Lexus IS (new)
Overall Average Rating - 88.2%
Position in the Top 100 cars - 5th
A new entrant in the Driver Power chart – and what a debut! Lexus has always dreamed about beating the BMW 3-Series, and the latest IS has done so by a big margin. Finishing 16 places ahead of its arch-rival, the Lexus, according to owners, is the most satisfying compact executive saloon you can currently buy.
It scores well in every area, offering a decent driving experience, with tidy handling, strong brakes and a cabin that simply soothes the miles away. But its real strength is that it’s absolutely painless to own. For a well equipped prestige car to scoop victory when it comes to running costs is quite an achievement, and owners are almost as impressed by its reliability and build quality, too. If there is a weakness, it’s a lack of cabin space. Apart from that, this is a superb result.
WINNER OF CATEGORY - Running Costs
What’s a reasonable price to pay for servicing and maintenance? And what economy do you expect? You awarded high marks in this chart if your car cost less to run than you expected. That’s why Lexus’s latest IS is at the top of the list – it will leave a bigger dent in your wallet than a supermini, but owners feel they get fine value for money. The addition of a capable diesel has helped reduce fuel costs, while great durability means unexpected bills are a rarity. VW’s Touran is flying the flag for MPVs, and Fiat’s top-value Panda makes it into third place. The car you tell us delivers the least for your money is Mazda’s RX-8. Hefty servicing costs, tyre-shredding performance and a painful thirst for both fuel and oil are all facts of life.
WINNER OF CLASS - Compact Executive Car
New entry, new winner and domination of the compact executive class for Lexus. Taking over the gold medal from its predecessor, the latest IS has proved every bit as good an all-rounder. Yet the old IS has far from disgraced itself, with an overall rating of 86.40 per cent enough for a top 20 position in the overall rankings. Consistently strong performances over the past seven years of Driver Power prove the Lexus to be a rock-solid used buy. Taking bronze is the latest 3-Series. BMW bosses will be miffed to have been bettered by both generations of Lexus IS, but can at least gain some satisfaction from finishing above the firm’s Jaguar and Mercedes rivals.
Ratings
Position in the Top 100 cars
Reliability: 13th
Build Quality: 7th
Running Costs: 1st
Performance: 28th
Braking: 4th
Ride Quality: 44th
Handling: 31st
Practicality: 93rd
Comfort: 8th
Ease of Driving: 11th
Your Quotes
“Smooth ride, perhaps not as refined as a BMW, but friendly, considerate dealers and a car full of fun gadgets make it a pleasure to be on the road in it.”
Andrew Gilbert, Bournemouth, Hampshire
“Sensational, with meticulous attention to detail. Ultra-quiet in the cabin, build quality is in another league and its equipment puts all German rivals to shame.”
Olusegun Sokoya, Sipson, Middlesex
Manufacturer Verdict (Position - 1st)
It's seventh heaven for Lexus – another year, another victory! The firm’s seventh win is a tremendous achievement, with first place positions for build quality, reliability and comfort.
