The new Lexus IS is a head-turning car, regardless if the looks you’ll get while driving it are filled with jealousy or accompanied by disapproving horizontal head motion – the styling stands out whether you like it or not. I think it looks good and different, but others criticize its design and call it too busy and immature, commenting that it may not age well…
UK magazine AutoExpress has just released their review of Lexus’ BMW 3-Series fighter, and they like its styling. They also like the interior, which features the high quality materials you’d expect in a Lexus, and takes the idea behind the inside of the smaller CT200h and builds on it.
The handling characteristics are deemed good, but nowhere near class-leading, and while the hybrid powertrain in the tested 300h model is pokey enough, with 220 hp, the driving experience for enthusiasts would be ruined by the CVT gearbox.
In addition, even if it emits just 99 g/km CO2 in hybrid form, I don’t think the IS can become popular in Europe due to the lack of a diesel engine in the range, as the reviewer also states towards the end of the video which you can find after the jump.
By Andrei Nedelea
VIDEO