If you are a specialist in something, why would you change? Lexus has entered reason and returned to its roots with the new IS. Gone is the diesel version, which is now replaced by this hybrid of great use and pleasure; rectify is wise.

There is no doubt that in Lexus what they do best are hybrids. It is true that manufacture more cars and are not bad, but his specialty, which is what has given them fame, is combined electric-gasoline hybrid technology with luxury and sportiness. DNA found within its refinement, comfort, luxury, quiet ride, a lot of technology and, in some cases, sportsmanship. However, in the previous generation IS all this was lost with the diesel version. The model was intended to fight other as Series BMW 3, the C class Mercedes or Audi A4 and in Europe it needed a diesel engine. I had, but the regular brand did not know understand; more than a Lexus seemed an expensive Toyota which is not bad- but underneath was a car but offered nothing different and we even had little space behind. Conclusion: nothing to deal with more than adequate premium German sedan and deployment of powertrains.

Rivals Mercedes, Audi and BMW

arrives the new generation of IS, the third, and the approach is completely different, more in keeping with its philosophy of always. Again points to Mercedes, Audi or BMW, but this time he does it with his own personality, offering a technology that Audi and Mercedes have in this segment. BMW has a hybrid 3 Series but is in another power level and price that makes it unique. So, is unrivaled in the market, detail that I consider a success because It is positioned as a different and necessary alternative. Let’s see if it lives up.

The IS has changed and now generation the base is completely new. Grows to 7 cm long, every battle, hence has improved one of its weaknesses: the rear seats. Improvement over the previous space behind both width and length, offering a livability now live up to its rivals. Still offers less width dimension than them, 3 cm less than the A4 and 5 unless the 3 Series, but it grows 3 cm resulting enough to provide a decent space for a car of this size and forms. This addition and subtraction of centimeters results in two comfortable rear seats. A third party can go sit in the middle between the seats but have a lot of ergonomics for two and the central tunnel has its role, the better for both.

Despite the increased size and improved habitability, the trunk loses 60 liters; in theory it is larger, and the conventional gasoline version sure it is, but we must remember that this test is about the hybrid, battery system housed under the trunk floor. In any case It offers only 10 liters less than the Audi A4, 15 less than the BMW 3 Series and 30 less than the Mercedes C Class. It’s not bad at all.

Hybrid family …

He IS 300h has the same technological base we know in the rest of the family Lexus hybrid and Toyota. This time combining a gasoline engine, also in Atkinson cycle but four cylinder 2.5 liter. Like the rest, variable valve timing and leads directly and indirectly, with admission two injectors per cylinder, one combustion chamber and another manifold admisión-. It is complemented by a 105 kW electric motor, no way "integrated" change in the drive itself and achieves a total system power of 223 hp. This hybrid set derived from the employee in the HS, a model based forms Prius and marketed in the US market, to which they have increased only for IS on engine combustion 2.3 to 2.5 liters. The result is good and is well suited to the characteristics of size IS.

Victory over Diesel

With objective data, such as performance and actual consumption, beats replacing the diesel version: Is slightly faster and in relaxed driving, consumes less. Average expenditure cuts mainly urban consumption, It happened on our usual route of 7.2 liter Diesel to 4 l / 100 km of this 300h; There is no doubt that the city is hybrid territory. Road and motorway consumes slightly less, although here and strongly influences the type of driving that takes place; If you abuse the Sport mode and the throttle, you will lower the IS with average consumer reach about 8 liters high figure if compared with the 4-liter recorded on average in our Technical Center but low if you compare it with cars like power and performance.

I think it is not bad; walks like a good V6 and if you put your mind, spend less than a modern diesel with ease. Yes, but it is refined and very pleasant even in its operation by the car speakers simulates the sound of the V6 or even V8-, V6 has no touch, among other things because it is not. You’ll like it a whole lot and I assure you It has its own personality, with a perfect very lengthy operation-and maintenance- very low costs fans of hybrids will appreciate, but do not look on it as high mechanical sensations by touch resembles a Prius, with a much more attractive overall package and higher performance to enjoy more your flyer.

I liked the behavior this car. Yokohama BluEarth tires squeal too and is easy to exceed its limit of adhesion. In fact braking distances to full detention have not been very bright. I personally would put a more dynamic tire. However the base of the car is good. The previous He has gained poise and overall response to uneven surface. I found it much more comfortable and, at the same time, more accurate. It has no damping setting excessively cumbersome for good poise he has. It has the typical hybrid brake feel, that choice does not suit you get used; It costs a little but a pair of outputs you have become accustomed. heavy to be an average saloon note but lightweight to be a hybrid. Overall the balance is positive, to the point I’m willing to try the IS250 because I’m going to be a good sport sedan, but of course, will not have the balance between performance and consumption of the 300h.

Life on board is nice. It is beautifully finished and there is good ergonomics. So much technology contrasts with details like the joystick of the system or the handbrake standing but Overall I give your interior a remarkable. Good seats, silent running and a lot of technological feel. It is one of those cars that do not get excited the first time but you start to enjoy over the kilometers, possibly to the point that after this no want something other than hybrid.