The Lexus IS250 has been updated but cosmetic changes have been very subtle.
The IS250’s bolder radiator grill, revised front bumper and tail lights, new turn signals and alloy wheels just about sum up the external changes.
And the revisions to the IS250’s instrument panel are so minor that it would take the eagle-eyed to spot the difference.
The big changes are beneath the surface. For keen drivers, the two key revisions are to the transmission and suspension.
In the latest Lexus IS250, the paddle shifters work even when the gear lever is set in D.
This has gone a long way to making the car more dynamic and responsive to the driver’s needs without the hassle of shifting to S before getting the desired response.
Also gratifying to the enthusiast is the latest evolution of the much-vaunted Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, the nerve centre that coordinates ABS, traction control, power steering and vehicle stability control.
The ride of the original Lexus IS250 tended to be a little bumpy over a series of ridges and irregular surfaces.
The paddle shifters now work even when the gearbox is in D.
The new car feels less affected by the road surface changes, a feeling reaffirmed by a back-to-back test with the old car over the same road taken at similar speeds.
Revisions to the front and rear stabilisers, damping force and bushes have certainly paid dividends.
All this means the new Lexus IS250 feels considerably more agile and dynamic than the pre-facelift car. Steering response is quicker and more direct.
While still not quite to BMW 3 Series handling standards, the new Lexus IS250 now runs it quite close.
The Achilles heel of the baby Lexus has been the relatively poor legroom in the rear, compared with some of its newer rivals like the Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4.
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Concave hollows to the front seat’s back have led to a marginal improvement in knee room.
Quality trim and materials give the Lexus IS250 the ambience of a luxury compact car. This “feel good” factor is further enhanced by the superb refinement of the 205bhp, 2.5-litre V6.
It’s a pity the revisions did not include a horsepower hike. That would have been the icing on the cake to complement the other changes!
Revised tail-lights feature an “L” accent.
2008 Lexus IS250 2.5 (A)
ENGINE 2500cc, 24-valves, V6
MAX POWER 205hp at 6400rpm
MAX TORQUE 252Nm at 4800rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 8.4 seconds
TOP SPEED 225km/h
CONSUMPTION 10.9km/L
PRICE INCL. COE $151,000
