2010 Lexus IS 220d 2.2 turbo diesel
Summary:
Why would you choose this over a 320d?
Faults:
No faults.
General Comments:
This was a loaner from the lease company for just over a month while my 320d was on order.
I really wanted to like it, but it's well off the pace of the BMW. The engine is laggy and unresponsive; dangerously so under 2000 RPM in my opinion. Although outright performance isn't bad, Lexus really need to drive a 3 series to understand just how responsive and willing a modern diesel can be. Struggled to get 40 MPG out of it too. The 320d that replaced this never gives me less than 50 MPG in the same usage pattern.
In other respects, it was an OK car, but completely unmemorable. White goods on wheels. This is OK on a sub-£10k econobox hatchback, but in this part of the market where people have a huge choice, or if buying privately are investing a significant sum of cash, it's just not good enough. In all the time I had it, there were only two things I thought it did better than the BM - ride quality and noise levels.
The reason the roads are full of German exec saloons is very clear to me, if this is the standard of the alternatives.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 15th July, 2012
16th Jul 2012, 01:34
Lexus Australia here have never brought in a diesel variant of any of their models, instead flogging off their over-priced Hybrids as a fuel saving alternative over the full petrol versions. I'm guessing the 2.2L TD in this is a bog-standard Toyota engine?
5th May 2014, 10:50
CHEAP INTERIOR you said??? You must be kidding me... the Lexus IS has the most decent, well built, nicely fit and superb quality interior in its class. Yes, the acceleration is not as good as BMW, but the ride quality is better.
As most of the people who buy these entry level luxury sports sedans are on a budget, therefore reliability plays a critical role in making decisions. Lexus is far more reliable than BMW, Audi or even Mercedes.
If you don't mind spending big bucks on maintaining your cute lil sedan and want to enjoy aggressive ride, buy a BMW, else buy a Lexus for quality, reliability and pleasure.
30th Jun 2019, 21:03
You said it well, and I totally agree with you. I myself would never choose a BMW, Audi or Mercedes over a Lexus, because with me, and many people I know, reliability is key. Less time in the shop, means less time lost at work.
15th Jul 2012, 19:41
I agree with your review. This car has the soul of a refrigerator. Cheap interior, too, compared to the German makes.