LEXUS IS250 Review

Summary:

What we like: Handling, Styling

What we don't like: Limited rear seat space

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LEXUS IS250 review in detail:

Now in its second generation, the IS Series Lexus is a Japanese car aimed at taking on the big-name European marques at their own game. As the dedicated athletic sport sedan, the Lexus IS 250 carries on the tradition of the Lexus IS model. Under its sharply styled exterior, the sedan packs a sophisticated suspension, powerful brakes and a V6 providing respectable performance.

Cabin space has been improved from the old IS, but a rear-drive layout doesn't make for high interior volume in any low-slung vehicle.

Lexus now follows most other marques in using a twin-cam V6, despite strongly promoting the use of a straight-six engine in the original IS. The 2.5-litre powerplant is mostly set up for European conditions, so perhaps a little lacking in torque at low revs. It's good over 3000 rpm and simply sensational once it's passed 4000 rpm.

Gear changes in the manual variant are slick and precise, with a lovely metallic feel that's a joy to live with.

The manual transmission allows drivers to wring out a bit more performance from the small V6 engine, but overall the automatic is a better choice. Either way, expect adequate acceleration. The ride is controlled but soft, and the IS 250's plush cabin, devoid of any noise, harshness or vibration, is a portrait of tranquility. On twisting roads, this smallest of Lexus sedans is comfortable, reassuring and competent.

Steering is nicely direct, with near-instantaneous response and excellent feedback.

The brakes are superb and pull the car up reassuringly from high speeds, with a nice meaty bite that suggests they stay fade-free under just about any circumstances.

In crash tests, the Lexus IS 250 earned a "Good" rating (the best possible) for its performance in IIHS frontal offset and side-impact testing.

In the entry-luxury sport sedan segment, the IS 250's strongest competition comes from the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. Finding a winner isn't easy. The Lexus excels when it comes to comfort and feature availability. Only in the more esoteric areas of chassis response and driving enjoyment does the 325i prove to be superior. In reality it's hard to go wrong with any of these great machines.