Lexus IS. Controlled dynamics
Lexus IS is a D-class sports sedan from Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan), which has been produced since 1999. In 2020, Israeli buyers could purchase the third generation Lexus IS Sedan after the 2016 restyling.
The Lexus IS business sports car was sold in Japan under the name ‘Toyota Altezza’. The body of this car was originally developed by Italian designers, and the Japanese only made the final touches. The Lexus IS replaced the Toyota Corona, but unlike it, it was rear-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive.
The first generation
The first generation Lexus IS was produced from 1999 to 2005. In 1999, the car appeared in Europe as the Lexus IS 200, and since 2001, it was sold in the USA as the Lexus IS 300. The chassis of the first Lexus IS was unified with the Toyota Crown models since 1999, and with the Toyota Mark 2 since 2000. The first IS could be both a sedan and an estate. A while later, an all-wheel drive modification appeared. But even the very first Lexus IS was equipped with powerful advanced 6-cylinder engines.
The second generation
The second generation Lexus IS was produced from 2005 to 2013, and its restyling took place twice: in 2008 and in 2010. The second IS was also rear-wheel drive and had only a sedan body, and it was equipped with a much more powerful 208 hp V direct injection engine, complemented by a 6-speed automatic transmission. The acceleration to 100 km/h occured in 8.1 seconds, and the maximum speed was 220 km/h. In 2008, a coupe-cabriolet model appeared. In 2010, an all-wheel drive IS 350 Sedan modification was introduced to the market.
The third generation
The third generation Lexus IS has been produced from 2013 to the present, while its restyling took place in 2016. The third generation Lexus IS 300h was the first model to be equipped with a 223 hp hybrid system, consisting of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electro-mechanical infinitely variable transmission. The new Lexus IS has an extravagant exterior with a modified bumper, headlights and a new multimedia system. In 2013, the third generation Lexus IS became the best car in the class according to Euro NCAP (The European New Car Assessment Programme).
In 2013, the third generation Lexus IS became the best car in the class according to Euro NCAP (The European New Car Assessment Programme).
According to Japanese engineers, the 2016/2017 Lexus IS was designed to meet two goals: to make the best driving car in the class and to bring it to the expectations of the European public. The new IS is very balanced and its steering response is much better. The designers have additionally reconfigured its steering and suspension for even better responsiveness. The travelling comfort is almost perfect, but most importantly, the 2017/2018 Lexus IS performs much better on steep serpentine roads than the previous generation. The new IS sedan is very obedient and predictable. Thus, you will always know exactly what is happening with the steered wheels or if there is still some adherence reserve. The responsiveness of the steering wheel and pedals allows you to effectively control the car in extreme modes. However, regenerative braking of a hybrid takes some getting used to.
The new 2019/2020 Lexus IS Sedan now can boast a more technogenic interior. For example, the seats are based on the original technology, eliminating gaps between the upholstery and the filling, thus you get more comfort and more space in the back. As for the 2020 Lexus IS’s exterior, everyone pays attention to it! Aggressive, stylish, modern. And not like anyone else! A real sports car!
