21 September 2001: A new body style and a new engine for the IS Lexus model is designed to further open up the penetration of the 12-year-old brand.

The SportCross, a 'lifestyle' wagon-type addition to the IS range, will go on sale in Ireland in January, powered by a version of the 3-litre straight-6 engine used in the GS300. The new engine will also power a 3-litre version of the IS saloon, the IS300.

Prices and specifications for the new cars have not yet been finalised for Ireland, but it is likely that they will be set to bridge a gap in the Lexus range between the IS200 and the GS300, currrently difficult for owners to jump.

According to Lexus research, the SportCross will appeal to 'under-40s' with active lifestyles, while the 3-litre IS saloons are aimed at 'over-40s' people with small families who want a superior luxury car.

Both cars likely to be very much 'niche' vehicles, with just 1,400 of each expected to be sold throughout Europe next year. This compares with some 13,000 IS200s sold this year out of a total of 24,000 Lexus units sold.

In Ireland, Lexus has now captured over 11% of the premium car segment, according to Mark Teevan of Lexus Ireland. BB