Lexus IS200 Reviews

Later, the Mercedes C-Class was also in Lexus’s sights as Mercedes quietly moved it from the boring sedan into the sporty sedan segment.All Lexus are immaculately finished inside and out in a tradition that has been with the marque since day one in 1989.The quality of materials and workmanship not only makes the car a delight to look at and sit in, but also makes for high level reliability.Interior space is good for a rear-drive car, but the little Lexus has less room than a front-wheel-drive of this size would have.Try the back seat for size if adults will be frequently using it.The quality of materials and workmanship makes the car a delight to look at with high level reliability.In its earlier iterations, it’s possibly best to regard it as being a two-plus-two rather than a four-seater for adults.Later models are better but still nothing special.That’s for the sedans, the IS hardtop convertibles, launched in July 2009, are very tight in the back seat, as is generally the way in this class.The first Lexus IS generation used straight-six engines, for smoothness; and rear-wheel drive for precise handling balance.Later it changed to V6 powerplants to free up space at the front.Power for the IS200 originally came from an engine with a capacity of just 2.0 litres, hence the ‘200’.While many praised the car others said it didn’t have enough grunt to match the chassis so a 3.0-litre IS300 was introduced in 2001.Splitting the difference is the IS 250, (yes, 2.5 litres) which replaced both the 200 and 300 with the introduction of the second generation IS Series in 2005.The third generation Lexus IS retained the 2.5-litre V6 in uprated format and added a 3.5-litre V6, to the lineup.Lexus decided to tackle the German marque’s high-performance divisions with a hot model called Lexus F.Things became interesting in the powerplant field with the introduction of a hybrid powertrain, the Lexus IS300h, in the gen-three car in July 2013.This time around the engine is a four-cylinder petrol 2.5-litre assisted by an electric motor.The ‘300’ indicates the hybrid provides the sort of performance normally requiring a 3.0-litre unit.After years of competing only against the mainstream models of BMW and Merc, Lexus decided to tackle the German marque’s high-performance divisions with a hot model called Lexus F in October 2008.With a 5.0-litre V8 engine and semi-race suspension, steering, brakes and serious aerodynamic enhancements it’s something right out of the ordinary from a Lexus point of view; deliberately so, the Japanese marque really wants to make a statement.Note that the Lexus F shouldn't be confused with the Lexus F Sport, which is a far tamer model, sold from 2010, with the same engine output standard IS 250 or IS 350 on which it is based, but with uprated suspension, steering and brakes, as well as a sportier look in body details.Spare parts and servicing are reasonably priced for a car in this class.Lexus dealers are fairly limited in number, particularly in rural areas, though that situation has changed in recent years as major country cities are now being serviced.Some senior Toyota technicians are trained in most aspects of the car. Toyota is, of course, the parent company of Lexus.Insurance is generally moderate in price for a car in this price and social class and we haven't noticed any worthwhile variation between the major companies in normal premiums.Look for damage to the bodywork and the interior trim and remember the car should be close to immaculate in all areas.If not it may have been mistreated by an uncaring owner.During your test drive check for anything out of the ordinary in the way the car drives, sounds and feels.Look over the complete vehicle, preferably with the owner’s handbook in front of you, these are complex cars.At the very least, test each of the functions on the stereo, climate-control, windows and door locking.Make sure the engine starts virtually instantaneously, idles so smoothly that you can barely feel it and doesn't hesitate when accelerated.The automatic transmission should operate almost imperceptibly and not hold onto any gears unnecessarily.A manual gearbox should be smooth and light not baulk on any changes, no matter how fast you make them.Unless you’re very confident in your technical ability it’s silly not to call for a professional inspection.Don’t rush into specific details of a car when checking it out - rather do an overall walk around to get a big-picture of its condition.

Graham Smith road tests and reviews the used 2001-2004 Lexus IS200.

There's little doubt of which car Toyota was aiming at when it designed the IS200; its looks, size and proportions all mirror the BMW 3-Series.

Everybody loves a hero, whether it's a sporting legend or a movie star.  It's the same in the motoring world, where almost all car makers hang their hats on tricked-up "hero'' versions of their bread-and-butter models.But, just like human heroes, some hot cars beg to be seen and others disguise themselves Clark Kent style.  Volkswagen's Bora V6 4Motion is the latest to join the unassuming hero-car clan.The German car maker claims this four-wheel-drive version of its mid-sized Golf-based sedan is the fastest model in its Australian line-up.  It hopes the new car will not only grab a slice of the sports-oriented, entry-level prestige pie, but will finally put the Bora range on Australians' shopping lists after a rather lacklustre first two years here.The Bora has been the forgotten link in Volkswagen's Australian line-up. Most of its attention has been devoted to the trendy New Beetle and all-new Passat range.  But the V6 4Motion's arrival has spurred the now company-owned subsidiary in Australia to really push the Bora range, with greater emphasis on advertising and marketing.The arrival of the V6 4Motion model also coincides with a slight upgrade of the unique 2.3-litre five-cylinder model. Slightly more power comes from a revised cylinder head, and the basic 2.0-litre four-cylinder version gets a minor price adjustment.The range-topping model comes only, and uniquely, with a six-speed manual gearbox and permanent four-wheel-drive transmission. It is powered by a 2.8-litre V6 engine, which produces 150kW of power and 270Nm of torque.  Apart from performance, the flagship Bora also comes packed with a long list of luxury and safety features.The cabin has leather trim and the dash gets walnut wood inserts. There is also an eight-speaker stereo system with a six-stack CD player in the boot.  The Bora V6 4Motion comes with front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and an electronic stability program.DrivingTHIS car is a pretty fast piece of machinery, but you wouldn't know just by looking at it.  Its boxy, bland body hides one of the best engine and transmission combinations in its class.Apart from its classy 16-inch alloy wheels, it just doesn't scream "sports car'' either in the car park or cruising down the road.  But perceptions change as soon as you slip into the well-supported leather seats and turn the key.The V6 engine has a meaty growl and a surprising amount of low-down pulling power. At one stage I even had to check out the hardware underthe bonnet to make sure it didn't have a low-pressure turbo charger strapped on its side.With its close-ratio six-speed gearbox, the Bora V6 4Motion sprints away from the lights while the four-wheel drive transmission allows for maximum traction.  The gearbox is quick and easy to shift, though the clutch can be tricky to get right at low revs.In the twisty stuff, the Bora really comes alive, with only a hint of front-end push when things get serious.  While the handling is tight, the ride quality doesn't suffer much. Bumps and tram tracks are soaked up with ease.  The stereo system is top notch and the groovy blue lights in the dash are unique.The all-black trim in the test car makes it feel small, but there's plenty of room for four adults and generous boot space for luggage.  The Bora V6 4Motion is a well-built and well-sorted sports saloon. But it looks bland and, with its high price, will struggle to lure buyers from entry-level BMWs and Benzes.Volkswagen will have a special body kit -- 17-inch alloys, a boot lid spoiler and wire-mesh grille inserts -- developed by German aftermarket companies Oettinger and Votex, but has yet to confirm the final price and availability.The bottom line3/5Plus: Engine; handling. Good-quality sports sedan, lacks carpark cred.Minus: Bland body; price.VOLKSWAGEN BORA V6 4MotionPrice as tested: $54,400Engine: 2.8-litre V6 with overhead camshafts and fuel injectionPower: 150kW at 6200 revsTorque: 270Nm at 3200 revsTransmission: Six-speed manual, four-wheel driveBody: Four-door sedanDimensions: Length: 4376mm, width: 1735mm, height: 1444mm, wheelbase: 2513mm, tracks: 1513mm/1487mm front/rearWeight: 1457kgFuel Tank: 62 litresFuel consumption: 10.7 litres/100kmSteering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinionSuspension: Fully independent with front MacPherson struts and torsion-beam rear with coil springs and anti-roll bars.Brakes:  Four-wheel anti-skid ventilated discsWheels: 6.5x16 alloysTyres: 205/55 R16Warranty: Three years/60,000kmRivalsAlfa 156 V6 - (from $56,900)Volvo S40 T4 - (from $56,950)Lexus IS200 - (from $53,340)Peugeot 406 V6 - (from $53,990)