Review of the new Lexus IS200d

Lexus' IS has long been overlooked by business buyers, even in diesel form, the variant that the Japanese brand hopes will really interest company users. This improved IS200d model is an attempt to improve things, with a set of figures that pitch it much closer to obvious German rivals. Once behind the wheel, the build quality looks strong and the car handles with a degree of sporty composure. Space in the back could be more generous but excellent safety, robust security and the famed Lexus dealer network all loom large in the plus column.

For compact executive car buyers fed up with Germany's usual suspects, the Lexus IS would seem to be the default choice. Beautifully styled, robustly built and flawlessly reliable with a dealer network that's routinely steeped in praise by every customer satisfaction survey going, the junior Lexus appears to tick all the boxes. So why hasn't it made more of an impact? Is the IS the market's best kept secret, a car that would be capable of breaking the 3-Series, C-Class and A4 monopoly if only more people knew? Or is the Lexus merely a second tier operator destined to gaze longingly up at the top table along with assorted Saabs, Volvos and Jaguars?

Unlike other Lexus models, there's no hybrid option, so it's left to the IS200d diesel variant we look at here to interest those with an eye of tight running costs. This model sacrifices a little speed in favour of much improved emissions and more impressive fuel economy.

Fast steering and limpet-like grip make the IS a fine car to hurry along in. The suspension is firm and rather un-Lexus like which is great for spirited driving but can become wearing at lower speeds on poor surfaces. Road noise is the only refinement issue with the wind and the engine keeping themselves to themselves so far as the IS's tranquil cabin is concerned. This IS200d isn't quite as fast as the IS220d variant it replaces, so rest to sixty now takes 10.2s rather than 8.9s.

"The fact that it isn't German will be enough to convince many weary execs yearning for a change. ."

Lexus's advanced handling and safety system Vehicle Integrated Dynamics Management (VDIM) is standard on all models. VDIM co-ordinates the operation of the car's ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with the Electric Power Steering (EPS), providing smooth, optimum assistance as the car reaches its performance limits.

This remains a very taut, muscular looking design with origami-sharp swage lines and very painstakingly finished detailing. The overall effect is sporty and unapologetically Japanese. Try imagining this car wearing an Audi or Saab badge. It's quite impossible.

As ever, the interior is constructed with customary Lexus quality. Some of the materials lack the luxurious feel common to German rivals but there's never any doubt that the IS will stand the test of time. The instruments are clear and the large buttons make the various systems easy to operate. Technophobes will welcome the absence of complex computer control interfaces. In terms of space, those in the front are well catered for but the rear seating area and boot are less amply proportioned.

Lexus has introduced a revised three-grade structure - SE, SE-I and F-Sport - for this IS200d model, with enhanced specifications across the board. Lexus customers never go short of equipment and even the entry-level version has a quota of extras that can put German rivals to shame. The 13-speaker CD stereo system is a cracker then there's climate control, cruise control, tinted glass, electric mirrors and electric windows all round. Value is a definite IS forte with its substantial equipment quotas and modest pricing. An equivalently equipped 3-Series or C-Class would cost substantially more yet still the Lexus would feel the more up-market product. The IS also comes with excellent safety provision that gives you eight airbags, stability control, traction control, brake assist and brakeforce distribution. Security too is out of the top draw with locking systems to confound the cleverest crooks.

Running costs are crucial to most buying decisions in the compact executive sector and most manufacturers have made significant strides in keeping them down. Crucially for the market sector in which the IS is pitched into, the 2.2-litre common rail 148bhp diesel variant now offers improved CO2 emissions (reduced from 148 to 134g/km) and 55.4mpg on the combined cycle.

There are also strong residual values helped by its relative exclusivity compared to fleet-favourites like the 3-Series and A4. Both the car and its manufacturer tend to perform excellently in customer satisfaction surveys so if you like to visit your dealership as rarely as possible and be looked after like royalty on the occasions that you do, compact executive cars don't get better than this.

Many purchasers in the compact executive sector base their decision entirely on specs and figures, hence Lexus' decision to improve equipment and lower prices as part of the most recent package of IS range improvements. The stronger running costs of this diesel variant are welcome too - and timely.

It is, after all, easy to overlook the Lexus IS in a market sector that's dominated by BMW, Audi and Mercedes but this car definitely deserves more attention than it sometimes gets. Perhaps it can't quite eclipse the big hitting Teutonic alternatives but the fact that it isn't German will be enough to convince many weary execs yearning for a change.

TOP 4 IS DEALS

The results below show the top IS deals on buyacar

Lexus IS 250 F-Sport 4dr Auto saloon
Price £19,990 Read IS Reviews	Save £7,371
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Price £23,990 Read IS Reviews	Save £4,300
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Price £27,990 Read IS Reviews	Save £3,245
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