Our world shifted slightly on its axis when the then new 2014 Lexus IS350 F Sport defeated BMW 3-series and Cadillac ATS in a three-way comparison test. Could the quiet luxury brand of Toyota has, finally, fully embraced the ethos of sport-sedan? Probably not, as the next test other variants IS leave us less happy. We were very disappointed with the IS250 2,014 in all-wheel-drive form, although the F Sport chassis tuning.
For 2016, Lexus repair its powertrain shortage junior class sedan by replacing the small-displacement V-6 that makes 204 horsepower and a little weak £ 185-ft of torque. Rear-drive models get a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder tested here. Back again for this application after it first appeared in the NX compact crossover, it makes 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque on the sedan and pairing to an eight-speed automatic. Those who simply must have the power routed to all four wheels will get bigger, more powerful V-6 to compensate for the weight and friction of punishment 3.0-liter in the setup, but they had to settle for just six forward gears in their auto. Lexus still not seen fit to offer manual transmissions in the sedan IS, which probably makes not the slightest difference in sales, but did not speak with priority-Audi, Cadillac, and BMW still includes a shift-to-own transmission in this class and the Jaguar promises variety XE will offer one.
More Thrust and Maybe Less Thirst
If there ISU would benefit from guidance, the 200t is F Sport. Chassis tuning bears comparison with the leaders of the class, with a rigid platform that gives a crisp turn-in and a nice weight and feel in the steering. This car fits the 0.85-g skidpad rating IS350 we note for comparison-test. The brake pedal may feel lazy around the city but the companies well when the driver makes real demands. It provides a consistent, fade-free stops from 70 mph in 171 feet. And cabin says "car driver" of the LFA-influenced instrument panel with supportive sport seats. What is missing is entirely attractive personality.
That's partly to the new machine-turbocharged, 2.0-liter, direct-injected, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder has become ubiquitous, and the differences between them are better called the subtle nuances of character. Lexus fulfill its mission on track, get a little heavy sedan to 60 mph a full second faster than the IS250 AWD can manage. The quarter-mile run of 15.3 seconds was 0.8 seconds faster and 100 mph coming 2.7 seconds faster. It is also much quieter at wide-open throttle; 2.0-liter models do not come with in-cabin-noise machine "sound generator" that F Sport V-6 get the equipment as standard. Agent-accessory catalog including "performance exhausts" for those who want more auditory feedback when approaching redline.
By the way, the manual-mode shift paddles must offer a sharp response and tactile benefits than they do; they are also the only way for the tach spins all the way out to the fuel cutoff-left alone, eight speed of 5800 rpm upshifts. Here again, the stick will work wonders.
All figures are respectable for this class. Nothing remarkable, though, and the leveling effect of this new industry norm extends to performance. Compare that number IS250 track with a car as mainstream as the 2.0-liter turbo Kia Optima we recently tested and there is little difference, up to an identical 22-mpg fuel economy observed. Rear-drive balance and driving feel different, of course, and we prefer to be in a car that handles this well. Cadillac squeeze more than four in the ATS, which is rated at 272 horsepower; we have tested only with the stick (as coupe and sedan), and it is not only faster but more entertaining to drive.
22 mpg we note with this Lexus is the same as we see in the IS250 AWD old, despite the increase in performance. Better, from the standpoint of Lexus, is that the EPA ratings of 22/33 mpg city / highway climbs by 1 and 3 mpg. (The IS300 AWD versions of the lower rates in each size by 1 mpg versus old IS250). Note that if you want the engine to provide peak power, you'll be pumping premium fuel.
Premium clipping and Prices
Choosing the F Sport ornament and a base price of $ 3,545 for a regular ride this IS200t $ 38,265. Our test car had a navigation package that includes upgraded audio system ($ 2,645), safety technology including blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert ($ 600), and a heated steering wheel ($ 150). All of these options are called out on the site configurator consumers as "necessary" when ordering F Sport-so upcharge on the basis of the car work for far less than $ 3,545. Calculators we say all-in total of $ 45,205 and to be called the basic price, because it includes not true option or optional accessories. Fortunately, the list of add-ons Lexus short and straight compared to European competition. However, the oxymoronic "required option" seems to exist only to confuse those who wish to reserve a car fitted exactly to their own tastes.
For the price, IS200t is style (assuming you're down with the grille), luxurious, and comfortable ride that does not fall in an entertaining way. Lexus has not really fulfill the promise made by both the IS350 F Sport are built on this chassis, but at least the junior models do not bog-slow again.
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