Lexus IS220d - why no auto box?
Discussion
redtwin said:
The diesel version of the car was most likely created for company car drivers who buy based on Co2. An autobox would increase Co2 emissions and wouldn't be desired by the car's target market.
Why make it if most of your customers won't buy it.
Agreed, but most company car drivers drive an auto, so why neglect the whole community in the first place?Why make it if most of your customers won't buy it.
Lexus dropped the ball here imo. I won't be getting one now, and I am sure I probably am not the first to walk away due to that? or maybe I am!
Garlick said:
carparkno1 said:
Agreed, but most company car drivers drive an auto, so why neglect the whole community in the first place?
Do they?My girlfriend has had three company cars over the last 18 months. One petrol & two diesels, all automatic.
If I was a company car driver, I'd certainly spec an auto. They are very well suited to diesels these days and take a lot of stress out of driving.
I can't believe there isn't an auto IS220d.
80sboy said:
Yes, I'd say many do.
My girlfriend has had three company cars over the last 18 months. One petrol & two diesels, all automatic.
If I was a company car driver, I'd certainly spec an auto. They are very well suited to diesels these days and take a lot of stress out of driving.
I can't believe there isn't an auto IS220d.
I guess that's my main point here - it seems chaste to not have an auto box for the diesel when they do for the petrol. My needs have changed, I now need a car that is mid-size, can do a couple of runs to a rail station, but also a couple of 200 mile round trips a week and some long trips up to Scotland.My girlfriend has had three company cars over the last 18 months. One petrol & two diesels, all automatic.
If I was a company car driver, I'd certainly spec an auto. They are very well suited to diesels these days and take a lot of stress out of driving.
I can't believe there isn't an auto IS220d.
As such, I need something reasonably frugal, but also with an auto box that means I don't sit in traffic with a numb clutch foot, and can cruise a motorway. I would have thought that a Lexus would appeal to that market directly, those that hit the motorways but have some flexibility and need a bit of everything. It's a shame, I love the look and the build and comfort, but I need the auto box (and I have only ever had manuals until now).
Garlick said:
Interesting! I have been out of co cars for a few years now but hardly any had auto at the time.
I have always associated diesels with auto's, maybe it's just me but from the vectra onwards I always thought that. Even most Alfa Giuletta's now are auto's with a JTDM box from what I can see, and those aren't likely to be company cars all that much.Saying that, this has likely only come about in the last 8 or so years and the relentless obsession with mpg and fuel prices.
carparkno1 said:
Agreed, but most company car drivers drive an auto, so why neglect the whole community in the first place?
Lexus dropped the ball here imo. I won't be getting one now, and I am sure I probably am not the first to walk away due to that? or maybe I am!
The lack of an autobox (and an estate version) means I have no interest either. Lexus dropped the ball here imo. I won't be getting one now, and I am sure I probably am not the first to walk away due to that? or maybe I am!
Autoboxes are relatively scarce in the UK especially among the typical company car fare, so not sure where you got the impression that most or even a significant number of company cars were autoboxes.
Head over to Autotrader and have a search for the usual Mondeo,Insignia,Passat, Golf or even your stated 320d. You know, the stuff that is usually bought or specced new by company car and leasing fleets. Have a quick looks to see how many are manual vs Auto.
Just get one and learn how to change gear again, its not hard and it can be fun.
Parents have one in Messa Red - Looks much more interesting than your standard Euro box.
Goes very well, seems to be bullet proof. Crap MPG for a derv - similar 320d will give an extra 10mpg - you'll struggle to see anything over mid-late 30's
Parents have one in Messa Red - Looks much more interesting than your standard Euro box.
Goes very well, seems to be bullet proof. Crap MPG for a derv - similar 320d will give an extra 10mpg - you'll struggle to see anything over mid-late 30's
redtwin said:
The lack of an autobox (and an estate version) means I have no interest either.
Autoboxes are relatively scarce in the UK especially among the typical company car fare, so not sure where you got the impression that most or even a significant number of company cars were autoboxes.
Head over to Autotrader and have a search for the usual Mondeo,Insignia,Passat, Golf or even your stated 320d. You know, the stuff that is usually bought or specced new by company car and leasing fleets. Have a quick looks to see how many are manual vs Auto.
If there was an auto estate diesel IS220d I would have one tomorrow - this isn't going to be my fun car, it's my mway car and as you say, the lack of options on the model range is a real shame.Autoboxes are relatively scarce in the UK especially among the typical company car fare, so not sure where you got the impression that most or even a significant number of company cars were autoboxes.
Head over to Autotrader and have a search for the usual Mondeo,Insignia,Passat, Golf or even your stated 320d. You know, the stuff that is usually bought or specced new by company car and leasing fleets. Have a quick looks to see how many are manual vs Auto.
russy01 said:
Just get one and learn how to change gear again, its not hard and it can be fun.
Parents have one in Messa Red - Looks much more interesting than your standard Euro box.
Goes very well, seems to be bullet proof. Crap MPG for a derv - similar 320d will give an extra 10mpg - you'll struggle to see anything over mid-late 30's
Messa Red is the colour I like as well. I see it as a more reliable Alfa 159 in many ways - stands out from the crowd and has enticingly bad residuals lolParents have one in Messa Red - Looks much more interesting than your standard Euro box.
Goes very well, seems to be bullet proof. Crap MPG for a derv - similar 320d will give an extra 10mpg - you'll struggle to see anything over mid-late 30's
Understand what you are saying about manual box but we have a new mazda 2 for the missus - fantastic little car, but after an hour in traffic jams my leg stops working and my foot goes blue - I'm going to be on the M1 and have NO desire to do that every day in a manual lol and yes, I am being a bit of a wuss.
carparkno1 said:
the lack of options on the model range is a real shame.
It would be more of a shame if the 320d also wasn't available with auto and estate.I think someone would need to have a strong dislike of BMWs to not be happy with a 320d as an alternative. If such a person exists there are a multitude of other diesel auto estates to choose from.
redtwin said:
It would be more of a shame if the 320d also wasn't available with auto and estate.
I think someone would need to have a strong dislike of BMWs to not be happy with a 320d as an alternative. If such a person exists there are a multitude of other diesel auto estates to choose from.
Agreed, I just liked the lexus as it was RWD, and an alternative to the norm. Plenty else for me to choose from, I just didn't believe until it was confirmed that Lexus had such a small choice in engine/drive/body options.I think someone would need to have a strong dislike of BMWs to not be happy with a 320d as an alternative. If such a person exists there are a multitude of other diesel auto estates to choose from.
Not a big seller so not going to have amssive range of options I appreciate.
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