To Koshime
Your car looks great, pictures on the other topic make it look good, may you enjoy it a little more each day!
However, not wishing in any way to rain on your parade (or anyone else's who have one already or are buying a new IS), I think that Lexus, to a certain degree, has lost the plot.
The thing that makes the IS200 a superb car is that it is different to anything in its class and represents good value for money. The one thing that it isn't is an 'also-ran'. It just does not compete with Beamer 3's and Merc C's because it is different, no matter how hard the motoring press or anyone else attempt to draw comparisons. In many ways it is a 'unique' vehicle at an acceptable value-for-money price level (£20-22k new)and with a clientele that seeks the individuality of a prestige marque with a car that stands apart by appearance, power unit, build quality and standard kit.
The IS250 by comparison does not have and is unlikely to attain the same carefully contrived status as the 200. It does not fit in the same market niche. It is considerably higher speced. It has a bigger motor. The appearance, while undoubtedly very attractive, and of course somewhat a question of personal taste, is not as stylish as the 200 because it has a number of design features that are similar to other cars, including the body shape concept. It is loaded with nice touches, examples of practical and elegant design, standard equipment that other comparable makes don't have and the build quality and finish that are a given with Lexus. The key issue is now that the new IS is considerably more expensive than the 200. It has probably been taken out of the range of many who would or have bought an IS200. It enters the market as an élite voiture like the GS, not as the IS200 was presented - as a good quailty alternative to a number of 'popular' makes at £21,000 OTR.
I am still curious as to why Lexus saw the need to drop the IS200 in favour of the IS250, why the engine change from a solid, straight-6 to an ally V6. Also why a 4-cyl diesel with no auto option.
It makes you wonder if Lexus actually know who their customers are?