Toyota's luxury brand, Lexus, has announced a new version of the IS sedan. Here are specifications and pricing for the 2017 Lexus IS.

The Lexus IS, rival to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, has never been a best seller and we don't understand why. It's supremely well built and boasts levels of specification that marketers can only dream of. There are a raft of decent engines and the drive isn't bad either. For 2017, Lexus has changed its IS sedan significantly.

The Vice President of Marketing at Lexus South Africa, Glenn Crompton says: "The Lexus IS has established a strong reputation over four generations because of its trend-setting design. All the improvements on the 2017 model have been made with the aim of enhancing driver and occupant experience."

What's New?

From the outside, the 2017 Lexus IS features a redesigned front-end with a more prominent spindle grille, new bumper with large air intakes, a more sculpted hood and standard LED headlamps. The rear gains a revised rear bumper, combination taillights and exhaust pipes. There are new alloy wheels too. The cabin gains a revised infotainment system with a 10.3-inch screen and some improvements to the interior panel finishes.

The 2017LexusIS model line-up comprises three grades with two engine choices. There's the IS200t E and EX, and IS350 F Sport and all are available in rear wheel drive. The IS 200t models feature a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with an intercooler. It has 180 kW and 350 Nm of torqueand comes with a 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission withpaddle shifters.The IS 350 F Sport has a meaty 3.5-litre V6 that produces 233 kW and 378 Nm of torque. Power reaches the rear wheels through an eight-speed SPDS automatic transmission. All derivatives feature driving modes which include Eco, Normal and Sport modes, while the F Sport also adds Sport S+, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS)and Adaptive Variable Suspension for optimal handling and superior ride quality.

Without getting too technical, there are changes to the front suspension with the aim of improving steering response and improved ride comfort. Lexus SA is claiming that the overall body rigidity has been increased, the electric power steering system has been improved and that the adaptive variable suspension has been tweaked for better ride characteristics.

We attended the launch of the facelifted Lexus IS this week, so look out for our driving impressions coming your way later this week.

Standard Features of the Lexus IS

IS 200t E (R601900)

LED HeadlampsStop & Start Technology17-inch Alloy wheels (new design)Rear fog lampHeadlamp cleanersSmart entryAuto door lockExterior mirror: retractable, heated, electricSteering column: electric tilt and telescopic adjustmentSeat Heating and ventilationDrive lumbar supportPerformance rodRear side airbags added8 speakers7-inch displayRadio DVD/PlayerRemote controllerClearance and back sonar (PDC)Service Plan: 4-year / 100 000 km (Distance Plan)

IS 200t EX (R659100)

10-inch EMVN PlayerRemote touch interfaceNavigationService Plan: 4-year / 100 000 km (Distance Plan Plus)

IS 350 F SPORT (R728800)

18-inch Alloy wheelsExterior mirror: auto-retractable, heated, electric, memoryRain-sensing wipersInterior mirror: electrochromaticDriver seat + mirror memorySteering column memoryAdaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS)Sport leather seatsService Plan: 4-year / 100 000 km (Distance Plan Complete)

2017 Lexus IS Price in South Africa

IS 200t E (R601900)

IS 200t EX (R659100)

IS 350 F SPORT (R728800)

Related content:

Lexus IS 200t (2015) Review

Lexus LC 500 (2016) First Drive

New Lexus LS Sedan Teased

Lexus adds Local Updates to Range

Lexus UX Concept makes its debut

Want to buy a Lexus IS?

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