irishcar.com - Lexus IS00

And what a treat it was to get another crack at their compact exec, the IS200 – one of the shortlisted five for the Semperit Irish Car of the Year 2000 – but this time coming to me in the highly-equipped and distinctive Sports version.

With its chunky, sporty low stance, this well engineered car has poise, charm and excellent driver appeal. It looks good, feels good and it sure does you good to drive it.

It is rear drive with an all in-line engine and boasts a hot and aggressively-tuned sporty chassis. And that’s not all. Luxury, flair, refinement and firepower from an ideally suited 2.0 litre engine, mated to a six-speed gearbox put the topping on a gorgeous package.

The roomy interior is unique and has a character all of its own. There’s polished aluminium to increase the techno feel. And there’s metal on the centre console, the gearknob (although it is actually plastic) and the pedals are drilled alloy.

However, the most striking feature are the wristwatch inspired chronograph-style dials with the huge central speedo dominating the instrument panel. The spacious boot can pack in 400 litres.

The standard high spec includes: switchable traction control system, four-channel antilock braking system, front and side airbags, three rear head restraints, power steering, climate control air con, 17” aluminium wheels, two-tone leather steering wheel, tilt-adjustable steering column, integrated audio system with six speakers – take a breath – in-dash six disc CD autochanger, electric windows,alarm and electronic immobiliser, electric headlamp levelling, increased diameter rear anti-roll bar, torsen-style limited slip differential, stainless steel scuff plates, dark glass side and rear, electric tilt and slide moonroof, and... well, that’s enough to keep you going. The list goes on.

POWER: Firepower comes from a straight-six, two litre engine with ‘hi-tech’ variable valve timing for low engine speed torque and high engine speed power.

The 1988cc engine develops 153bhp at 6,200rpm and maximum torque fof 144lb ft at 4,400rpm for a 0 to 62mph in 9.5 seconds and a claimed top speed of 137mph. I averaged 27.5mpg.

Uniquely in its class the IS200 is fitted with a quick and slick, short throw six-speed, close ratio manual gearbox which gives the car legs to match the muscle. Reverse gear has a warning bleep.

The IS200 Sport feels, well, sporty, like it wants to be driven. Powerful, muscular, so smooth and very quiet. Steering is sharp and sweet and the highly sophisticated multi-linked double wishbone suspension, fitted front and rear, provides a comfortable ride with precise handling: hard when it needs to be, supple when you want it to be.

Very stable at speed, it grips the corner with surety. Drive it hard into the bends and it maintains perfect poise, drive it easy and sit back and enjoy its whispering comfort.

Lexus, I like your style!	2000
And what a treat it was to get another crack at their compact exec, the IS200 – one of the shortlisted five for the Semperit Irish Car of the Year 2000 – but this time coming to me in the highly-equipped and distinctive Sports version. With its chunky, sporty low stance, this well engineered car has poise, charm and excellent driver appeal. It looks good, feels good and it sure does you good to drive it. It is rear drive with an all in-line engine and boasts a hot and aggressively-tuned sporty chassis. And that’s not all. Luxury, flair, refinement and firepower from an ideally suited 2.0 litre engine, mated to a six-speed gearbox put the topping on a gorgeous package. The roomy interior is unique and has a character all of its own. There’s polished aluminium to increase the techno feel. And there’s metal on the centre console, the gearknob (although it is actually plastic) and the pedals are drilled alloy. However, the most striking feature are the wristwatch inspired chronograph-style dials with the huge central speedo dominating the instrument panel. The spacious boot can pack in 400 litres. The standard high spec includes: switchable traction control system, four-channel antilock braking system, front and side airbags, three rear head restraints, power steering, climate control air con, 17” aluminium wheels, two-tone leather steering wheel, tilt-adjustable steering column, integrated audio system with six speakers – take a breath – in-dash six disc CD autochanger, electric windows,alarm and electronic immobiliser, electric headlamp levelling, increased diameter rear anti-roll bar, torsen-style limited slip differential, stainless steel scuff plates, dark glass side and rear, electric tilt and slide moonroof, and... well, that’s enough to keep you going. The list goes on. POWER: Firepower comes from a straight-six, two litre engine with ‘hi-tech’ variable valve timing for low engine speed torque and high engine speed power. The 1988cc engine develops 153bhp at 6,200rpm and maximum torque fof 144lb ft at 4,400rpm for a 0 to 62mph in 9.5 seconds and a claimed top speed of 137mph. I averaged 27.5mpg. Uniquely in its class the IS200 is fitted with a quick and slick, short throw six-speed, close ratio manual gearbox which gives the car legs to match the muscle. Reverse gear has a warning bleep. The IS200 Sport feels, well, sporty, like it wants to be driven. Powerful, muscular, so smooth and very quiet. Steering is sharp and sweet and the highly sophisticated multi-linked double wishbone suspension, fitted front and rear, provides a comfortable ride with precise handling: hard when it needs to be, supple when you want it to be. Very stable at speed, it grips the corner with surety. Drive it hard into the bends and it maintains perfect poise, drive it easy and sit back and enjoy its whispering comfort.
by Gerry Boud

Lexus, I like your style!