Friday 4th March 2005

Lexus launches first diesel saloon

Chock-a-block full of electronics

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The new generation Lexus IS made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, following the new GS as the second model to be created using Lexus' new L-Finesse design principles.

The all-new model marks the arrival of Lexus’s first diesel engine, an all-aluminium, 2.2-litre four-cylinder unit, said to be the most powerful in its class with a maximum output of 175bhp and torque of 295lb-ft developed between 2,000 and 2,400rpm. Lexus said the new engine offered quiet and smooth operation with superb performance.
 
A new 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a stoichiometric direct injection system is also available for the new IS and will be available with a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential paddle-shift control.

Lexus said it had focused on superior body control, cornering grip and straight-line stability. The car will, said Lexus, feature class-leading safety equipment, including:

• Radar-controlled Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting System (I-AFS).

No fewer than 10 airbags will be fitted as standard, including a first-in-segment double knee airbag. Performance, traction control and vehicle stability will be further enhanced by electronics, Lexus’s so-called Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System (VDIM).

The new generation IS will go on sale in Europe at the end of 2005 with the diesel model following in 2006.

[anonymous-user]

I really enjoyed my IS200. Considered upgrading to a IS300 too, but no manual...

Wonder why they're going V6 instead of inline as with the current model.

And the diesel has a nice wide power band I see... 400 whole rpm.

[dinkel]

Looks a bit like a reworked Accord . . . a bit sharper. Lump looks mighty fine.

I assume this must be a choice for Beemer / Audi drivers . . .

difficult . . .

[richa]

I really like current IS, looks good, interesting interor, nice straight 6, so to me it's a bit of a disappontment that they've gone down the V6 and 4 route.

Doesn't exactly look dazzling either, just another bland Japanese saloon.