Lexus IS: Another Renewed And More Dynamic Hybrid

The Lexus IS is the smallest saloon of the Japanese brand and, as was the case with the CT, it has undergone an interesting renovation in its latest model. The update goes through changes in the chassis, and in the design of the interior and exterior.

Few changes to the mechanics of the IS

Under the hood, the new Lexus IS has the same powertrain as in previous versions : a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol heat engine with an Atkinson thermodynamic cycle. Next to it is an electric motor, both governed by a continuously variable E-CVT gearshift.

Between the two engines, a combined power of 223 hp is achieved, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 8.3 seconds. The approved consumption, slightly higher than that of the Lexus CT, stands at 4.3 liters per 100 km.

The front suspension incorporates a new aluminum wishbone, which stiffens the steel design of the previous versions. A new stabilizer bar with stiffer bearings also debuts on the rear axle.

Likewise, Lexus has highlighted the development of new software , designed to improve the vehicle’s steering and response to the driver’s orders.

The exterior and its subtle novelties

The exterior design of the new IS incorporates few changes and is not very striking. The headlights have been upgraded to Full LED technology and the front grille has a slightly different design.

At the rear, the exhaust has a new chrome finish and the headlights also feature the same LED technology as the front ones. On the side you can see some new wheels, available in 17 or 18-inch diameters.

The range of body colors offers two new shades, for a total of 11. In addition, due to a greater overhang at the front of the vehicle, the length of the vehicle increases by 15 millimeters, to 4.68 meters.

Changes in the interior of the Lexus IS

Inside the vehicle a new screen can be found on the dashboard, which grows considerably from 7 to 10.3 inches. This screen, with a higher resolution than previous models, only comes standard on the top-of-the-range model.

The console also changes its design, with a Remote Touch selector surrounded by attractive side frames; some items grow in size, such as the palm rest and cup holders. In addition, the Pioneer sound system incorporates two new speakers, for a total of 10.

As added details, Lexus offers a laser engraved wood trim made by Yamaha. This technology is the same that the brand uses in the designs of its famous pianos.

Finally, the new Lexus Safety System + appears in the highest trim versions. This equipment improves the security systems of the IS with pedestrian detection systems in blind spots and emergency braking.

With regard to active safety, there is also an involuntary lane departure alert, a signal recognition system and automatic high beams.

The Lexus IS trim range

The revamped Japanese hybrid is offered in five trim levels: ECO, Business, Executive, F Sport and Luxury. It should be noted that the vast majority of sales of the model – around 90% – are dedicated to the last three finishes.

The basic variants come standard with 16-inch wheels, LED lights, climate control and rear camera, among other elements. Now with the Executive finish,  the tires grow to 17 inches, the  Lexus Safety System + security system appears and the climate control becomes adaptive and two-zone.

The next level, sportier finish, is the F Sport. This variant accounts for 25% of IS sales, and features 18-inch wheels, a chrome-rimmed grille and front air intakes. In addition, the interior brings with it a new design of the steering wheel and heated sports seats.

Finally, the Luxur finish and has a complete equipment, with leather upholstery, Yamaha wood details, 10.3-inch screen as standard and premium navigation system .

The Japanese brand has not flaunted big changes in its small hybrid saloon. Even so, it continues to offer an attractive vehicle with interesting but modest new features.

This vehicle has already had a good number of sales, with particular success in the United States. Its diffusion is also growing in Europe, and it is integrated into the market as one more option among hybrid vehicles. Thus, this new version of the Lexus hybrid reaches the Spanish market for 35,900 euros in its cheaper ECO version. The top of the range – Luxury –  exceeds 56,000 euros.