THE Lexus IS saloon has long been a favourite of business owners and the self-employed.
The BMW 3-Series sized rival offers a scaled down Lexus experience, and a distinctively different alternative to having a Mercedes on the drive.
Now Lexus has introduced the first major update to the car, which also includes a revised diesel engine for lower company car tax.
A new IS 200d replaces the the previous IS 220d. Despite the change in designation, there is no reduction in engine size. Instead, the new 148bhp IS 200d has been upgraded to deliver 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 134g/km – previously 50.4mpg and 148g/km for the IS 220d.
For company car tax payers there is a reduction of the Benefit-in-Kind tax rating from 21 to 18% for the new model.
The V6 petrol engine powering the IS 250 and IS 250C coupe-convertible with six-speed automatic transmission has also been revised for better fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
Power and torque for the V6 remain unchanged at 205bhp and 252Nm, but fuel economy improves from 31.7 to 33.6mpg, while CO2 falls from 209 to 194g/km. As a result the model’s BiK company car tax rating drops from 30 to 27%.
Similarly, the improved engine is also under the bonnet of the 2011 IS 250C coupe-cabriolet, with an improvement in fuel economy to 30.7mpg and a 6g/km reduction in CO2 emissions to 213g/km.
The cars feature improvements to the SE-I specification to introduce rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming electrochromic rear view mirror and a new leather upholstery with heated front seats.
A more dramatic styling upgrade has been reserved for the 2011 F-Sport specification. This includes a new deep front spoiler with faired-in fog lights, new grille design and a rear spoiler with integrated stop light. There’s also new-design 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark silver finish and black centre Lexus roundel.
Further information
To download the latest price list for the updated Lexus IS range, click on the link: New Lexus IS prices.
Updated Lexus IS range
