REVIEW:

The new IS 220d Sport from Lexus adds to the existing 220d Diesel, but with a few more refinements.

More than just a pretty face this one, with the change in the differential gear ratio in the rear axle from 2.474 to 3.200, the gears are much shorter giving razor sharp acceleration.

The engine works well in the higher revs making the sprint to 60 mph more exciting than you get in many other diesels, just 8.8 seconds. Not as quick as the less powerful BMW 320d but this car is almost a quarter of a ton heavier than BMW.

The interior trim is fitted to a good standard and the metallic edges compliment the suede effect upholstery.

Heated front seats are a welcome perk for those colder mornings and 8 point electrical adjustment means Quasy Modo could find a comfortable driving position.

As standard you get climate controlled air-con, multi speaker sound system with CD changer, rain sensitive windscreen wipers, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, push button starter, driving position memory for the drivers seat, door mirrors and steering wheel.

You wouldn't normally expect to find all this in anything less than the top end executive saloons, but Lexus are setting the bar here, and with their name synonomous with excellent after sales service, this one is going to prove difficult to beat.