Category: Compact Executive 
Price Range: £24,860 to £24,860
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.
As a cruiser, the IS's ride is a little too firm at lower speeds and the diesel engine just isn't as refined as you'd expect from something with a Lexus badge on the boot. It's too boomy under throttle load and doesn't do enough to disguise its diesel thrash.
Space in the back is tight for adults, too. The boot isn't brilliantly capacious or well-shaped, either, so if you're for looking for a car to do long trips in with multiple adults on board, look elsewhere. This isn't unusual for the class, but certainly not class-leading stuff.
On the plus side, the petrol IS250 reclaims all of the refinement and smoothness points lost by the diesel. It's a great engine and that six-speed automatic gearbox is a revelation, too. Standard equipment levels are good, too, with 13-speaker audio, alloys, cruise, climate control and electric motors on virtually everything that moves. Those in the front will also benefit from supportive and comfortable seats.
