Typically perceived as a Japanese luxury car brand, Lexus cars are often associated with the matured and family-oriented crowd, but that isn't the case for its entire lineup, especially so for the IS. The first generation IS Sedan was a sporty luxury sedan enamoured car enthusiasts, and this time round, Lexus has managed to capture that same line of athleticism through the sexy curves and suave design of the updated IS.

Right from the first glance you take at the IS, you'll notice its sportier stance - indeed, at 4,705mm x 1,840mm x 1,435mm (L x W x H), it sits lower and wider than its predecessor. Up front, an aggressive grille takes centrestage, flanked by restyled headlamps that fit snugly among the stylish creases to create a sleek front end. Lexus' designers didn't just leave it at that, the rear now sports a set of curved taillights that span the width of the body.

While the designers were hard at work, it's clear the engineers at Lexus didn't skive either. The IS' chassis now feels tauter, its suspension feels stiffer and its steering more communicative than before, and these all works together to create an agile and precise sedan that outshines its competitors. Of course, being a Lexus after all, you can still expect one of the best rides in its class, the well-judged engineering means it'll soak up even the harshest of road surfaces without coming across as crashy.

A quality interior with top notch insulation from the elements takes the Lexus experience up another notch - with the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions there's little to complain about the interior, even for those who seek to be pleased by an abundance of tech features.