Lexus IS200d F-Sport, test drive (Equipment, prices and assessment)

Over the past week we have been analysing the Lexus IS200d F-Sport, a model that debuts a diesel engine with less power to reduce consumption and emissions, and which also received the F-Sport trim, giving it a sporty touch and improving the standard equipment.

The engine impressed us with its smoothness, while its 150 hp are more than enough for this saloon with no sporting pretensions. The exterior, unlike its engine, is pure sportiness, since the elements of the F-Sport trim make this Japanese saloon really eye-catching. While the interior quality is high, with attention to detail and well-finished materials and correct fit.

Equipment

Our first step in the equipment review is to go through the safety features that come as standard on the Lexus IS. From the base trim we have: stability and traction control, front, side and curtain airbags, knee airbags for the front-seat passengers, among other elements.

The knee airbag stands out in the equipment, doubled up for both the driver and the passenger. It is undoubtedly a detail to take into account, since in the event of an accident it prevents injuries caused by the steering column or parts of the dashboard.

Whenever we talk about safety we review the results of the tested vehicle in the Euro NCAP tests. In this case the Lexus IS achieved the famous five stars, although it should be noted that the test dates from 2006, when the IS was presented for testing, and even back then it already featured a front knee airbag.

The IS range is structured in four equipment levels: Premium, Luxury, F-Sport and President. From the base trim we have as standard items such as: dual-zone climate control, on-board computer, audio controls on the steering wheel, 8-speaker sound system with 6-CD changer and USB and AUX inputs, Bluetooth, LED rear lights, LED daytime running lights, keyless start and entry, electric, heated and electrically folding mirrors, rain sensor, among other elements.

Unlike other premium brands, for the starting price of an Lexus IS with all this equipment, we find no rival on the market with a similar standard specification. If we go to a BMW 3 Series we would have to give up part of the equipment, the same happens with an Audi A4 (at most in this case we would get the daytime running light pack, but neither is dual-zone climate control standard) or the same happens with the Mercedes C-Class.

Within the specific equipment of our unit, it is worth noting that only the roof and the navigation system with hard drive and rear-view camera were optional, the rest was completely standard (from bi-xenon headlights to alloy wheels or the 13-speaker sound system). In essence it is a Luxury trim with a sporty touch, but the equipment elements are practically the same.

The navigation system surprised us for how complete it is, it integrates the rear-view camera, hard drive, six-CD changer, USB and AUX inputs and Bluetooth for the phone. Another interesting detail is connectivity: there is no need to pay extra for Bluetooth (something quite common among premium brands), nor will we have to pay for connectivity that is more than sufficient, highlighting the USB and AUX inputs, Bluetooth audio connection or digital radio.

Prices

• Lexus IS200d Premium €33,660
• Lexus IS200d Luxury €36,850
• Lexus IS200d F-Sport €38,650
• Lexus IS200d President €45,055

• Optional navigator with hard drive: €3,065 (Premium and Luxury) and €2,875 (F-Sport)
• Sunroof: €1,000
• Bi-xenon headlights: €1,075

Overall Assessment

If you are one of those people who, when looking for a premium vehicle, is mainly interested in the brand, this test may be of interest to you. Now that we know the prices, at €33,660 it is very difficult to find a premium diesel saloon with the same equipment as this Lexus IS200d. It is true that it has lost power, but 150 hp are more than enough to move the car without problems.

Another detail we liked is the equipment in the F-Sport trim, with a competitive price, since you get the car complete with practically everything for less than €40,000. The interior quality is up to the standard of the segment and the price of the car, while the interior space (except for headroom in the front seats) is adequate.

The only drawback we can find is the engine’s power and its composure on the road, which has two sides: the good thing is that we found it a very smooth car for a four-cylinder, while the other is that it could be a bit more economical in consumption and a bit more performance-oriented.

Finally, the F-Sport trim gives us the chance to enjoy a sporty touch, both exterior and interior, and interesting standard equipment, without having to go for a car with more than 200 hp or a petrol engine. In short, a very interesting option to set our Lexus IS apart.

Photos | David Taboada