However, comprehensive enhancements to all the system’s components have dramatically improved efficiency, achieving a 10 per cent increase in engine power and a 28 per cent reduction in fuel consumption.

In bringing the CO₂ figure down from 163 to 148g/km, the IS 220d enjoys a more advantageous position in terms of Benefit-in-Kind company car tax rates and the allowance companies can write down against Corporation Tax.  The new BIK rate is 20 per cent and for the 2009/10 tax year the reduced CO₂ level allows companies to offset more of the IS 220d’s capital cost against Corporation Tax at a rate of 20 per cent. Taking the IS 220d SE-I as an example, this means companies can save up to £1,335 in Corporation Tax compared to the previous 2009 model with 163g/km emissions.

In the UK the new-generation RX will be an all-hybrid range, with the RX 450h replacing both the current RX 400h hybrid and RX 350 petrol engine models. Lexus was the first and remains the only manufacturer to offer hybrid models in the segment in Europe, now presenting its second generation model before its rivals manage to bring their first hybrid contenders to the showroom.

Following the launch earlier this year of the ultra-high performance IS F, this will be the third derivative in the IS range.