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Lexus IS Gallery
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| PERFORMANCE RATING: |
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The IS250's free-revving 2.5-litre petrol V6 is a gem of an engine, developing 204bhp at 6400rpm and 186lb ft of torque at 4800rpm. Yes, these maximums are achieved at relatively high revs, but the engine is so refined and happy to rev that you'll find yourself visiting the upper reaches just for the buzz.
Standard on the IS is a six-speed gearbox with well judged ratios, with an optional automatic six-speeder with paddle shifts. The manual can be a bit balky, especially when shifting quickly, but the automatic is gorgeously smooth and suits the nature of the IS perfectly.
Sadly, though, the automatic isn't available with the IS220d's 175bhp 295lb ft 2.2-litre diesel. Lexus says the potential sales volumes for IS are too small to justify engineering an auto 'box to work with the diesel and a rear-drive platform (versions of this engine will be seen on Toyota front-drivers like Avensis and Corolla Verso).
This diesel delivers adequate, if not sparkling performance - 0-62mph in 8.9secs and a top speed of 134mph. Overall fuel economy is a decent 44.8mpg, with CO2 emissions at 168g/km. For Lexus, this is a crucial engine, allowing it serious entrée into the company car market.
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