Skip advert
Advertisement

Lexus IS review - price, specs and 0-60 time - Design

Hybrid drive makes the Lexus IS a company car champion, though it’s less impressive to drive than its rivals.

Evo rating
RRP
from £26,495
  • Striking looks, efficient drivetrain and plentiful equipment
  • Efficiency drive hampers the fun factor, E-CVT transmission droning

Design

 Bold about covers it. The IS, once rather forgettable looking, now stands out from its German competition. It’s a riot of lines, the IS one of the finest examples of Lexus’ current design direction. If we’re being picky it could be accused of being a little bit too fussy in its detailing - the lights at the front are particularly busy - but there’s no denying it’s got more head-turning ability than any of its rivals. F Sport adds more drama, arguably too much with even more aggressively styled intakes and grilles, where the standard models not quite so extrovert. A stand-out looker then, which might not appeal to all, but won’t fail to get you noticed if you like the attention.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Are classic cars as good as we remember them?
Eras 80s
Opinion

Are classic cars as good as we remember them?

Looking back, were we viewing the ’80s and ’90s through rose-tinted glasses? Or were they in fact the definition of the thrill of driving?
16 Oct 2025
Some cars feel better parked than driven, and that's not always a criticism
Volkswagen Multivan
Opinion

Some cars feel better parked than driven, and that's not always a criticism

Porter has taken to writing about cars while actually inside said cars
15 Oct 2025
Used Ford Focus ST Edition (Mk4, 2021 - 2025) review – a Honda Civic Type R rival for £20k
Ford Focus ST Edition
Reviews

Used Ford Focus ST Edition (Mk4, 2021 - 2025) review – a Honda Civic Type R rival for £20k

The Ford Focus ST Edition turns an already-capable hot hatch package to 11, and now you can find used examples for much less than they were when new
10 Oct 2025