Lexus revises and upgrades IS 220d

At the launch of a Lexus model in Italy some years ago a journalist asked an engineer if the company would ever produce a diesel. 'Not until we can produce an engine that can meet the high refinement levels expected in a Lexus,' he said. Lexus launched the IS range in 2005, and soon afterwards we got the diesel version. It had be a refined diesel engine suitable for a luxury sports saloon. Now in 2009 and Lexus has made a number of improvements to the IS including the 220d. The major highlights are sharper exterior and interior restyling to reflect the Lexus L-finesse design philosophy. Revised suspension, steering and brake control enhancements for improved driving dynamics and safety. Smoother and more precise transmission, which enhances shift feeling. There are now three grades: • S-design grade replaces the Standard grade and benefits from a higher specification that includes sports trim seating, 17-inch alloy wheels and VDIM as standard; €38,340. • Executive grade now features parking sensors and VDIM as standard, while the price has been reduced from €42,480 to €40,490. • Sport grade now features new 18-inch alloy wheels, a new final drive ratio of 2.9 and the price has been reduced from €50,600 to €44,325. Modifications to suspension, steering and transmission offer notable improvements to driving dynamics. The addition of VDIM increases occupant safety, while updated equipment further enhances passenger comfort and convenience within the premium sector. Cosmetically there are revised front and rear lights and most importantly larger, wider alloys, which now fill those broad wheelarches fully. In true Lexus tradition engineers have made numerous minor revisions all which go to further improve an already impressive car. First Impressions The car has a really strong muscular stance with sleek flowing lines, something which contributes to its best in class drag coefficient of just 0.27. This IS follows the family styling first seen in the GS. In fact this car is better looking than the current 3 Series and in a marketplace where image matters that"s bad news for BMW. The 3 Series has its critics, the latest shape has lost something, whereas the Lexus has leaped forward with a bold edgy new design, which is simply stunning to look at. Beautiful it may be but it"s also technically brilliant. Behind The Wheel The cabin is beautifully finished and well laid out. All models come equipped with Smart Keyless Entry, plenty of airbags, ABS and so on. All cars get a six-speed gearbox, electronic climate control, heated mirrors... The interior is beautifully put together and the car could almost have come from one of the premium German manufacturers, such is the feel and look of the whole cabin. Performance This 2.2 litre, four-cylinder diesel is a revelation, particularly for a four-pot. It is super smooth, so quiet and refined that even from a cold start you could be deceived into thinking it was a petrol unit - almost. Power output is a healthy 177DIN hp transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Top speed is in the region of 217kmh while the benchmark 0-100kmh dash takes about 8.9 seconds. This diesel features a host of innovations to keep it silent. I had to convince three passengers that it was diesel powered. Road Behaviour Whether at high-speed on the motorway or hustling along through twisty country roads the IS 220d demonstrates its abilities. This new model is a real driver"s car; power goes to the rear wheels and the handling is agile and surefooted, and there are electronic aids to help keep things together should you inadvertently overcook it. Verdict When you realise you can get into a 220d for just over €38,000 with Lexus revised pricing this car is truly good value for money. To put it simply this is one of the very best cars I have driven of late. I am a bit of a petrolhead and therefore do not instinctively warm to diesel cars, but I could easily take to the IS 220d. This is a superbly engineered car that looks wonderful, has loads of standard equipment, is superbly built and we know it will be faultless in its reliability, while it is also a real joy to drive. Do Lexus finally have a car that is a true match for the latest BMW 3 Series? The answer is an overall yes, with one caveat; dynamically the 3 Series still has just, but only just, got the edge over the IS, but it"s so close it is almost imperceptible. So which would I buy then? The Lexus IS.