Lexus IS 250 Sport 2006 Review

Lexus IS250 Sport and IS250 Sport Luxury

7-day Test

Every aspect of the IS has already been compared with the top-selling Bavarian. Auto analysts have compared the retained value, the specification levels and the perceived and actual value for money. Its dynamics have been analysed and opinions proffered on its exterior styling and interior execution.

If you're shopping the IS against the 3 Series you've probably read each and every opinion. Yours truly, therefore, is not going to try and confuse the issue any more, save for the statement that my dollars would be spent on the German car. Period.

Does that mean the littlest Lexus is a poor choice? Far from it. The IS250 is without doubt the best car the maker has offered to date and probably a better car than, say, Mercedes' C-Class. Its styling is individual and with its high waistline and tight glass areas generates an air of refined aggression -- like Mundine (with his mouth taped shut!) in a Hugo Boss suit.

Equipment levels are impressive -- especially in the Sport and Sport Luxury levels (all offer keyless start and entry for example) -- and the finish... Well, Lexus wrote the book on this -- one alas, Benz has thrown away of late.

We sampled both manual and auto versions of the IS in Sport and Sport Luxury spec (respectively). We came away impressed but with reservations.

In terms of powertrain refinement, the manual version was far from as polished as its auto stablemate.

The engine was smooth and silent but hardly a bodice-ripper. And our experience with the six-speed manual was that the baulky, agricultural shift highlighted the little V6's relative paucity of torque (153kW/252Nm). Matching an engine that needs constant manipulation to give its best with a gearbox you'd rather leave alone does not augur well for a happy cruise into the sunset.

On the other hand we loved the look of the Sport's 18-inch wheels and the extra 'location' offered by its 'stickier' Alcantara seats. The conventional centre console with Euro-style handbrake looked 'right' in this class and size of car.

In contrast the Sports Luxury's all-leather pews were so soft and flawless they looked man-made. The foot-operated fly-away parking brake was too 'limo'. We don't like it in the C-Class either. Leave it in the LS and S-Class please Lexus and Benz.

The IS250 Sports Luxury's autobox (also a six-speeder) smoothes things out, and lets the little V6 strut its stuff but it too is not perfect.

True, ratios are well matched and changes are syrupy but it is a shame the wheel-mounted paddles are only active when the centre console lever is placed in the M (manual) mode. Audi and a host of other brands let the driver flick change no matter the main lever's orientation -- and flick changing is something you'll likely be doing if you wish to get the most from your IS.

We noted the IS' worrying blind spot thanks to the car's massive A-pillar and seriously proportioned external mirrors. Take note motorcyclists, you can easily disappear in these spots at T-intersections. IS250 owner-drivers please take note, too -- a couple of us here at CarPoint ride or scooter to work.

The narrow and high rear window makes the Sport Luxury's reverse camera more than a gadget. The high waistline drew some comments from rear seat passengers. Kids especially aren't enamoured with the abbreviated view of the world --some adults too. At least the rear legroom is a step up from, say, the A4 or C-Class.

While I'm picking, the anorak in me laments the fact that the navigation system (standard equipment in the Sport Luxury and optional in lesser variants) offers North Up operation only. This is bad news for us map-twirlers.

Sports-minded drivers will like the IS' well controlled suspension. The IS is happy to be shuffled along at more than a sporting clip but those who enjoy their time behind the wheel will probably rue the fact the car's steering is less than communicative.

Don't underestimate the little Lexus' grip levels, however.

The ride seemed a touch firmer on the Sports model but according to Lexus, suspension settings are identical. Put the difference down to the lower profile 18-inch rubber.

Official combined city and highway fuel economy is 9.0lt/100km for the automatic transmission models and 9.8lt/100km for the six-speed manual. In practice we had no trouble bettering the manual's number (our brief period with the car netted 9.5lt/100km) but the auto was around l.0lt/100km short of the published mark.

Are most IS buyers going to be worrying about this aspect of the cost of ownership. We don't think so...