Lexus launches IS range
New sports saloon aims at BMW heartland
Lexus IS
Lexus reckoned that its drag coefficient of 0.27 makes it one of the most aerodynamically efficient cars in its segment. It's 20 per cent stiffer, with weight reductions coming through the use of aluminium for the bonnet, suspension members and engine.
Lexus has also focused on reducing NVH -- noise, vibration and harshness -- including the world’s first sound-absorbing sun visors, acoustic glass in the front screen and a close panel fit.
Engines
The IS 250 is powered by a new aluminium, direct-injection 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine with dual VVT-i, and is claimed to be no heavier than the 2.0-litre mill in the previous generation IS. It develops 204bhp at 6,400rpm and a maximum 186lb-ft of torque at 4,800rpm. Acceleration is hardly ground-breaking, covering 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds with manual transmission, 8.4 seconds in automatic versions. Top speed is 144mph manual, 141mph automatic. Combined cycle carbon dioxide emissions are 231g/km manual, 214g/km automatic.
The Lexus IS 220d, due for launch in the UK in January 2006, is equipped with Lexus’s first diesel engine. The all-aluminium, four-cylinder, 2.2-litre common rail direct injection unit delivers 175bhp at 3,600rpm and 295lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 2,600rpm. Preliminary, pre-homologation figures show 0-62mph acceleration in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 134mph. It's not smoky either, according to Lexus, which described it as "the cleanest premium diesel model available", with a series of features to cut levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions to levels below Euro IV standards and those proposed for Euro V.
Transmission & suspension
A new six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard, with a paddle-operated, six-speed automatic available as a £1,000 option on the IS 250.
The LS now gets new double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension systems with monotube shock absorbers and speed-sensitive, electrically-assisted power steering.
Safety and technology
All models get eight airbags, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. The passenger front airbag is, claimed Lexus, the first in the world to use a twin-chamber construction, designed to disperse impact forces across the head and shoulders, instead of across the face, as on a conventional airbag.
There's also an alphabet soup of technology as standard: ABS with Brake Assist System (BAS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD); Vehicle Stability Control (VSC, not featured on IS 220d Sport); and Traction Control (TRC).
The IS 250 SE-L automatic is available with the option of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which maintains a safe, pre-set distance from the vehicle ahead, and Lexus’s Pre-crash Safety System (PCS), which determines when a frontal collision is unavoidable and tensions the front seatbelts and prepares to engage emergency braking to help minimise impact.
SE-L and Sport versions are equipped with HID headlamps with Adaptive Front-lighting System to adjust the headlamp beam angle in line with vehicle speed and steering angle to improve illumination through bends.
The IS 220d Sport comes as standard with Lexus’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which controls all the elements related to vehicle movement, including engine torque, brakes and steering. According to Lexus, "VDIM optimises activation of the braking, stability and traction control systems".
Options and prices
Three models form the initial line-up, the IS 250, SE and SE-L, with IS 220d models and IS 250 Sport versions due to join the range in January 2006. The IS 220d Sport model finalises the line-up in April 2006.
All get cruise control, a 13-speaker sound system with CD autochanger and Aux socket for linking personal digital music players, keyless entry and start, climate control, sequenced LED interior spot lighting, alloy wheels and front and rear armrests.
SE models feature leather upholstery with electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats and 17-inch alloys. The SE-L comes with rain-sensing wipers, HID headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable steering column, memory settings for the steering wheel, front seats and door mirrors and a power sunshade for the rear window.
The Sport versions will feature suede-effect upholstery, 18-inch alloys, sports suspension, and pedals, electrically adjustable, heated front seats, HID headlamps with AFS, and front and rear parking sensors.
A multimedia package, available as an option (£2,710) on all models, provides a Mark Levinson 14-speaker package with 5.1-channel digital surround sound. Other features include a front-mounted seven-inch VGA screen; a six-disc DVD autochanger, capable of playing both audio and video discs; a DVD-based satellite navigation system; Bluetooth connectivity; park assist monitor; and voice control function.
Prices start at £22,400 for the IS250, rising to £26,500 for the 250 Sport, and £400 more for the diesel version.
Mercedes and BMW, watch your backs...
Witchfinder said:Compare it to a 3 series specced up to similar equipment levels though.
Pretty expensive!
I bought a first gen IS200 Sport a few years back - 153bhp 2.0 straight six, lsd, half leather, climate etc. etc. If I'd paid the same money to a BMW dealer I'd have got a 130bhp-ish 1.9 four pot, cloth seats, and that'd be about it.
As for them being expensive - not for what you get in my opinion.
As for ownership, I know someone that has a 1998 GS300 that has not had a single fault or bill other than servicing etc, are there any BMW / Audi / Merc Drivers that can say the same? I can't!
Same for another friend that's done 90,000 miles in two years in an old shape IS200!
I'll be getting one when they make one that goes like it should!
I wasn't too sure about the new IS250 being a current IS200 owner but that coupe does look very very nice.
r988 said:
Hmmm, not a huge fan of the looks TBH, maybe it will look better in time.
I guess everyone has an opinion, but I think it's much better looking than the new BMW 3. I have already seen several of them on the road here in LA, and I think the styling is very nice .... unlike most previous Lexus cars that were somewhat boring. It's a shame they won't be selling the 305 bhp IS 350 in UK.
Terminator said:
Hmmm, not a huge fan of the looks TBH, maybe it will look better in time.
[Picture of shiny new coupe removed to save pointless space]
I can hold onto my money for another six months...
I stand corrected that coupe is rather tasty.
I wonder if they will do a V8 version to chase down the next M3
Remember they did a one of IS430 for the old shape, I live in hope...
The Lexus was sooo reliable, it was almost boring. Better that though than getting on first name terms with the local AA/RAC man. The only downside was that it was not as quick as it could have been. In real terms it probably isn't much different in performance from the VW Passat 1.8T (150bhp) and my current Saab 9-5 2.0 Turbo (also 150 bhp), but the Lexus just feels slower - probably because it is so smooth?
My hat is doffed to this new iS model and I may even go to the dealer for a test drive. The time for a new car is getting close.
Terminator said:
Hmmm, not a huge fan of the looks TBH, maybe it will look better in time.
I can hold onto my money for another six months...
Now *that* looks purdy
I can't afford one, I'd never buy one. I might go for a test drive anyway...
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