This revised edition of the Lexus IS shown at the Beijing Auto Show not too long ago is pretty much the same as the one we currently get. This facelift features revisions to the appearance and interior equipment.
At first glance it’s not hard to see that the appearance of the IS is now a lot more aggressive thanks to a new set of headlamps, large air intakes in the front bumper and a reconstructed spindle grille design. A stronger character line has been added to the profile of the body and a new range of alloy wheels aid the sedan’s imposing stance.
Inside the IS, there will be a new 10,3-inch infotainment system with a higher resolution for cleaner images. The sensitive control unit remains but it has been equipped with the enter button seen in the current GS and RX models.
Other additions include a re-positioning of the audio and ventilation control panel, new cup-holder designs that are reshaped to also house larger smart phones, a larger leather-wrapped palm rest and new markings for the premium in-dash analogue clock.
The IS will still be available with the 2,0-litre turbo-petrol and 3,5-litre V6 engines of the current range, both mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission.
The facelift will arrive in South Africa the final quarter of this year. Pricing has yet to be announced.
