Lexus IS 250/220d

As impressive as Lexus's new IS250 is, the lion's share of buyers in this sector are still going to see it playing second fiddle to BMW's tiresomely impregnable 3-Series. The IS does run it a close second, though, and manages this in a commendably different way.

The Lexus is incredibly refined, so soft and cossetting, in fact, that it's the car you'd be right to choose over the comparable BMW if all you had was a thousand motorway miles to hammer out in short order.

But the Beemer's marketing triumph as 'the driver's choice' persists, backed up as it is by a tighter ride, better steering and an excellent manual gearbox. Ride and steering you're stuck with, but you can opt for a manual IS.

That said, you probably shouldn't. Lexus's command of super-smooth auto transmissions is unquestioned, but it doesn't have a good manual.

The shift lacks the positivity and involvement of the 3-Series, feels notchy and cheap and is set at a weird angle that, although arguably ergonomic, upsets the otherwise effective cabin symmetry. And this isn't an option that does any favours to that fabled Lexus refinement.

If you want the almost unique level of detachment from the dirty business of driving that Lexus can provide, the IS250 with an auto will do the job beautifully.

But save yourself £1,000 by buying the manual (£22,400) and you end up with a hell of a lot less car.

Matt Master