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Taking on Audi, BMW and Mercedes is no easy task. So the new Lexus IS does things a bit
differently. That means a hybrid instead of the usual diesel engines. Plenty of standard
equipment plus angular, very Japanese styling. But it's still chasing the same customers.
So can it beat the Germans at their own game.
The new IS comes as a four door saloon only and with a choice of two engines. The petrol
IS250 or hybrid IS300H. Prices for the 250 start at around 26,500 pounds. But you'll
need to part with 3,000 pounds more for the hybrid we're driving today. If you thought
hybrids were just for ecowarriors, think again the combined output of this hybrid engine,
is about the same as a BMW 325 Diesel.
The instant torque of the electric motor, gives you really punch acceleration around
town And it's near silence
at low speeds too. Hybrid achieve very low emissions in the EU test So low in fact
that the IS 300SE actually qualifies for
free car tax Official fuel economy is 65.7
miles per gallon but the smaller Lexus CT hybrid fell short of it's
But it does get noisy if you accelerate hard. It's automatic gear box holds the engine at
constant roves which can make it sound a bit droney.
Although its not As bad as some of the cheaper Toyota hybrids. Inside the IS is more reserved
with high quality materials providing a premium feel. Check out these touch sensitive heating
controls. Unfortunately, I just can't get on with this Lexus media system. This mouse
style controller in here is really difficult to use while driving.
and you often have to navigate several menus to perform quite simple tasks. You've got
to love this parking navigation service it searches all the car parks in your area and
tells you which ones have free spaces and how much they cost. The boots similar size
to the 3 series, although you only get a tyre repair kit rather than a proper spare wheel,
in the hybrid.
Like it's main rivals. The Lexus is rear wheel drive, and it feels quite sporty behind the
wheel. It also rides really well. There's also an active sound system that plays engine
noise through Stereo speakers. But while it makes the car sound louder. It doesn't really
make it sound any sportier. Lexus is know for its reliability but we carry out the biggest
owner survey in the UK.
Click the link below to find out more. Low emissions make the hybrid the obvious choice
for company car drivers. But don't rule out the IS250 petrol if you you're buying with
your own money, it's £3000 cheaper which goes a long to making up for those higher
fuel bills . The IS hybrid offers diesel levels of fuel economy and superb refinement.
It isn't quite as good to drive as the bench mark BMW. But you do get more for your money.
So while it isn't perfect, the IS makes a strong case for daring to be different.