IN THIS FEATURE First ever Lexus diesel Better-looking than the 3-Series Competitive equipment levels Diesel is crucial to Lexus Hugely accomplished chassis

Even though Lexus claims that an increased wheelbase has improved room in the back, rear seat space isn't great. A large six-footer will have difficulty getting comfortable sitting behind a similarly proportioned bloke. And we particularly wondered where the extra wheelbase went after a chance encounter with the back seat of an old IS, which didn't feel noticeably more confined. Admittedly, this was the estate version, a model, by the way, that isn't planned for the new IS.

The level of standard equipment in the littlest Lexus is very competitive, though. The IS220d model starts at £22,400, for which you get filtered climate control, a 13-speaker 6-CD changer audio system, cruise control and "smart" keyless entry.

Good quality of equipment

The top-spec IS250 SE-L costs £28,000 and adds a raft of goodies such as wood trim, adaptive headlights (they swivel in direction of turn), larger 17-inch alloys, heated and cooled front seats and, for the celebrity look, powered rear-screen blinds.