Upgrades, facelifts & new derivatives

Priced from R601 900

Lexus South Africa has introduced a raft of changes to its IS sedan range, including cosmetic and ergonomic updates, as well as a handful of suspension tweaks. The three-model line-up remains unchanged, with the IS200T still available in two trim levels (E and EX) and the IS350 F Sport retaining its range-topping spot.

The visual updates include a new interpretation of the brand’s trademark spindle grille, a reshaped bonnet, larger front air intakes and new LED headlamps. Round the back, the LED taillights have also been redesigned and new rectangular chrome-effect exhaust tips make an appearance.

Inside, the infotainment screen has increased in size from seven to 10,3 inches (for the EX and F Sport trim levels), and a new, high-resolution monitor has been added to the mix.

The drive mode selector for the F Sport gains a “customise” setting and the active cruise control switch has been simplified to one-step activation with a prolonged press of the main cruise-control button. On the centre of the facia, the audio and ventilation control panel has been revised.

There’s new stitching on the top of the instrument binnacle hood, along with graphic changes to the speedometer and tachometer (on E and EX), and the layout of information presented in the central screen has also been improved.

As before, the two IS200T models employ a 2,0-litre twin-scroll, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine worth 180 kw and 350 N.m, and it is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The IS350 F Sport, meanwhile, features a 3,5-litre V6 producing 233 kw and 378 N.m.

A front double-wishbone suspension setup boasts a new forged-aluminium lower arm that, says Lexus, delivers a 49% increase in rigidity. There’s also a new upper support bush, revised coil spring rates, new shock absorber components and a revised damper setting for improved ride comfort.