Lexus IS 250/220d

Our verdict

The Lexus IS is probably the best car that Lexus makes in terms of all-round performance – especially as this Lexus sports a diesel variant. Ride and handling are very, very good – there’s just a slight feeling that this isn’t the most involving machine in the world.

Comfort

 Ride, even in this smallest Lexus, is brilliant. Great damping means that the IS can iron out pretty much anything the below-average road can throw at it. BMW edges it in terms of outright roadholding, but the IS250 especially really sorts the men from the osteopaths on a dodgy bit of broken motorway. Long distances are a joy.

Performance

Just over 200bhp (204 to be exact) for the 2.5-litre V6 doesn't really do the experience justice; creamy smooth, and it fits with the six-speed auto like a mechanical hand in an oily metal glove. For the sprint you're looking at 8.1 seconds and a 144mph top speed. The 2.2-litre, 175bhp diesel is less refined (but getting on for best in class), has a six-speed auto and still provides perfectly relevant real-world speed.

Cool

Understated, but a genuine competitor to default-buy BMW ownership. Quiet cool.

Quality

This Lexus feels supremely screwed together and there are some really very quality materials to hand, but there's a chance you'll still trip over Japanese-spec wood that looks like it's been made from the finest quality plastic.

Handling

Rear-wheel drive and fleet of foot, the IS makes the most of what it's got in either petrol or diesel form. The diesel feels a little nose-heavy when you start to get really enthusiastic, but both cars maintain that classy edge that European front-drive saloons just can't replicate. The steering's not the most feelsome, but this is a nimble, sporty saloon.

Practicality

 The IS is a practical enough thing - there's plenty of space for four or five at a push and the boot is reasonable at 378litres, but the IS isn't class-leading for space.

Running costs

The petrol gets a reasonable 28.8mpg, the diesel a good 10mpg more. Insurance is relatively cheap at group 13 and residuals are good. You're also looking at undercutting the equivalent Beemer or Merc by a grand or so.