LEXUS IS 250/220D

The Lexus IS is probably the best car that Lexus makes in terms of all-round performance – especially as this Lexus sports a diesel variant. Ride and handling are very, very good – there’s just a slight feeling that this isn’t the most involving machine in the world.

• Comfort

   Ride, even in this smallest Lexus, is brilliant. Great damping means that the IS can iron out pretty much anything the below-average road can throw at it. BMW edges it in terms of outright roadholding, but the IS250 especially really sorts the men from the osteopaths on a dodgy bit of broken motorway. Long distances are a joy.

• Performance

  Just over 200bhp (204 to be exact) for the 2.5-litre V6 doesn't really do the experience justice; creamy smooth, and it fits with the six-speed auto like a mechanical hand in an oily metal glove. For the sprint you're looking at 8.1 seconds and a 144mph top speed. The 2.2-litre, 175bhp diesel is less refined (but getting on for best in class), has a six-speed auto and still provides perfectly relevant real-world speed.

• Cool

  Understated, but a genuine competitor to default-buy BMW ownership. Quiet cool.

• Quality

  This Lexus feels supremely screwed together and there are some really very quality materials to hand, but there's a chance you'll still trip over Japanese-spec wood that looks like it's been made from the finest quality plastic.

• Handling

  Rear-wheel drive and fleet of foot, the IS makes the most of what it's got in either petrol or diesel form. The diesel feels a little nose-heavy when you start to get really enthusiastic, but both cars maintain that classy edge that European front-drive saloons just can't replicate. The steering's not the most feelsome, but this is a nimble, sporty saloon.

• Practicality

   The IS is a practical enough thing - there's plenty of space for four or five at a push and the boot is reasonable at 378litres, but the IS isn't class-leading for space.

• Running costs

  The petrol gets a reasonable 28.8mpg, the diesel a good 10mpg more. Insurance is relatively cheap at group 13 and residuals are good. You're also looking at undercutting the equivalent Beemer or Merc by a grand or so.