After recent re-launches of its large LS and medium-sized GS derivatives, Lexus has completed a full sedan range redux with an all-new version of its smallest four-door saloon, the IS.
Launched in the US last week, the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class competitor is now bigger in almost every dimension over its eight-year old predecessor, but it’s also a much softer and more comfortable car. It’s also slightly heavier, and it feels that way on track where Lexus bravely previewed the new IS to media alongside both of its aforementioned market rivals.
ONE MODEL FOR SA
It’s still safe to call this a high-performance saloon, especially in top IS350 trim (the only model planned for South Africa), but it’s clear that Lexus chose to focus on everyday drivability rather than hot-lap setups this time around. Straight-line power is excellent, and there’s an awesome induction noise thanks to movable flaps in the intake piping, but in the corners it feels a little bloated compared to not only the sweet-handling Beemer but also the fleet-footed previous IS which was also on hand at launch to sample.
The standard 8-speed automatic transmission, although nice and smooth between gears, is also just too hesitant to compete with the best stuff on offer in German rivals today.
The 350’s 3.5-litre V6 is carried over from the previous IS, but it’s been slightly reworked to be more fuel efficient and now makes a little less power than before at 228kW and 375Nm. It’s good for a top speed of 230km/h and 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds says Lexus, and while its naturally-aspirated nature might struggle to produce these figures at oxygen-deficient Joburg altitude, there’s no doubt that the new IS350 has the legs to call itself a true 335i and C350 competitor. Average fuel consumption is quoted at 10.6l/100km.
OPEN ROAD BLISS
Where it really shines, however, is out on the open road where its impeccable build quality and redesigned suspension system make this one of the most comfortable sedans in its class. The cabin is extremely quiet, except for that nice intake thrum at full throttle, and the ride is super plush over rough roads.
For this new model, Lexus increased the wheelbase by 70mm which not only makes it more stable at high speed and less choppy over bumps, but also makes it more roomy inside. This body is also longer and wider than before, creating generous improvements to head, shoulder and hip room for all passengers, and a completely new rear suspension with separate shocks and springs (rather than coilovers as before) means more width between the rear turrets freeing up valuable boot space.
HAND-ME-DOWN GADGETS
Many of the IS’s fancier siblings’ gadgetry now finds its way into this car, with the most familiar being the mouse-type controller for the 7” dashboard display. There’s an actual cursor like your desktop computer has, and when it moves over a selectable icon in each screen it clicks into place making it easier to navigate menus while on the move. It’s a very different system than the usual iDrive or MMI knob-based versions in German cars, but a clever one nonetheless.
I also like the neat new temperature selectors that work by sliding your finger up and down thin silver bars on either side of the climate control display, but this hi-tech new design makes the old-school LCD temp readouts (think Casio watch) look even more dated, especially in such a modern looking car inside and out.
When this car arrives in SA this June, it will be easily recognisable over its predecessor by its massive “spindle” grille that’s now the brand’s signature feature. There’s also loads of hidden Nike-look swoosh design cues that are actually derived from Lexus’ L-shaped logo. You can see them in the side-sills, C-pillars, tail lights and front LED headlight accents which will come standard on all SA models.
THREE FLAVOURS
The IS350 will come in three spec levels locally, including more affordable E, fully-kitted EX and sportier F Sport versions. Specific details about E and EX models won’t be available until local launch, but we know the F Sport gets special interior and exterior body parts, together with bigger brakes, electronic suspension with 20-step tuning, an extra Sport Plus mode, and a sportier electronic steering rack with less turns from lock to lock. Lexus South Africa remains mum on pricing but says it will be positioned aggressively. We suspect it to be similar to existing IS350 models meaning a possible R500 000 to R550 000 range. -Star Motoring
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