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Lexus IS250 2006 review

Yes, it's disappointing that Lexus did not opt for a larger engine when it consolidated the IS200 and IS300 into one model.

And yes, if you look closely, some parts are branded Toyota (everyone knows it's really a Toyota under the skin).

But having said that, it still stands as one damn fine piece of machinery that can hold its high in more fancied company.

The IS250 has by default become Lexus's entry level model with the demise of the rather ugly, bloated and front-wheel drive ES300.

Prices for the car start from just under $54,000 rising to $78,500 for the whole box and dice before on-road costs.

More than anything else the IS250 marks a turning point for Lexus with its distinctive coupe-like styling and a strategic move away from straight six power plants.

It has evolved into a car in its own right, rather than some BMW copycat, compact in dimensions but certainly no 3-Series clone.

The 2.5-litre Quad Cam V6 develops 153kW of power at 6400rpm and 252Nm of torque at 4800rpm, with variable intake and exhaust valve timing, replacing the previous 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre straight sixes.

This compares with the IS300's 157kW of power at 5800rpm and 288Nm of torque at 3800rpm.

You can see the difference lies mainly in the torque figure and the way both power and torque are developed higher in the rev range.

It gives the car less low down grunt but this is partly compensated for by a switch to a six- speed tranny, with its wider spread of ratios.

The smaller IS200 meanwhile developed a lack lustre 114kW of power at 6200rpm and 195Nm of torque at 4600rpm.

So, why didn't Lexus opt for a larger, more powerful engine?

Well, it argues that the new car delivers significantly better fuel economy while providing higher levels of performance, safety and comfort as well as lower levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The alloy 2.5-litre V6 is 33kg lighter and shorter than the superseded 3.0-litre six, so it can located further back in the car for better weight distribution.

It is matched to either a six-speed manual or six-speed sequential automatic that allows the driver to change gears like a manual.

Our test vehicle was the Sports model with optional six-speed auto. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, adaptive xenon front lights, sunroof and sports pedals.

Fuel economy for the auto, an important consideration in these times of rising fuel prices, is rated at 9.1 litres per 100km, better even than the manual at 9.8.

In fact, the new model achieves eight per cent better fuel economy than the previous 2.0-litre car and 14.2 per cent better economy than the 3.0-litre six.

Premium unleaded is recommended and we got 8.2 litres per 100km from the 65 litre tank.

IS250 is available in three different grades: IS250, IS250 Sports and IS250 Sports Luxury.

It's jam packed with technology but fortunately it doesn't get in the way of the drive experience.

The car is 175mm longer, 75mm wider and 5mm higher than the previous model.

Drive is to the rear wheels with double- wishbone front suspension, multi-link suspension replacing rear wishbones and electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering.

It has a longer wheelbase and wider track than the previous model and the Sport rides 13mm lower, with different front and rear tyre sizes _ 225/40 front and 255/40 back.

Some motor noters have found the stability/ traction control system intrusive, but we like the way it kicks in progressively, allowing the driver to keep feeding in the power, even in fastest, wettest sweeping bends.

The auto also includes steering wheel- mounted gear change paddles, but they are not fixed to the steering column and not to our liking.

The white on black instrumentation is sharp and easy to read, but lacks a digital speed readout.

Eight airbags are standard, including driver and front passenger's knee airbags.

Active safety features include Vehicle Swerve Control (VSC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Lexus Brake Assist (BA), with adaptive front headlights on Sports and Sports Luxury models.

We're a big fan of Lexus sound systems in general and the IS250's does not disappoint, with a 13-speaker premium system standard.

Pricing guides

$7,999
Based on 27 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$5,500
Highest Price
$17,990

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
IS250 Prestige 2.5L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $5,940 – 8,360 2006 Lexus IS 2006 IS250 Prestige Pricing and Specs
IS250 Sports 2.5L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $8,580 – 12,100 2006 Lexus IS 2006 IS250 Sports Pricing and Specs
IS250 Sports Luxury 2.5L, PULP, 6 SP SEQ AUTO $7,480 – 10,560 2006 Lexus IS 2006 IS250 Sports Luxury Pricing and Specs
Chris Riley
Contributing Journalist

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Pricing Guide

$5,500

Lowest price, based on 23 car listings in the last 6 months

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.