In the United Kingdom where the majority people appear to get resigned to paying higher costs than anyone else, the vehicle appears to get perfectly good value in a smidgeon under?20,000 for the SE model we analyzed.

The auto compares quite favourably in comparison with its closest (and most apparent) competition, BMW's 320i SE saloon. For almost?2500 more, the BMW gives a somewhat bigger engine with a little more energy, but for many the important feature of the Bavarian is its badge.

There are still many who would not purchase a Lexus (or really anything) instead of a BMW, but when I was spending my very own money I would not be knocking the Japanese auto off my shortlist only due to the emblem on its bonnet.

Whether taken in isolation or in contrast to several other cars on the marketplace, there isn't any question the IS200 is a car. At least the wheels raise the entire thing, which makes it appear purposeful.

Fortunately the anodyne appears do not mean that there's not a fantastic driving experience available, because the chassis is nicely up for the occupation of handling the auto's power.

The 2.0litre straight-six must be worked fairly hard at times, but once you have stoked it-up it'll take the pace through the corners without difficulty.

To the motorway there isn't any major wind or tyre noise - substitution to the stereo and also you would not even realise you are moving.

A number of the other controls usually are not, even though the layout is really well though out. The chronograph-inspired dials appear fairly neat at first glance, however as it pertains to studying them in a rush they are not such a great thought. The climate control can be, fiddly to use - with such wonderful models now available elsewhere Lexus has some catching up-to do. Perhaps it requires to introduce the touch screen systems suited to its higher priced vehicles.

Toss in a wideangle rear-view mirror that is madly confusing and you have got several too many fundamental design faults - things which you simply would not expect from Lexus.

In general the inside is quite sombre, although it is properly assembled using the leather and alcantara combination. There's space aplenty for five adults and there is no lack of cubby holes scattered across the cottage for those odds and ends that make their way to your automobile but never appear to escape. The front seats have electrical heating and alteration and becoming comfortable is not challenging.

With today's antispeed culture and high gas costs the IS200 has already been ample - choosing for a bigger engine within this car appears nothing short of moot.