NEW FOR 2008:

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Lexus

- IS 350 RWD exchanges ventilated, premium-leather seats for heated leather seats
- B, C and D option package content changed
- Exterior colour: Glacier Frost deleted

For 2008, the Lexus IS line-up is unchanged, save for alterations to its option packages, which have items added or deleted, depending on the package.

The IS line-up consists of the IS 250, which uses a 2.5-litre V6, and the IS 350, which uses a 3.5-litre V6. All are four-door sedans; the 250 is available in rear- or all-wheel drive, while the 350 is rear-wheel only. The RWD 250 uses a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission that can be optioned to a six-speed automatic with manual shift mode; the AWD 250 and 350 use the automatic only.

Features on the RWD 250 include 16-inch alloy wheels, six-CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary jack, dual-zone automatic climate control, fabric seats, power locks with Smart Key system, tilt and telescopic wheel, pushbutton start, cruise control, driver and passenger knee airbags, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, and fog lamps.

The AWD 250 adds 17-inch alloy wheels and power driver’s seat.

The 350 adds staggered-width tires, heated leather seats, 10-way power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, and power sunroof.

The IS family offers a luxury sports sedan experience at a relatively low price, and offers the option of all-wheel drive. It’s great fun to manually row the 250’s gearbox, and it’s a shame that the bigger engine can’t be controlled the same way also, although the automatic shifts smoothly and everything works well together. The suspension and handling are tight and responsive, although road imperfections do work their way into the cabin. Otherwise, the IS series is extremely quiet and comfortable, styling is handsome, and quality is excellent.