Lexus IS F 4dr Car Review - April 2012

The steering delivered by the IS is very good, responding swiftly to the wheel and offering plenty of grip while cornering, but there isn't much feedback offered despite the firm ride. The body is well controlled and the car handles any bumps in the corner well, but this is delivered by a firm suspension which means that the ride is unsettled at low speed and on the motorway. The driving position is very good and there is plenty of adjustment both for the driving seat and the steering wheel, but visibility is fine to the front and the rear.

For a car which has been touted for its impressive performance the figures are vital pieces of information, and the 5.0 litre v8 delivers impressively, with acceleration from 0-62mph achieved in only 4.8 seconds. The top speed of 168mph is more than enough for regular road use, but there is a fair amount of road noise to be heard in the cabin, which is unusual for a Lexus.

With the close links between Toyota and Lexus, it is unsurprising to see many of the design touches typical of Japanese design, with an attractive front end with a slanted headlight cluster and air intakes running along the bumper. The bulging bonnet hints at the beast to be found within, and the back end of the IS is tidy and efficient. Inside the cabin the interior is classy and comfortable, while the centre console is efficient and looks good.

The level of equipment included with this car is impressive, with satellite navigation and a CD stereo with a hard disk among the gadgets to be found in the vehicle. Leather seats have a heating function and power adjustment, while the climate control helps to ensure that the car remains comfortable. Alloy wheels help to ensure that this is a very attractive car.

The spacious cabin in the IS means it can accommodate four adults in luxury, but a large transmission tunnel means that the third passenger in the rear seat will struggle for legroom. The boot is of a good size, and has plenty of room for luggage. Another aspect in which Lexus fares particularly well is in terms of its reliability, and there is no doubt that the IS is a good choice for those looking for worry free motoring.

The IS can also boast a very good safety record, boasting eight airbags, and it also has a number of driving aids that help to keep the car under control at all times. These features have helped the car to achieve five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests.

It is fair to say that this version of the IS is an expensive car to buy and to own with a list price of £58,350, but this doesn't mean that it isn't an attractive prospect to many people. Competing with the top powerful saloons from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the price is fairly reasonable.

The 5.0 litre engine isn't particularly good in terms of efficiency, able to deliver an average 24.4mpg. The high insurance group means that premiums are also likely to be expensive, and this car is also likely to suffer from poor resale value. This car comes with roadside breakdown assistance for the first three years, and also has a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty.