Lexus has announced details of the updated IS range for 2009. Emissions and running costs for the IS220d are lower and prices have fallen by about £1,000 across the range. On top of the price cut all models enjoy a higher level of standard equipment.

Three trim levels are offered: SE, SE-I and SE-L. All models receive Vehicle Integrated Dynamics Management (VIDM), which integrates the anti-lock brakes, brake force distribution, traction control, stability control and power steering. Other equipment includes suede-effect upholstery on the base model, front and rear parking sensors on the SE-I and 18-inch alloy wheels on the SE-L.

To identify the new IS there are larger door mirrors incorporating turn indicator lamps, a revised front bumper, slightly changed tail lamp clusters and new designs of 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels. Under the skin there are minor suspension revisions to improve the ride and handling. Mechanically, the IS220d has been revised to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from, 168 to 163g/km - enough to drop from band E to band D for vehicle excise duty and reducing the tax rate for company car drivers. The 2.5-litre V6 IS250 remains unchanged.

Prices for the new IS range start at £22,490 for the 220d SE. Top of the range is the IS 250 SE-L costing £28,850. Options include improved navigation; a £1,825 option across the range is a touch-screen, pan-European navigation system that incorporates Bluetooth, six-CD auto changer and reversing camera. On the SE-L, customers can choose to further upgrade the in-car entertainment with a fourteen speaker Mark Levinson hi-fi system and six-DVD changer while the navigation incorporates a Dynamic Route Guidance function, to help avoid traffic jams. The updated IS range goes on sale from 15th November.

John Lambert - 13 Nov 2008