Launched in January 2006, the IS was Lexus’s first diesel. For 2009, the range has been revised to SE, SE-I and SE-L trims, all with more kit.
As with German rivals, IS has a rear-wheel-drive chassis.
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Premium quality interior sets IS apart
Uprated diesel is powerful, but unrefined
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Comfortable back seats don’t tumble, so Lexus is the less practical option
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