More kit, lower price for fresh IS

21st November 2008

We’ve heard of the credit crunch – now here’s the price crunch! Lexus is offering its revamped IS saloon for up to £1,000 less than the outgoing model. Even better news is that the new BMW 3-Series rival, which benefits from a number of upgrades inside and out, packs even more equipment despite the reduced tag.

Every car gets stability control as standard, while emissions for the IS220d are cut to 163g/km – which drops the car into road tax band D. On sale now, the range starts at £22,490 for the IS220d SE.

Auto Express has also learned that Lexus is planning to introduce a hybrid version of the IS, which will go on sale in Europe in 2010. It will be equipped with a development of the hybrid synergy drive set-up that’s due to debut in the all-new Toyota Prius next year.