CLEARLY Lexus has its eyes on Audi’s successful business car appeal. Following the announcement of the Lexus CT 200h – a hybrid rival to the Audi A3 – comes the news of the F-Sport grade on its IS sports saloon.
Similar to Audi’s S line grade, the new F-Sport grade provides lowered suspension on the IS 250, 18-inch alloy wheels, a bootlid spoiler, sports seats, sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals, along with Alcantara and leather upholstery.
The new F-Sport grade fits in between the SE-I and SE-L models.
In addition, optional equipment has been upgraded, too, with HDD sat nav. Using a 40GB hard disc drive (HDD), it provides Europe-wide coverage and is able to gather live local traffic intelligence in each country to help plot the most efficient route, says Lexus.
All Lexus IS audio systems can be upgraded to receive DAB digital broadcasts and are equipped as standard with USB and MP3 audio jack plug connection.
The Lexus IS 250 SE and 220d SE have also been given the appeal treatment with upgraded 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels in place of the previous 16-inch rims.
Lexus IS prices, insurance and VED
- IS 220d SE £24,350
- IS 250 SE manual £24,625
- IS 250 SE automatic £25,285
- IS 220d SE-I £26,610
- IS 250 SE-I manual £26,885
- IS 250 SE-I automatic £27,545
- IS 220d F-Sport £28.290
- IS 250 F-Sport automatic £29,365
- IS 220d SE-L £29,075
