2018 Lexus IS: Sporty, attractive and luxurious

The IS conveys its sporting intent from the moment the driver gets behind the wheel. Those in the Lexus LFA supercar inspired both the wheel and instrument panel designs

MUSCAT: The Lexus IS has been a favourite for those who prefer a little bit of everything.

Attractive design, new-age technology, the power to lead and comforting luxury make the IS a popular luxury sedan.

The front fascia of the IS takes centre stage with striking headlamps and large air intakes in the front bumper. The air intakes seem to flow off the fenders and frame a grille that folds back at a higher point, emphasising a roadhugging stance.

The hood appears sculptural, with the raised centre portion flowing rearward from the top of the spindle grille and standard LED headlamps. Beneath those, the L-theme LED daytime running lights to give a dramatic daytime glow. On the IS F SPORT, the grille features an exclusive threedimensional F-mesh pattern.

At the rear, the Lexus IS leaves a refined night-time signature with pronounced “L”-shaped LED light guides that are triple layered within the taillight housing. Rectangular chrome exhaust tips accentuate the car’s sporting nature. Capping off the look are five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels on the IS 350.

The IS conveys its sporting intent from the moment the driver gets behind the wheel. Those in the Lexus LFA supercar inspired both the wheel and instrument panel designs.

Luxuries abound in the Lexus IS models, including NuLuxe Leather, trimmed seating, 8-way power front sport seats, a high-efficiency dual-zone automatic climate control system with touch-sensitive controls, power moonroof, and Remote engine starter.

Everywhere you look and touch in the 2018 Lexus IS, you’ll see and feel unique details, including climate-control panel, analogue clock and steering wheel switches. The speedometer and tachometer, as well as stitching atop the gauge hood, enhance the cockpit’s sporty feel.

2018 IS offers two multimedia systems: standard high-resolution Lexus Display Audio (LDA) with a 7-inch screen and 10-speaker audio or the optional navigation system, which features a new 10.3-inch screen. The navigation system puts a world of capability at the driver’s fingertips via the second-generation Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) multi-function control device. The RTI is the go-to control for the audio, driver’s phone and more. Available in conjunction with the navigation system, the Mark Levinson Premium Surround System delivers strik- ingly life-like sound reproduction, with 15 speakers. “Enter” buttons on either side of the RTI on the centre console help make the system easier to use, as does a larger leather-wrapped palm rest.

2018 IS 300 and IS 350 are available in RWD. Both offer an F SPORT model that further revs up the bold style and handling agility. The IS 300, features a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with intercooler. This super-smooth powerplant produces 241 hp and quickly builds up a wide torque plateau of 35.7Kg.M from 1,650-4,400 rpm. Variable Valve Timing intelligent – Wide (VVTi-W) allows the engine to switch between the Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles to maximize efficiency. The D-4ST fuel injection system combines a high-pressure direct fuel injection system with a low-pressure port-injection system. The IS 300 comes equipped exclusively with the eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission that integrates advanced G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system to choose gears intuitively. Steering wheel paddle shifters are also available for those who prefer to shift for themselves.

The IS 350 delivers dazzling performance from a 3.5-litre V6 that produces 311 hp and 38.5Kg.M. of peak torque.

A Drive Mode Select system features up to five driving modes to tailor the car’s combination of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics. All IS sedans feature ECO, NORMAL and SPORT modes. Equipping the IS 300 with the F SPORT package also adds Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), controlled with SPORT S+ mode.

The agile handling of all IS models owes much to the multilink rear suspension inherited from the company’s GS sedans, along with finely tuned electronic power steering. Available for all IS models, the F SPORT package sharpens handling acuity with special suspension tuning and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, while sharpening the design with unique interior and exterior trim. Inside, all-season comfort is enhanced through ventilated front seats. The finishing touch on the F SPORT experience for IS 300 and IS 350 models is a rousing engine sound to rev up the car enthusiast in anyone.

Ten SRS airbags are standard and IS models employ the innovative Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, which integrates: Anti-Lock Brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control active safety systems with the Electric Power Steering or, where fitted for IS 350 F SPORT, Variable Gear Ratio Steering. Lexus Safety System+ is standard, which includes PreCollision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Also available is the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross- Traffic Alert system.

In Oman, every Lexus vehicle comes with special benefits and privileges such as 4 years/100,000km (whichever is earlier) manufacturer’s warranty and 24 hours on-road assistance from AAA.