Driven by the success of BMW‘s M-sport trim level and the Audi S-line equivalent, Lexus has joined in with its own version.

Called F-sport, it consists of all-new alloys, bootlid spoiler, sports seats, steering wheel, aluminium pedals and enhanced upholstery.

The F-sport slots into the range between the SE-I and SE-L trim levels and joined the range earlier this year alongside model-year changes across the IS line-up that included the availability of a new navigation system and digital radio, and standard 17-inch alloys on SE trim.

The F-sport trim is supposed to take styling inspiration from the range-topping IS-F performance model, but in the metal it’s a little too subtle compared with the more obvious BMW or Audi equivalents. The interior is more of a change, although the driver’s seat could do with dropping a little further.

At £1680 above the SE-I, it’s potentially worth the extra, but the F-sport’s lack of increased sporty styling may make drivers think twice about heading towards the more expensive version.

Lexus IS220d F-sport
P11D price £28,110
Model price range £24,350-£30,150
Fuel consumption 50.4mpg
CO2 (tax) 148g/km (21%)
BIK 20/40% per month £98/£197
Service interval 10,000mls
Insurance (1-50) group 27
Warranty 3yrs/60,000mls
Boot space 378 litres
Engine size/power 2231cc/175hp
Top speed/0-62mph 135mph/8.9secs
On sale Spring 2010
Score 7/10
Verdict F-sport is too understated but
good interior improvements
make it just about worth the money