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 IS sits on a track that's 40mm wider at the front and 50mm at the back, which is good for the car's dynamic stability. There's a new double wishbone suspension up front and a multi-link set-up at the rear.
Push hard and the IS reveals hugely competent handling - the body control through fast dips and off-camber corners is exceptionally good, and the accuracy and feel of the electric power steering is equally fine. In short, this is a car that'll cover ground swiftly and securely, even if it doesn't manage to be quite as entertaining as the B-word.
Also featuring on the IS220d Sport is VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management). On paper, it sounds awful: "VDIM will provide steering assistance to reduce torque steer under braking on surfaces with varying levels of grip. It will also introduce steering torque assistance to help counter under and oversteer." In practice, the system is remarkably non-intrusive in any but the most extreme situations.
We tried an IS so equipped on a drenched skid pad and found it almost comically resistant to induced oversteer and spin. For drivers caught out on a treacherous bend, this could be a lifesaver.
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.
