Late last year Lexus replaced its IS220d with the IS200d, improving emissions from 148g/km to 134g/km CO2 and consumption from 50.4mpg to 55.4mpg.
This means lower annual road tax – which is now band E and BIK tax of 18%. The brand also introduced the top-spec F-sport grade, as tested, which features 18-inch alloys, bootlid spoiler, sports seats and part-leather upholstery.
For a 2.2-litre 148hp engine, the car feels very sluggish struggling to reach and maintain motorway speeds, and has odd gear ratios that means sixth can’t be comfortably used until past UK speed limits. On the other hand, IS200d handles well but suffers from a slightly harsh ride.
Despite its faults, the improvements in efficiency theoretically places the car more in line with German rivals such as the BMW 3-series and Audi A4. Those fed up with these usual exec suspects should certainly consider it.
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