Lexus unveils new IS 220d

Lexus"s refreshed IS 220d incorporates comprehensive revisions in design, driving dynamics and safety. This new car will go on sale in Ireland from 26th January 2009. Key changes to car include a sharper exterior and interior restyling as well as improvements to the suspension, steering and brake controls for improved driving dynamics and safety. Lexus claims a smoother and more precise transmission which enhances the gearchange feeling. VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) is now included as standard on all IS 220d grades. This system has been designed to enhance safety and increase driving pleasure. A new S-design grade replaces the Standard grade and benefits from a higher specification that includes sports trim seating, 17' alloy wheels and VDIM as standard. The entry price will be €38,340, which is €390 more expensive than the outgoing entry model. The upgraded Executive models now feature parking sensors and VDIM as standard, while the price has been reduced from €42,480 to €40,490. The new Sport grade now features new 18' alloy wheels, a new final drive ratio of 2.9 and the price on this model has been reduced from €50,600 to €44,325. Modifications have also occurred to the suspension, steering and transmission, all of which contribute to enhanced passenger comfort and convenience. On the outside, there are subtle but significant revisions to the styling of the new IS 220d, such as a revised front grille and bumper design. With a more strongly accentuated bonnet character line, the front grille and attendant front bumper section has been extended by 10mm. Within the front overhang increased to 820mm, bringing the new IS"s overall length to 4,585mm, the bottom of the front grille has also been lowered. This lower bumper is enhanced by a wider, restyled air intake punctuated at either end by integral fog lamps. The car has new 17' and 18' alloy wheel designs, and the range is available in 10 body colours. To the side, new, enlarged power folding door mirrors - coupled with the door lock mechanism for automatic storage and extension when doors are locked or unlocked - now feature integral LED side turn indicators. New dual-speed, opening/closing windows incorporate a custom electronic control unit built into the window motor which automatically slows the window operating speed at the beginning and end of both the opening and closing sequence, reducing noise and vibration as well as reinforcing a sense of luxury. The S-design model now features 'Sport trim" seating which is available in black and grey. There are now two types of leather seats available. The flooring, transmission side wall and front seatbacks will now come in black regardless of what colour trim is selected. This means that choosing a light colour trim creates a two-tone effect to give a modern and sporting feel. The outer rear seats now come with retractable headrests. Within the revised and lowered centre console, switches have been redesigned for enhanced clarity. A card key, keyless entry system (similar to the LS) is now available as an option for the IS 220d. Owners may lock or unlock the doors, start or stop the engine and open the boot without removing the card key from a pocket or wallet. In addition, a memory recall programme allows the card to store the driver"s preferred seat, steering wheel and door mirror positions. The updated IS benefits from further suspension, steering and brake control enhancements. The six-speed manual transmission benefits from enhanced clutch and gear shift feel and Lexus claims it is smoother and easier to operate. By revising the final drive ratio of the IS 220d Sport version from 3.2 to 2.9, CO2 emissions have been reduced by over eight per cent, from 195g/km to 179g/km. This brings this diesel-powered car into Band E for road tax, reducing the annual bill from €1,000 to €600. VDIM, Lexus" unique Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, is now fitted as standard across the range. VDIM provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, traction control, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist control (when equipped with automatic transmission) and electric power steering systems. Lexus claims the system allows the car to achieve a high level of performance but with less obtrusive and smoother intervention when absolutely needed.