LEXUS IS
The Lexus IS is the Japanese answer to Europe’s famous compact executive saloons from the likes of Audi, BMW and Jaguar.
In terms of Lexus history, the IS is one of the older names in the family stable. Introduced first in 1998 in its homeland, the IS won the Japanese Car of the Year award almost straight away before finding its way over to Europe in the following year. Since then, 2 further generations of IS have been produced and the car has remained a key part of the Lexus line-up.
Lexus is famous for its use of hybrid engine technology, with the brand giving up diesel power several years ago, prophetically stating that it wanted to future proof itself against tightening emission regulations. In the IS, the hybrid is badged ‘300h’ and is the only engine option in the line-up. It combines Lexus’s 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and battery power for a combined output of 220bhp. Both performance and efficiency are impressive, 0-62mph takes just over 8-seconds, while fuel efficiency is listed at just over 61mpg and CO2 is expelled from the car at 104g/km. Gearing comes from a ‘E-CVT’ automatic gearbox, a transmission that Lexus says offers ‘…an infinite number of gears within a broad range of ratios.’ It works with both the petrol engine and the electric motor connected to the battery to provide the most efficient and smooth driving experience possible.
In the IS, 5 trim levels are available to Synergy customers, named Executive, Sport, Advance, F-Sport and Premier. All models are very well equipped – a Lexus trait – and even entry-level cars get the ‘Lexus Safety System+’, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and LED headlights. ‘Sport’ trim and above all get navigation, while ‘F-Sport’ adds enhanced styling and ‘Premier’ gets a large infotainment screen, a Mark Levinson premium surround sound system, as well as heated and ventilated front seats.
Lexus consistently produces luxury cars that easily rival the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Audi, and the IS can stand up to some of the hottest cars in the segment with its exceptional quality and efficient hybrid engine.