Category: Compact Executive 
Price Range: £25,670 to £25,670
A stylish and high-quality alternative to the usual German line-up.
Diesel not as refined as it should be, rear space not great.
A hugely competent follow up to the original, the latest IS isn't a class leader but does deserve a place on buyers' shortlist.
The latest IS is 20% stiffer than the car it replaces, which should mean a structure even more resistant to squeaks and rattles (not, it should be said, a particular feature of previous IS).
Externally, the IS looks beautifully finished - Lexus claims that panel gaps have been reduced, with the gap between bumpers and adjacent body panels cut to 0.35mm.
As for the engines, we'd be happy to predict that, on the basis of past experience, reliability and longevity won't be an issue.
Inside, fit and finish are impressive, although it has to be said that attaining a visual sense of quality is more difficult with curving, organic surfaces than with a more geometric approach (for which, read Audi and the best interiors out there). Also, while the quality of assembly is beyond reproach, we're still not fans of the sparkly plastic centre console.
