Standing next to the IS 350 F-Sport, Lexus has expanded its IS sedan range in South Africa with the addition of the new IS 200t which is the first Lexus sedan to feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.

First introduced in the Lexus NX 200t compact SUV, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine now does service in the IS range and according to Lexus, it blends performance, dynamics and economy in a traditional sports sedan layout for the first time. The launch of the new IS 200t took place in Port Elizabeth this week and we were there to experience the IS 200t.

Key Performance Features

Lexus has tinkered with the engine which now develops 180 kW and 350 Nm of torque in the IS 200t, which is on tap from 1650 rpm all the way through to 4400 rpm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts behind the steering wheel which provides added driver engagement. This transmission also features electronic-control technology and auto-blip downshifts, contributing to a better balance between acceleration and efficiency. For the driver’s convenience, there’s also a Drive Mode Select rotary switch that allows the driver to select driving modes such as Eco, Normal and Sport. The Lexus IS 200t is capable of 0-100kph in 7 seconds with a top speed of 230kph. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.5L/100km.

Distinguishing Features

The Lexus IS 200t is offered in two grades, namely E and EX, and both feature 17-inch alloy wheels. The IS 200t E benefits from full leather trim with ventilated and heated seats, a 7-inch central colour display and front and rear Park Distance Control. The EX grade adds features such as SatNav, rain-sensing wipers, an electro chromatic mirror and a reverse camera. Safety has been bolstered too with the addition of rear side airbags bringing the total airbag count across the range to an impressive 10. ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, traction control and electronic stability control is also fitted as standard. Buyers have the choice between six exterior colours which can be matched with either an Ivory or Black leather interior.

How does the Lexus IS 200t Drive?

The roads surrounding Port Elizabeth offered the perfect test for the IS 200t. The route included a mix of both urban and rural driving and much of the road surface was of poor quality, which meant that the Lexus IS 200t ride quality was under severe scrutiny. Thankfully, the Lexus IS 200t is solidly built and despite all the bumps and imperfections, there was not a single rattle or squeak to be heard in the cabin. With a tuned suspension, the IS 200t dealt with imperfections with poise and delivered a comfortable ride that few cars can pull off. Wind and road noise was just about non-existent and the engine itself can hardly be heard, even under hard acceleration. That said, the IS 200t is well refined out on the road and it gets on with business in a smooth manner. The 8-speed automatic transmission operates seamlessly throughout and only slight hesitation is experienced when you plant your foot flat.

The automatic transmission is perfectly suited for urban driving and if you switch to Eco mode via the rotary dial in the centre-dash, fuel efficiency figures below 10L/100km should be easy to achieve. For driver’s looking for a bit more action, you can engage manual shifting and shift gears using the shift paddles behind the steering wheel. This is definitely the way to go if you want to extract the most out of the IS 200t. Switch the Drive Mode to Sport and the throttle immediately becomes more responsive. No matter what mode you are in, the IS 200t is an excellent cruiser on the highway, and with such a wide torque band, in-gear acceleration is solid, making overtaking easy at just about any speed.

As you would expect when driving with spirit, fuel consumption will take a knock and if you plough away in Sport mode for too long, the information display will quickly show figures upwards of 12L/100km. In terms of highlights of the IS 200t, there are a few. Ride quality and refinement is something the 200t does exceptionally well and buyers will be happy to know that the interior is a comfortable place to be too. What we like most about this IS 200t is its flexibility and it has the ability to cater for different driving styles. The conservative driver will appreciate the smooth, refined drive while the driver looking for a bit more excitement and involvement can have it too, all in one car. That fact alone makes the IS 200t worth consideration. If you are looking for something more overtly sporty, then the IS 350 F-Sport is the way to go. We will have the Lexus IS 200t on test soon, so keep your eyes peeled for our full review in the near future.

Lexus IS 200t Price in South Africa

Lexus IS 200t E – R518 800 Lexus IS 200t EX – R570 300 Lexus IS 350 F Sport – R627 900