights and a number of minor tweaks, but these will be confirmed at a later date. The new IS range will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show, but is available to order now.
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