THE Lexus alternative to BMW’s benchmark 3-Series is getting a revamp.
Cleaner engines and pegged prices will make the IS saloon more appealing to business users.
A revised 2.2-litre diesel engine now averages more than 55mpg and has CO2 emissions cut from 148g/km to 134 reducing its company car tax banding from 21 to 18 per cent.
The new diesel is now badged the IS 200d and replaces the 220d, although the modifications to the 148bhp engine have softened its 0 to 60 acceleration time by around a second to 10.2.
It’s priced from £24,350 in SE trim and the IS saloon line up tops out at £30,485 for the high specification SE-L and F-Sport models.
The convertible IS 250C versions remain priced from £35,996 to £40,941.
Elsewhere in the range the manual version of the V6 engined IS 250 is dropped but improvements to the automatic model see its fuel economy improve from 31.7 to 33.6mpg with emissions falling to 194g/km.
The IS 250 is now rated at 27 per cent benefit in kind tax for company car users.
Styling changes include a new look front and a new range of alloy wheel designs.
LED running lights are to be fitted on models equipped with high intensity headlamps while mid-range SE-I versions will get rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming electrochromic rear view mirror and heated front seats with revised leather upholstery.
The F-Sport cars, priced from £28,290, get a new deep front spoiler with faired-in fog lights, new grille design and a rear spoiler with integrated stop light.
It now comes with 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark silver finish and black centre Lexus roundel, inspired by the high performance IS F cars which cost more than £50,000.
The new IS will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October before going on sale later in the year.