WHILE I have often thought that the title 'sports saloon' could be considered something of a contradiction in terms, there are a number of such models about, catering for those who require comfortable, yet sporty progress on the road.
One example is the Lexus IS which has been around since the autumn of 2005. These days, it is well established as the Japanese executive carmaker's top selling model in Europe, having been acclaimed by pundits and owners alike for superb driving dynamics, generous specification and fine quality materials.
The second generation of the Lexus IS arrived at the start of 2009 as an all-new car within which the designers have extended the qualities of the original model and further enhanced the legendary Lexus luxury look and feel.
The IS gets much sharper looks than its predecessor both inside and out while additional kit features and added safety provisions make their mark in the showroom. Enhanced specifications across the board have also been introduced in a new three grade structure for the range of SE, SE-I and SE-L.
While major reworking has been neatly side stepped, Lexus designers having opted for evolutionary moves rather than revolutionary introducing a new front bumper, new door mirrors with larger glass areas which improve driver vision and integrated indicator lamps while subtle changes to the rear lighting clusters and new design 17-inch and 18-inch alloys.
Change to the inside has also been limited, minor adjustments to switches on the centre console and a little toning down of interior fabrics and trim being considered sufficient by the designers. Meanwhile, the Lexus legendary attention to detail has ensured that build quality continues to be of the highest order.
The SE model driven here has been quite generously treated by the design team, the kit including the likes of climate control air con, 13-speaker sound system with six-disc CD autochanger and MP3 compatibility with steering wheel controls, cruise control, electrically adjustable folding and heater door mirrors.
There's a keyless entry system and push button start while the dash is logically laid out.
Safety, too, has been well addressed with 10 airbags fitted on all models along with driver safety aids, which include a full set of electronic control systems enhanced by the Lexus vehicle dynamics integrated management system which includes ABS braking with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution and vehicle stability control and traction control.
Sharing the same luxury saloon platform as the Lexus GS, the latest IS comes longer and wider than the outgoing model. With some two-and-a-half inches extra to the wheelbase, the IS also enjoys wider tracking with short front and rear overhangs which give the car a broad, muscular stance. The increased measurements do contribute to a more accommodating interior, making a bit more shoulder and leg room available front and rear.
However, should you happen to be in the middle of the rear seat set-up, you may find the transmission tunnel something of a handicap while 378-litres of cargo area in the boot could also have its limitations in accommodating family style holiday luggage.
On the road, this car came powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine paired with a smooth slotting six-speed manual gear change. This very first oil burner to be adopted by Lexus delivers 175bhp at 3,600rpm. An all aluminium four cylinder unit, it is capable of the 0-62mph dash in under nine seconds and houses a top speed of 135mph
And with Its predecessor having already become well established as one of the cleanest premium oil burners on the scene, the 2009 version goes further with significantly improved CO2 emissions down from 163g/km to 148g/km.
Depending upon individual driving style, Lexus fuel economy figures can promise a nine per cent improvement, from 46.3mpg to 50.4mpg on average, another big plus to attract company car drivers.
With a low centre of gravity combining well alongside some suspension sophistication, an increase in torsional stiffness and informative electric power steering Lexus IS produced a dynamically sporty performance. Handling proved well balanced and while plenty of grip helped overall agility, progress was pretty unfazed by pock marked tarmac.
As one would expect, this latest Lexus sports saloon proved quietly refined, and with the diesel proving occupant friendly on the cruise alongside well suppressed wind and road noise, the latest IS was very well versed in the legendary Lexus feeling of quietly comfortable when on the move.
FAST FACTS
Lexus IS 220d SE
Price: £22,405
Mechanical: 175bhp, 2231cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 135mph
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 50.4
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 148g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles