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

Lotus Exige V6 (S3, 2011-2021) review – a mini supercar for Golf GTI money
Lotus Exige S V6
In-depth reviews

Lotus Exige V6 (S3, 2011-2021) review – a mini supercar for Golf GTI money

For the S3 generation the Lotus Exige got a lot brawnier, trading the four-cylinder engines it had hitherto utilised for a supercharged Toyota V6
21 Aug 2026
Cupra Leon VZ review – Spain’s Golf GTI is better than Germany’s
Cupra Leon
In-depth reviews

Cupra Leon VZ review – Spain’s Golf GTI is better than Germany’s

The choice of full-sized front-drive hot hatches now doesn’t include the Civic Type R. Can the Cupra Leon VZ take the top spot?
25 Aug 2026
The 2-litre Mazda MX-5 has officially been axed in the UK, for good this time
Mazda MX-5 front
News

The 2-litre Mazda MX-5 has officially been axed in the UK, for good this time

As emissions regulations close in, Mazda has announced the discontinuation of one of our favourite current sports cars on sale: the 2-litre MX-5
25 Aug 2026