Lexus IS buyer’s guide

Compact exec is an interesting alternative to the usual choices

EVER since Lexus arrived in the UK in 1990, it has single-mindedly chosen not to compete directly with the established premium brands. The Toyota sub-brand has instead gone its own way with its design, engineering, customer service – indeed, pretty much every aspect of its cars.

The IS is a perfect example of that. While more obvious compact execs come in petrol and diesel forms with a choice of bodystyles, Lexus has turned its back on diesel power, and only offers the latest IS in petrol or hybrid guise, and as a saloon exclusively. Yet try a petrol-electric IS 300h and you’ll realise that it can be good to go your own way.

History

THE first IS Mk3s reached dealers in July 2013. There was a choice of a 2.5-litre V6 petrol IS 250 and an IS 300h, which combined the same engine with an electric motor as part of a hybrid drivetrain and cost an extra £3,000 new. Trim levels were SE, Luxury, F Sport and Premier, with all cars featuring an automatic gearbox; there was no manual option.

By June 2014 there was an IS 300h Executive Edition – based on the Luxury, but cheaper and with standard leather trim and navigation. The IS 250 was replaced by the more efficient IS 200t in November 2015, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. At the same time a Sport trim was added to the line-up. In early 2017 a facelifted IS arrives, with more safety kit and a tweaked chassis.

which one?

THE IS 250 is best avoided as it’s costly to run. The IS 200t is more efficient, but in reality the IS 300h is the only model to go for if your focus is on your bank balance.

Lexus is famed for packing its cars with standard kit and the IS is no different. Even the entry-level SE gets xenon lights, selfhealing paint, water-repellent glass for the front windows, a seven-inch dash display, multifunction steering wheel and Bluetooth.

Luxury adds a split-folding rear seat, parking sensors and automatic wipers, while the F Sport has 18-inch alloys and sports seats. The Premier has adjustable ventilated seats, a premium multimedia system and blind spot detection.

Alternatives

DIRECT rivals to the IS are few and far between. Indeed there’s only one regular hybrid competitor: the BMW Activehybrid3. Launched in 2013, the saloon (there’s no estate edition) is far more expensive than an IS 300h of similar age and mileage, but it’s a very impressive machine.

Go for one of the more obvious compact executive rivals, though, and you can buy a diesel-engined Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-class for a lot less. Estate models are available if you need extra space, and you won’t have to settle for an automatic box, either. The same applies to the Volkswagen Passat and Volvo S60/V60.

Verdict

A NARROW model range is one of the key reasons why many buyers shun the IS, but don’t dismiss this sharply styled saloon. Lexus is renowned for its customer service and reliability. Its cars are crammed with standard kit, and it’s ultra-safe too; the IS was one of the safest family cars ever rated when Euro NCAP crash tested it in 2013.