Lexus IS 300 2001 Review

The little Lexus' rear-drive platform, perky 2.0-litre six and fairly decent handling were an obvious tribute to Bavarian engineering.

But unlike the 3-Series, which comes in a seemingly endless variety of body shapes and engine configurations, just the one IS mechanical package has been available locally. Until now.

Enter the IS300. Fitted with the GS300's 3.0-litre straight six, it promises plenty more performance and provides a useful fillip to the ever-expanding Lexus range that will soon also include a new ES300 and the SC430 hardtop convertible.

The IS300 also gets a five-speed auto in place of the IS200's four-cogger, but the bad news is there's no manual available. And kerb weight has risen just over 90 kg to tip the scales at 1505 kg.

The 3.0-litre donk is good for 157 kW at 5800 rpm and grunt lifts from 195 Nm at 4600 rpm to 288 Nm, peaking 800 rpm further down the rev range.

Lexus claims a 0-100 km/h time of 8.2 seconds which, if accurate, compares well with the 7.88 and 8.34 runs we achieved from obvious competitors, the BMW 330i and Benz C320 respectively.

Whereas the IS200's smaller engine loves a rev and begs to be thrashed, the bigger IS300, not surprisingly, offers a far more relaxed - and quicker - drive. Still, the 3.0-litre isn't the last word in pulling power and takes time to wind-up. It is, however, uncannily smooth and quiet, and does nothing to ruin Lexus' quest for almost infinite refinement.

The IS300's short 2670 mm wheelbase, ample power, rear-drive and grippy 215/45 rubber on 17-inch rims makes for quite an entertaining handling package. But there's a slight reduction in steering feedback and more incipient understeer.

What does remain is an inherent softness in the rear end that no doubt helps reduce oversteer, but gives a slightly unsettling float, noticeable when cornering over undulating surfaces. Otherwise this is a well-balanced package.

It comes with an in-dash six-CD stacker, upgraded safety package including head airbags in the front, climate control air, steering wheel buttons for the five-speed auto and Lexus' VSC stability control as standard. Optional is Toyota's new DVD-based satellite navigation system.

The interior has been toned down slightly, with more soft surfaces, full leather seating and mesh speaker grilles instead of the weirdly retro placky items of the IS200. But the Swiss watch instrument panel remains and is still difficult to read.

Price is pegged at $73,960, a not insubstantial $12,000 increase over the equivalent IS200 fitted with the luxury pack and auto trans. Compare it with the $90,700 BMW 330i or $99,900 Benz C320, as Lexus does, and it looks like significantly better buying.