Just read the link at the top of the page on the spec for the facelifted 2009 IS, and it does appear more confusing than before. Nice that the spec has improved across the board, but it's annoying that only the SE-L still has memory seats and more importantly HIDs.

Also bizarrely MM is now only available on the SE-L, whereas you can only have satnav alone on other models. Do like how the SE-L now comes with 18" alloys though making it stand out from the rest of the range. Personally I think they should have added MM into the SE-L as standard and given it a £30k price tag and given the SE-I HIDs but that's just my opinion...........

I had a look at theLexus site and the details are up on there. As you say there is an SE, SEI and an SEL also there is an SR. No sport derivatives otherwise. The SEL has to be auto. An interim MM without the sound upgrade.

Seems to me they have removed the basic model, downgraded the SE inserted the SEI to try and cover the gap and the left the SEL at the top. If you configure the price of the SEL auto with MM it seems to be almost the same as 12 months ago ( OK you get a free safety gizmo thrown in = probably becuase nobody wanted to pay for it ).

IMHO this is a markekting nightmare and those already with an SE will get screwed when they try to sell or trade. Yes, we all know there is a Glass's guide but will they be able to keep control - I doubt it.

What's the safety gizmo that's now included?

Yep resales are going to get very confusing with SEs with leather and SEs with the fake suede and wildly differing specs........

I think there may still be a Sport on the way, but will probably be dependent on sales. Hopefully they'll make it a proper Sport (like BMW and Merc) and maybe fit all the F Sport upgrades to it and a bodykit

It's Vehicle Integrated Dynamics Management (VDIM) on all vehicles. They have also tweaked the diesel a bit to come down a tax band. I think the SR is the model with the "ISF pack".

why is lexus uk site so CRAP! compared to the US one. their IS pics are of the older version. they havent put pics of the new 09 shape even tho the details/specs are of the new version.

seems strange that to get an SE-L u need to have an automatic. with the manual u can only get SE-I with the sat nav pack which doesnt come with the Mark levinson sound system....