The Mk2 IS arrived in 2005, and this time around it came with sharper styling and a diesel was also offered for a brief period, although the estate was dropped and an IS C convertible was added. The IS 200 saloon came exclusively with a 2.0-litre straight-six, while the IS 300 estate came with a 3.0-litre engine. The first Lexus IS arrived in 1999, although it was sold in Japan as the Toyota Altezza from 1998. The styling forges its own path, too, with plenty of angular lines and sharp detailing, and the cabin has a high-class finish. Like the rest of the range, there are no diesel versions on offer, and instead you get hybrid drive to help you cut your running costs.
Lexus is an executive car maker that forges its own path, and the IS saloon is all the evidence you need of its unique selling points.
