Lexus axes Driver Power star, leaving readers unimpressed

EVOLUTION INTERIOR

Sharper looks and new tech are highlights of the revised IS range

THIS is the new, fourth-generation Lexus IS saloon. However, this might be the closest that UK buyers will get to it, because the firm has announced that the compact executive won’t be sold here.

The IS has long been a strong performer in the Auto Express Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, but dwindling sales and the popularity of Lexus’ SUV range in Europe mean the current model won’t be replaced.

While this is the fourth-generation IS, most of the changes focus on design and technology updates, because it uses the same platform as the current car. The front end i sma rked out by a large ‘spindle’style grille used acros the Lexus line-up, while the headlight units are more compact than before and feature a strong LED running signature.

The tail-lights sport a new L-shaped design, and they are joined by a full-width

sLED lightbar. The car’s new bodywork means the IS is now 30mm longer than before.

The interior is a mix of old and new. Some elements, such as the central vents, gear selector, centre console and steering wheel, have been broadly carried over with minimal changes. What stands out is the addition of a new floating 8.0-inch tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system, which is replaced by a larger 10.3-inch unit on higher-spec models.

Under the skin, there’s a lighter suspension set-up, stroke-dependent damper technology has been introduced, and the F Sport version gets electronically controlled adaptive dampers.

The US range kicks off with the IS 300, which use s a 238bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. Oddly, adding four-wheel drive to the IS 300 also upgrades the engine to a 256bhp 3.5-litre six-cylinder petrol engine.

The IS 350 sits at the top of the range, using a 307bhp version of the 3.5-litre V6.

Cabin will look familiar to current IS owners, but UK buyers won’t be getting behind the wheel

WITH the news that the IS will no longer be sold in the UK, Auto Express spoke to some loyal customers to get their take.

“I heard the news that the new IS isn’t coming here and I’m very disappointed,” retired doctor Kavas Arjani (above) told us. “I’ve had four ISs over the years and recently switched to an RC 300h. But I would have seriously considered the new IS. Come on Lexus, show some loyalty to your customers.”

Other disgruntled owners include Terry and Gaynor Stephens from the West Midlands. “We are extremely disappointed,” they told us. “Over the years we have had the opportunity to drive other Lexus models and feel that currently there is no alternative to the IS.

“In the absence of the IS, we may have to consider other manufacturers but we’re not big fans of BMW, Audi or Mercedes. We may have to look at what the likes of Honda, Mazda or Nissan have on offer when the time comes.”

A nine-inch infotainment screen and large digital-dial display are the cabin highlights