Recently, I was told to follow my heart.
That could obviously go either really well or I could just end up having my sack of balls tied up in a noose with no one to save my baby-smooth butt. Of course you'll also need to understand that while most would rather follow their brains (since that would mean they won't get into any trouble of sorts), following the heart does, one way or the other, help you reap unique rewards.
On that note, Lexus seems to have done just that with the charming IS200t. With its four-cylinder turbocharged powerplant that can also be found in the recently launched Lexus RX and the Lexus NX, the luxury Japanese carmaker takes a more competitive move towards its German contenders like the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
While many will be thinking that Lexus has arrived far too late for the turbocharged party, we reckon it's always better late than never.
Up close and Personal
As before, the IS200t F Sport that you see here looks audaciously aggressive and strikingly sporty without coming across as over the top or compromising on its classy composition. As a matter of fact, it looks exactly the same as the IS250 F Sport that we tested back in 2013 save for the IS200t moniker.
That could obviously go either really well or I could just end up having my sack of balls tied up in a noose with no one to save my baby-smooth butt. Of course you'll also need to understand that while most would rather follow their brains (since that would mean they won't get into any trouble of sorts), following the heart does, one way or the other, help you reap unique rewards.
On that note, Lexus seems to have done just that with the charming IS200t. With its four-cylinder turbocharged powerplant that can also be found in the recently launched Lexus RX and the Lexus NX, the luxury Japanese carmaker takes a more competitive move towards its German contenders like the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
While many will be thinking that Lexus has arrived far too late for the turbocharged party, we reckon it's always better late than never.
Up close and Personal
As before, the IS200t F Sport that you see here looks audaciously aggressive and strikingly sporty without coming across as over the top or compromising on its classy composition. As a matter of fact, it looks exactly the same as the IS250 F Sport that we tested back in 2013 save for the IS200t moniker.
The similarity of perfection carries on into the cabin, with leather-swathed seats, expensive to the touch materials and a high level of fit and finish that's second to none. An impeccable attention to detail is also evident the moment you toggle the drive mode to Sport S/S+. Only available on F Sport models, the tachometer glides from the centre to the right of the instrument panel screen in a cool and mechanical manner - revealing audio, navigation, trip computer data and other information.
With a wheelbase of 2,800mm and a height of 1,430mm, head and legroom is the royal order of the day for all occupants on board. The only setback here is that the car is still best left for four, no thanks to the bulging transmission tunnel that constraints rear space for the fifth occupant in the middle.
But where it lacks, the IS200t certainly makes up for it with a generous boot space. At 480 litres deep, which is 30 litres more than the feline Jaguar XE and similar to segment leaders, the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, you can easily haul a couple of your golf as well as grocery bags.
With a wheelbase of 2,800mm and a height of 1,430mm, head and legroom is the royal order of the day for all occupants on board. The only setback here is that the car is still best left for four, no thanks to the bulging transmission tunnel that constraints rear space for the fifth occupant in the middle.
But where it lacks, the IS200t certainly makes up for it with a generous boot space. At 480 litres deep, which is 30 litres more than the feline Jaguar XE and similar to segment leaders, the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, you can easily haul a couple of your golf as well as grocery bags.
The Drive
The real deal, of course, revolves around the new turbocharged heart that beats out a healthy dose of 241 samurai horses and 350Nm of torque - up from the 208bhp and 252Nm from the previous 2.5-litre V6 powerplant.
While the predecessor was happily engaged to a six-speeder transmission, the IS200t takes it a couple of notches up. Mated to a new and creamy eight-speed gearbox, the car now takes off effortlessly from a standstill to hit a century sprint timing of seven seconds flat - a full second faster than before.
That's not to say that the IS is all about performance figure improvements. It's the magically crisp handling and the ability to carve corners with absolute precision without having any tyre slip that make the luxury compact sedan such a lovable car to pilot. There is always a sense of consistency and neutrality as you force it through a series of bends and gun it towards the horizon as you come out of each turn.
And while all these is happening, you'll come to realise that its nicely bolstered seat does a good job in keeping you pleasantly planted and comfortably cocooned while you're tooling around with the well-weighted steering. It may not be as talkative as the 3 Series' but there isn't a doubt about its competence when it comes to responding to turn-ins.
The real deal, of course, revolves around the new turbocharged heart that beats out a healthy dose of 241 samurai horses and 350Nm of torque - up from the 208bhp and 252Nm from the previous 2.5-litre V6 powerplant.
While the predecessor was happily engaged to a six-speeder transmission, the IS200t takes it a couple of notches up. Mated to a new and creamy eight-speed gearbox, the car now takes off effortlessly from a standstill to hit a century sprint timing of seven seconds flat - a full second faster than before.
That's not to say that the IS is all about performance figure improvements. It's the magically crisp handling and the ability to carve corners with absolute precision without having any tyre slip that make the luxury compact sedan such a lovable car to pilot. There is always a sense of consistency and neutrality as you force it through a series of bends and gun it towards the horizon as you come out of each turn.
And while all these is happening, you'll come to realise that its nicely bolstered seat does a good job in keeping you pleasantly planted and comfortably cocooned while you're tooling around with the well-weighted steering. It may not be as talkative as the 3 Series' but there isn't a doubt about its competence when it comes to responding to turn-ins.
More relevantly, suspension is firm but never punishing, soaking up all the imperfections and flaws on the tarmac without compromising on driver communication. And like all Lexus cars that we've come to know, external noises are kept well at bay, leaving you with the stimulating sound of the heartbeat from the turbocharged four.
Conclusion
Lexus has always been behind the German segment dominators but it seems the tables may be taking a turn with the RX and with this IS.
There is no doubt that if you're looking to impress your friends, the 3 Series or the C-Class will be a perfect choice. But if you're not bothered about people making jealous comments behind your back about how foolish you are to spend $217,000 (as of 4th February 2016) to get the car you see here and just want to enjoy a ride with fantastic qualities, then follow your heart.
Like we said, when you follow your heart, you'll be reaping rewards that will be unique in more ways than one.
Conclusion
Lexus has always been behind the German segment dominators but it seems the tables may be taking a turn with the RX and with this IS.
There is no doubt that if you're looking to impress your friends, the 3 Series or the C-Class will be a perfect choice. But if you're not bothered about people making jealous comments behind your back about how foolish you are to spend $217,000 (as of 4th February 2016) to get the car you see here and just want to enjoy a ride with fantastic qualities, then follow your heart.
Like we said, when you follow your heart, you'll be reaping rewards that will be unique in more ways than one.
