So successful has Lexus' hybrid range been that whenever one mentions the word 'hybrid', the Japanese marque comes to mind, just like its parent company Toyota.
Lexus was one of the first carmakers to realise the potential of hybrids, and the company now has a wide range of hybrids, competing in several market classes.
In this case, we are talking about the compact luxury sedan segment. Back in 1998, the IS was originally sold under the Toyota Altezza nameplate in Japan until the Lexus brand was introduced in 2006. The European and US versions of the IS made their debuts in 1999 and 2000 respectively.
Introduced in January 2013, the new IS range includes the IS250, IS350 and the first hybrid version of the IS - IS300h - as well as performance-tuned F Sport versions.
Locally, only the IS250 and the IS300h with F Sport variants will be available, doing without the IS350.
Exterior
Visually, the new IS is a stunning car. Straying away from the norm, its designers have stayed faithful to the LF-CC concept that heavily influenced the production version's looks.
Although the test car we had was in the Luxury trim instead of F Sport, the harpoon-shaped LED daytime running lights extremely eye-catching, looking no less aggressive than the F Sport variant.
All new Lexus' models wear the new corporate trademark and the IS isn't left out. The signature spindle grille gives the front facet a strong and bold look, giving off an especially striking view when bearing down from behind on highways.
With a character line that kicks up from below the doors, the rear of the car is particularly dramatic. Taillights stretch around the rump with their outer edges tugged gently, allowing the car to look much more emotive than its predecessor.
For the IS Hybrid, there is a specially designed lower rear bumper with fins on its underside that enhance aerodynamics as well as fuel economy and at the same time, conceal the dual tailpipes for a more sophisticated look.
Interior
The outgoing IS had an interior that was well-built and functional, but it was also a little cramped and a tad boring. With the new car, it's anything but.
There is this high class, relaxed atmosphere in the interior of the new IS, with good quality materials used and class-leading construction.
The multi-tiered dashboard's styling cues draw on the GS and LFA while a high centre console puts the 'Remote Touch' controller for the onboard infotainment system close at hand.
Plus, there are some very neat features, including touch-sensitive sliders to control the air-conditioning temperature and the Mark Levinson stereo with 15 speakers for an exquisite aural experience.
The outgoing IS had an interior that was well-built and functional, but it was also a little cramped and a tad boring. With the new car, it's anything but.
There is this high class, relaxed atmosphere in the interior of the new IS, with good quality materials used and class-leading construction.
The multi-tiered dashboard's styling cues draw on the GS and LFA while a high centre console puts the 'Remote Touch' controller for the onboard infotainment system close at hand.
Plus, there are some very neat features, including touch-sensitive sliders to control the air-conditioning temperature and the Mark Levinson stereo with 15 speakers for an exquisite aural experience.
At the back, there is adequate space for three adults except that the centre passenger may need to straddle over the protruding transmission tunnel.
But that is not a cause for worry, as the car now enjoys a 70mm longer wheelbase than the outgoing model. Thus, there is more legroom for both front and rear passengers.
With the battery stowed underneath the boot floor, cargo space is less compromised. Although 30 litres less than the standard IS, the 450 litres volume in the IS Hybrid should see to most of your shopping needs. If need be, the rear seats can still be folded to increase the capacity.
The Drive
The fact that the IS250 carries over its engine from the previous generation elevates the IS Hybrid's status as the freshest variant of the all new Lexus IS.
Under the hood of the IS Hybrid then, is a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine capable of churning out 181bhp and 221Nm of torque. Assisted by a 650V motor, power output is increased by 42 horses to 223bhp.
Combined together by Lexus Hybrid Drive technology and married to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), throttle response is prompt from standstill, and power delivery is linear, allowing the IS Hybrid to hit the century mark in 8.3 seconds.
Utilising Drive Mode Select, drivers can choose how they want their car driven depending on their driving style. Eco Mode tweaks the throttle, air conditioning and engine output required for better fuel efficiency.
On the other hand, Sport Mode adjusts the setup of the powertrain and gives the steering a heavier feel for a more invigorating drive.
More importantly, the transition between engine and battery power is coherent - another illustration of Lexus' approach to engineering refinement into the driving experience.
During the time we spent with the car, we didn't get close to the claimed fuel economy of 20km/L. But considering we had four people on board most of the time with an elephant's foot at the pedal, getting 13.3km/L remains impressive.
The fact that the IS250 carries over its engine from the previous generation elevates the IS Hybrid's status as the freshest variant of the all new Lexus IS.
Under the hood of the IS Hybrid then, is a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine capable of churning out 181bhp and 221Nm of torque. Assisted by a 650V motor, power output is increased by 42 horses to 223bhp.
Combined together by Lexus Hybrid Drive technology and married to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), throttle response is prompt from standstill, and power delivery is linear, allowing the IS Hybrid to hit the century mark in 8.3 seconds.
Utilising Drive Mode Select, drivers can choose how they want their car driven depending on their driving style. Eco Mode tweaks the throttle, air conditioning and engine output required for better fuel efficiency.
On the other hand, Sport Mode adjusts the setup of the powertrain and gives the steering a heavier feel for a more invigorating drive.
More importantly, the transition between engine and battery power is coherent - another illustration of Lexus' approach to engineering refinement into the driving experience.
During the time we spent with the car, we didn't get close to the claimed fuel economy of 20km/L. But considering we had four people on board most of the time with an elephant's foot at the pedal, getting 13.3km/L remains impressive.
To further enhance driving pleasure, the IS Hybrid utilises Active Sound Control (ASC) - a system generating electronic engine sound from a standalone speaker - which we felt could be a little surreal because the sound from the ASC doesn't always correlate with the actual engine drone.
Nonetheless, with the ASC switched off, quality cabin insulation in the IS Hybrid provides a quiet and refined ambience, which Lexus has been well-known for.
The IS Hybrid excels in providing great comfort, thanks to a suspension that doesn't crash over bumps and ruts. There is also minimal body roll in corners - partly attributable to the batteries stashed underneath that benefits the car's centre of gravity.
Conclusion
The hybrid version of the IS oozes sophistication inside and out, credits going to a bold exterior design, a high class, no compromise cabin and a level of refinement when on the move.
This is a car worthy of serious consideration if petrol-electric hybrid is your preferred choice in the compact executive market.
