Lexus IS 220d. Lexus 1st and last diesel car (uk market). Review and virtual viewing. Used car guide

Our 2006 Lexus IS 220D offers a superb blend of performance, style and economy that have made this model a firm favourite of mine, having previously owned and run one for 2 years. The IS is a particularly handsome car and with its larger alloy wheels and sporty front fog lights this model looks even longer and sleeker with a sweeping roofline and rising waistline which echoes the dynamic looks of the larger GS models.

It's practical with 4 doors complete with a spacious 5 seat interior and 378 litres of luggage capacity. Performance is easily on par with the German rivals with 0-60mph taking just 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 137mph. Where this car really impresses is with its mid-range grunt - 400nm of torque ensures you benefit from fast and safe overtaking whenever you need it. The 6 speed gearbox makes for fast, easy changes and the ratios are well chosen for both acceleration and comfortable high speed cruising where you will also feel the benefit of this cars cruise control and tall 6th gear (Probably one of the highest geared cars we have ever tested). Lexus have always been famed for smooth and quiet cars and even at motorway speeds there is no wind noise - Testament to that superb build quality.

Inside the Lexus is pure luxury. You sit in generous, yet supportive seats. The dashboard layout is modern and uncluttered, yet laden with hi-tec luxuries to make life behind the wheel as stress free as possible. There is also a superb cruise control function as well as speed warning system which lights the instruments up amber when a selected speed is exceeded. Both the headlights and windscreen wipers have an intelligent automatic function and of course all this technology works with a precision which has made these cars famous.

The Lexus is rear wheel drive, the same as a BMW or Mercedes and there is little doubt that the Japanese engineers were keen to beat their Bavarian rivals when it came to adapting this cars ride and handling. It certainly feels a lot more agile than a Mercedes but is not as hard edged as the 3 series, which is in many ways good thing - With the Lexus you have the right balance of ride comfort vs handling. Whilst the ride is fairly firm through the corners the car still feels comfortable.

With a whopping 173 bhp, an astonishing 400 n/m of torque our Lexus IS220 is a thoroughly engaging and comfortable drivers car. It is hard to believe that the IS was Lexus 1st ever diesel powered car, but this 2010 model has the revised engine with lower emissions and greater fuel economy. The good news is that this was not done at the sacrifice of performance and the IS is still an extremely quick car, particularly between 2500 and 4000 rpm when the engine delivers its peak torque. Above 4000 rpm the inside of the dial lights up amber (Turning red at 4500rpm) to signal the need to up-shift - I think this visual aid was brought in partly to give the car a sporty feel and partially because you can barely hear the turbo-diesel powerplant from behind the wheel, even when you approach the rev limit! With all that torque and 6 well chosen ratios it is easy to exploit this cars colossal 400nm of torque to great effect when overtaking, it seems at any speed, on any road, and in any of the cars driver modes it can overtake safely, quickly and without drama. To say that this car bolsters your confidence behind the wheel is an understatement.
The IS220D offers a fabulous combination of diesel economy and excellent performance which ensures it stands head and shoulders above the other cars in this class. I particularly loved the cruise control fitted to this car - It is a joy to use and makes this car the perfect long-distance travelling companion. Lexus are famed for their excellent build quality and this is a car that feels solid the moment you get behind the wheel. That solidity transfers itself to the feeling you get on the move, the solid stance and the feeling that this car is well planted on the road. At speed this car cruises silently and is extremely comfortable. The interior is constructed of high quality materials that are well put together - the whole car feels as though it were built to last an eternity.

✅ SPECIFICATION;

● 173 bhp Turbo-diesel engine
● 6 speed manual gearbox
● ABS brakes with Brake assist
● ESP - stability and traction control
● Cruise control
● Speed sensitive power steering
● 17" Alloy wheels
● Front fog lights
● Dual zone - Climate controlled air conditioning
● Keyless go and entry (You just carry a fob on your and press the start button).
● Cruise control
● Tilt and reach adjustable steering column
● Rev counter
● Electric windows x4
● Electric heated and retractable door mirrors

✅ CONDITION;

We have got the full V5 and 2x remote keys for this car but do not have any service history. Condition is good overall but does have minor stone chips on the bonnet and some kerbing on the alloy wheels in keeping with the cars age and mileage.