Scarlet Pimpernell

Space is one of the things that hits you immediately - it is cramped in the back and the boot is small. What sold me on it was the styling, value for money and overall package - for the price you'd be mad to get anything else new, unless you really don't like the Lexus brand. My Audi A4 is bigger internally (and boot is much bigger) and as well built. I would also wager that it is as quiet as the Lexus inside, does not suffer from road noise at all, and as well screwed together...but there's something about the Lexus brand that draws me to it...and where the Audi is staid and sombre inside, the Lexus is positively a delight!! Oh yes - a New A4 comes out in 18 months or so, so it would be a waste of dosh buying a new one now... No car is perfect, but for now this is close enough!

Nice one Alpine ... It's a crazy site!! Mind you there are 3.5 million people who think they could make a better job of running the England football team than Mr Erikson...none of them play soccer...so he could be right! Scott - R U still getting yours tomorrow? Let us know how your wheels are and what you think of that 220d!!! Post some pics if you can - I am eagerly watching this space!

And another Naff review from uncle SAM! http://www.autozine.org/html/Toyota/IS.html I still don't understand it...what are they testing? And whom for...? Don't worry baby IS220d, I still love you....I feel like an expectant dad!

Another I can think of (posted yeaterday) is controllability of the low volume of the Navigation instructions

Guys, The engine is very good and I preferred it over the V6 2.5 - some how the "throaty" thrum and slight "feel" through the pedals and gearstick make it more engaging... Any one else had a go since these posts? Dunno how old this article is, but it's findings were just like mine....for a journo, this is probably the best article to date! Incase you can't get to it....: "Anything you can do I can do better. That's the maxim that Lexus has aimed to live by since its arrival in the UK in 1990. Since then it has closely rivalled - but not quite beaten - the best built, most refined and most desirable European saloons. But there's one thing it has always lacked: a diesel engine. Thankfully, that's set to change. With the all-new IS saloon, Lexus's engineers have had to get their hands dirty and developed the firm's first oil-burning powerplant. Producing 175bhp and 295Ib ft of torque, the 2.2-litre four-cylinder unit aims to dent the domination of German diesel giants with a blend of performance and economy, but does it live up to the Japanese firm's legendary reputation for refinement? As soon as you press the start button it's clear that Lexus hasn't forgotten what it is that makes its cars special. Considering what's in the fuel tank, the engine is incredibly quiet - it's hard to tell you are travelling in a diesel-powered car at any time other than when it's at full throttle. Unlike some rivals, the Lexus's power delivery is relatively even once you've found it, but there is precious little thrust below 2,000rpm or above 4,000rpm, when a neat 'change up' light illuminates within the rev counter. Official figures claim 0-62mph takes 8.9 seconds, but in real-world conditions it's clear that the engine is more suited to cruising than flat-out acceleration. The same is true of the saloon's dynamic set-up, which provides nimble handling but lacks the sharp steering and agility of a 3-Series. A Sport version will arrive in April and should offer a sharper drive. The only transmission on offer for diesel buyers is a six-speed manual - Lexus claims there isn't a strong enough demand for a diesel auto to make it worthwhile building one. The shift is at its worst when rushed, but it's smooth and has a tall sixth ratio for frugal cruising. That helps the IS 220d post a stunning fuel consumption of 44.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 168g/km. For the first time Lexus has a compact executive saloon that is a viable choice for business and fleet customers. However, it's not cheap. While prices start at £22,200 for the entry-level IS 220d, pitching it directly at BMW's 320d, the luxuriously equipped flagship model will set you back £27,800. Let the company car wars begin... Words/Pictures: Chris Thorp/Pete Gibson DATA BANK Models driven Lexus IS 220d SE-L Engine 2,231cc 4-cyl turbodiesel, 175bhp, 295lb ft Transmission 6-spd manual, rwd Performance 0-62mph in 8.9secs, max speed 134mph Fuel economy 44.8mpg (combined) CO2/tax 168/km / 23% Key rivals BMW 320d, Mercedes C320, Audi A4 2.0 TDI FIRST DRIVE OPINION... Middle of the Road FOR: engine's refinement and economy; comfort; quality AGAINST: no auto option; doesn't feel as fast as it should SEND TO MOBILE COMMENT EMAIL A FRIEND ADD TO SCRAPBOOK RELATED ARTICLES Comments: 0 " Customer Owned IS250/220's seen on the road = 3 (though one of those might have been seen twice)(KWIM?)

So I take it that what I suggested does not work...

Not done this on the test drive so not sure, but... On some Nav systems (like my Sony), you can adjust the volume further by making "her" talk, and whilst she speaks simultaneously increase the volume using the general volume control on the stereo... This makes "her" voice go up, but the stereo stays the same. So the two volume controls are independant...and this also allows you to just completely lower the radio/CD/MP3 volume to zero but still hear the Nav if you want. Apologies in advance if Let me know if it works - I too have ordered MM with mine and it was be "BAD" not to be able to keep Mark Levinson at 300 watts all the time...

I asked the very same question: You don't have to buy it now - wait until your servicce is due and then pay for 3 services (why give'm cash now?) Service costs for the New IS were not issued in December still, but were supposed to be on a par with the old IS. Lexus literature always mentions "Cheaper Servicing"...so I can't see how "on a par with with old IS" means cheaper... :duh: Oh yes, go "gold" and you might save even more...I must do that...as soon as my new car arrives!

My 220d SE with MM arrives in March 06. My dealer offered me £9k for my one owner (me) 52 plate A4 with 46k, 1.9TDI 130 SE with aftermarket Nav and a good factory fit "extras" listing in December. Got the "drivethedeal" discount, but after some lengthy negotiations agreed to let them have my Audi in Jan (next Saturday) for £9k. I thought I was getting approx £500 less then book, and so tried to sell privately, and failed. No one even wanted to see it!! It's a fab/perfect car, and at times I question myself why I'm changing . I've just checked pex values for Jan and it's now at £8.6k, but the dealer had already agreed £9k so that's what I'm getting. Inspite of what people at Lexus dealers (and other dealers) might say, the bottom has fallen out of the car market. You may have read some threads about "Value changes" at times of the year, and the dealers are ignoring the CAP/Black books on certain cars. A "friend" in the trade has told me so (he only offered me £8k for my car!!). I think that as IS200's are not sold in vast quantities demand is low, especially with the new model and that's about you'll get. I am a little nervous about the new IS and how well it will fair for future value...but I think they will sell quite well - once the "German car brigade" realise how good it is. These are options I considered, and I think your situation is similar to mine: Don't buy now - wait until May when it gets really quiet at the showrooms and pick up a demo. You might get £10k for your car, but save £2-3k on the demo. See if you can do what I did and hand in your pex early - you might get more now. We will survive with the Mrs's car until Jan, but you might not be able to, obviously. Sell privately (what a palarva that is - I had more calls from canvassers!) Try a dealer in a remote place (North Scotland) etc where you know he won't hit a target! I hadn't tried that. Any way, good luck!!

Flippin' 'eck! I'm truly glad you are all OK, other than your wife's wrist, but just imaging what could have happened. Life's too precious! I suppose as you recover from this the Insurance dealings will be something to look forward to...most give you a new car any way (within 6 month WO), so you shouldn't lose out...unless they insist on a repair. But for now, get well!!

Nice Pics mate!! :winky:

I doubt very much that you will be disappointed - just let us all know and gloat when you get yours - make sure you fire some pictures in too!! PS just found this vid: http://www.dailymotion.com/tag/220d/video/12131 Spot the :tsktsk: mistakes - note it is being touted as a IS220D Test Drive Well - the Tacho states you can rev to 6500rpm, Auto box....but then he's not from the UK...

You have the feeling that they do... I did not get a chance to sort out the "personalising bit", but will tackle that later now. We were pushed for time.

Guys - forgot to add - some people have complained that the IS250 is so cossetting that it somehow disengages you from the real world...it cocoons you. The IS220d makes up for that with that gloriously sporty sounding engine...no big boy exhausts needed - just drive one and you'll see! The "dead in a straight line" steering is not a problem for me...My A4 was deader still!

I have always been a BMW fanatic...in fact I owned my first BeeEm at age 20, 316 E21, used to cost me £1300 to insure in 1987... the family are BeeEm nuts...boy they'll get a shock when they see my IS220d! Like you say, it blows you away. I tested the 320d, it was OK, but not memorable. Check out my 220d test post today in the forum. As for the auto option...I too would have gone for that...in the diesel it would have made the perrrrfect car!

Salesman told me yesterday that there is a delay - a national delay with the Sport...dunno if Moley can confirm...?

OK Guys - I had my eagerly awaited test drive in a base 220d with MM in Slate with Beige cloth yesterday. The Caspian SE-L was out...: I went with an open mind having heard the press stories, and told the salesman as we walked up to the car. He was surprised (as if he hadn't already read them- yeah - right). I was managing his expectations in case I wanted to cancel... I purposefully did not listen to the engine from the outside...so I quickly got in...He drove off first It was quiet, smooth, and I dunno what the others who have tested it thought, but distinctively sporty sounding...not diesel clatter at all in normal driving... After 1/4 mile, we swapped over at filling station...and I took to the wheel. As I walked around the front, with the engine on, I could not hear it all...probably due to ambient noise in the station, road etc...good sign...I have driven loads of Diesels over 100k in 4 years, so roughly knew what is bad and what is not. So lets start with the not so good... 1) Very slight vibration through gear stick when stationary, or travelling in first, but it's not alot.... 2) When going above 3800 RPM it distinctively starts to growl...but hey, it revs to 5250 rpm, thats 850 more than my A4 PDI 130! It's the only time you get any real idea that it is a diesel...and clatterry only when you get to 4500+ RPM. But right the way through it is smooth. 3) Power delivery - well lets face it, it appears narrowish, and I think with all of that torque 6 gears are a waste!! But that could be 'cos it had 80 miles on the clock...KWIM? 4) Fuel economy - mainly dual carriageway, 20 miles and 31 MPG...can't be right...seems low...No matter how I drive the Audi, a motorway/dual carriageway = 50+ MPG! And that's it! Good bits: 1) As mentioned above, the engine actually sounds a lot better than the 250 V6 IMHO, it is smooth - smoother than the Honda I thought - and sounds sporty as you accelerate - infact in the Sport version this would be wicked! As Haf mentioned, you could be sitting on the motorway at 70 mph, with your cruise on at 1500 rpm, and you cannot hear the engine at all...it's so quiet. 3-4 times I realised I was doing 80 and had to slow down...then I started using the cruise... I would love to see a head to head with a 250 - I though it was almost as quick off the mark, but definately quicker through the gears (with all that torque). 2) It pulls very cleanly - in fact deceptively quickly...far better then the 320d...! 3) Complaints of a notchy gearbox - not a chance - the one I drove was spectacularly precise (as was the IS250 manual I drove). So compared to competition - NVH - well the 320d engine I drove was the bench mark... and still is in some ways - but only towards the top end...the others purely make up the numbers. In normal driving, the IS220d is fab - actually better than the 320d. The Toyota engine is the most advanced, all alloy etc, and over all car wise the IS gets the vote, again IMHO. You barely need to go into what I call the Red zone - i.e. when you can hear it scream, cos it's so power full anyway... So did I cancel? Absolutely not - infact we did "up" it to the SE with MM. So mine is now due to land Mid March - IS220d SE Mesa Red, MM, Black Leather (hope you guys approve). My original car (220d Base, Mesa/Black cloth +MM) is still coming if anyone is interested - contact Lexus Leic...!! Can't wait! The IS220d gets the vote from me. As mentioned before, I have driven the lot of them in this price range - and the C220CDI was the worst, then the Jag, the Honda, Audi A4, Passatt, 320d in that order from worst to best...! Oh, the IS at the top !

Brilliant, will you be able to test out motorway cruising speeds (70+) for noise. I'm also interested to know if there is any pedal vibration when accelerating or going up a hill (as reported in one of the mags, cant remember which). Can't wait to hear back ← My route will be B roads, followed by dual carriageway (A6 to Loughborough - 8 miles or so), then back through A roads (Quorndon, Mountsorrell etc) so should get a good feel...approx 45 minuts or so...

I was wondering if I was the only one that thought £3k was a lot of cash for what you get. When I got my IS200 in 2001 the SE was only an extra £1500 and you got the sunroof, extra speakers etc as well. ← I thought exactly the same, but decided that leather is easier to keep clean Also, I use the heated seat all the time in the winter. Not sure about the ventilated seats as the car (and me) stays cool enough with the aircon. ← It is a slot of dosh, but when you consider that at £25oddk for an SE, you get shed loads more kit overall than the 3 series etc...so even though Lexus might make you think they are not competing with anyone else, they really really are... Personally I think that the base is fantastic value for money...less road noise, but the cloth looks good now, but is too shiny and thin to wear well...especially in the seat squabs... Will get another look in tonight...

Guys, good news! My test drive is booked for 4.45pm today (can't help thinking they have read my posts... ) It's gonna be the Base model, which is what I have ordered though I am likely to be upping it to the SE (they agreed I could...). I will try and post back tonight, and have also PM'd Steve to see if we can have a "Pinned" topic like the IS250 Test Drive one. If not, I will post back tomorrow!! WTS

Absolutely - but they made me a promise...if they value my custom...My phonmes ringing!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it! It was the dealership...booked for 4.45pm today! :D I will probably post back tomorrow morning!

Let me know if you manage to get a drive. ← As soon as I do I will post back...!

I Ordered the 220d Base with MM, Mesa red with Black cloth. I know mine is arriving 17th Feb for March 1st Delivery. The SE was in my original budget, but initially I felt it was too much to spend on Leather (ventilated and electric it might be...) and fatter wheels! I opted for the 16" wheels 'cos there is definately less road noise (obviously with 205/16 instead of 225 and 245/17's) and the car definately rides better. In fact if they test that against any of the opposition it will win the ride/handling contest (might not win the Steering "feel" - but it's fine for me). Having said this, I am concerned about the shiny fabric in the base model, and am seriously thinking about upping it to an SE, and live with the road noise etc. And I sippose the bum warmer might be good for my bad back... The Leather is better bolstored too. PS Just spoke to the wife who is not best pleased...wants me to demand a test drive or we cancel...

Options to "Personalise" through the EMV/MLS. In the Beemers, if you opt for the iDrive (Sat Nav Proff) you can change loads of settings for things like Auto locking, headlights, coming home functionality, auto lights etc etc. We would like to think that anything a beemer can do, the Lexus can do (and better!).

:tsktsk: :tsktsk: :tsktsk: :shutit: