Due to less-than-ideal weather conditions we’re currently experiencing, Lexus Malaysia has called-off the official launch of the new Lexus IS 200t. Instead, they informed us that the car can be viewed at all Lexus showrooms, so we decided to check it out.
The new Lexus IS 200t isn’t a whole new model, as the key difference is the new turbocharged engine. Yes, the Lexus IS 200t now gets the same engine as the Lexus NX. Lexus, like other major car manufacturers, have begun downsizing and turbocharging their engines, which improves performance and reduces fuel consumption.
With 245 hp at 5,800 rpm and 350 Nm from 1,650 rpm till 4,400 rpm, the Lexus IS 200t certainly is quick, as 0-100 km/h takes just 7 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 230 km/h. Compared to the old 2.5-litre V6, the new turbocharged engine shaves 1.1 seconds off the 0-100 km/h time, as well as increases the top speed by 5 km/h. The new engine is mated to an equally new eight-speed Sports Direct Shift automatic transmission which drives the rear wheels.
Lexus Malaysia also offers Malaysian buyers the choice of the Lexus IS 300h as well. Similar to the Lexus NX 300h, the IS 300h also gets the same 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine. The petrol engine alone produces 178 hp at 6,000 rpm and 221 Nm from 4,200 rpm till 5,400 rpm. The electric motor, on the other hand, produces 105 kW and 300 Nm of torque, which results in a combined output of 220 hp for the IS 300h. The Lexus IS 300h gets an electronically-controlled CVT, with steering mounted paddle shifters. According to Lexus, the hybrid variant of the IS can sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, while top speed is rated at 200 km/h.
The Lexus IS 200t Premium gets 225/45R17 rubbers all round, while the IS 200t Luxury and F SPORT model gets 225/40R18 rubbers up front and 255/35R18 rubbers at the rear. The hybrid variant gets 225/45R17 runflats as a standard fitment. All variants of the Lexus IS 200t and the IS 300h gets Tire Pressure Warning System (TPWS) as well. The IS 200t F SPORT also benefits from the fitment of the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AV), which can control damping rates in response to driver input and road conditions.
Inside, the new Lexus IS 200t Luxury, IS 200t F SPORT and the IS 300h gets Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Other safety kit across the range includes 10 SRS airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM), ABS, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Hill-start Assist, EBD and ISOFIX child seat tethers.
Prices of the new Lexus IS are: RM298,000 for IS 200t Premium; RM 350,000 for Lexus IS 200t Luxury, RM 385,000 for Lexus IS 200t F SPORT; and RM 452,000 for the IS 300h. All prices are OTR without insurance. All Lexus models are backed by Lexus Malaysia’s 3-year/100,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.
Lexus IS 200t photo gallery
