New Lexus IS makes world debut
The covers have come off the 2021 Lexus IS sports sedan, with the carmaker promising a blend of comfortable driving and aggressive design.
The handling and driving performance of the latest IS has been tested and honed at various places throughout the world, including the marque’s Technical Centre and Test Track in Shimoyama, Japan.
Since its debut in 1999, the IS has sold more than one million units and Neeraj Lala, general manager of Lexus New Zealand, says he is excited about the updated model coming here. “With its Lexus driving signature, and performance enhancements, it is a true enthusiast’s car,” Lala adds
Lexus only revealed the model in F Sport trim during the online premiere of the IS on June 16.
A spindle grille catches the eye out front, while slimmer headlights, new rocker side panels and a rear fender help deliver a more aggressive appearance than previous versions. A full-width taillight design is the most noticeable change at the rear, along with a glossy black rear valance and a new-look exhaust tip.
The powertrain line-up remains the same, with the Lexus IS 300 still to be powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
However, Lexus says engineers have upgraded the unit for “adaptive transmission control” that is better than previous technologies for choosing the appropriate gear for the driving situation.
An all-wheel drive IS 300 carries a 3.5L V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, meanwhile the gruntier IS 350 matches the same size engine with either a six or eight-speed auto and claims it can clock 0-100kph in 5.6 seconds.
While most of that performance is a carryover from the previous Lexus IS generation there are substantial changes for the chassis and suspension, to make it more rigid and lighter.
The vehicle features a standard eight-inch touchscreen inside, but customers who plump for navigation or the Mark Levinson sound system will get a 10.3-inch unit.
Safety features include a pre-collision system designed to detect bicyclists and pedestrians in low-light conditions, emergency steering assist, and low speed acceleration control, which aims to prevent collisions caused by drivers accidentally hitting the accelerator. The Lexus IS is also fitted with road sign, lane monitoring and automatic high beam technology.
Naoki Kobayashi, chief engineer at Lexus International says: “We aimed to make the new IS a Lexus compact sports sedan that provides high-quality riding comfort while offering a high level of vehicle control.”
