Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 83%

Those looking for a small executive car historically needed to look no further than Audi, BMW or Mercedes.

There is a fourth way, of course – the Lexus IS250. It might not have the keyring kudos of the Teutonic trio, but what it lacks in brand and visual bravado, it makes up in sheer ability.

Read on for our full review of the Lexus IS250, or click the links below to skip to a section.

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor

1. Looks
Many buyers of small executive cars want immediate presence in the company car park – four big interlocking rings or a three-pointed car indicates the sweet smell of success. But the Lexus IS is far more restrained than that. It's a far cry from its German rivals, and maybe a little too Japanese, but offers a pleasant diversion from the norm. The front end is framed by two pointy headlights from which a number of styling lines emerge, tying together the front, back and sides of the car. The original IS had the most radical rear lights for a long time, kicking off countless copycats. The new model's rear elevation just looks bulky.
8/10

2. Looks inside
The interior looks more like a posh Toyota than an executive car with a premium badge, but it still manages to raise itself above the Bauhaus-look Audi cabins which are still in vogue. The illuminated dials were remarkably easy to read, with simple clear, white markings and a useful multi-function display between them. Compared to this, the dated green LCD digital clock and radio displays were disappointing. There's plenty of space for the driver and front seat passenger, although the rear legroom isn't among the best in its class.
8/10

3. Practicality
Saloon cars can be frustrating – the small bootlids limit the size of luggage which can be carried, and the IS is no exception. At 378 litres, the boot isn't huge and is compromised further by the rear wheel arches encroaching far too much. A hidden storage area can be accessed by flipping a cover over which can be handy for storing rarely used tools. Space in the front is excellent, with plenty of room for the tall, wide or broad of shoulder, although rear seat passengers will soon be complaining of aching legs.
7/10

4. Ride and Handling
The wheels on the new IS sit further apart than on the old model, making the car feel wider, and improving stability. This means it can turn into corners harder because it has less inclination to roll from side to side. It's not as much fun as a BMW 3-Series, but it is exceptionally comfortable and quiet.
8/10

5. Performance
Our 2.5-litre petrol-engined test car is a brisk, if not quick, machine. It can reach 62mph from standstill in 8.4 seconds, and on to a top speed of 141mph. It's certainly no rival for fast BMWs or Audis; the forthcoming hot IS-F will fill that void. What the cooking models offer is supreme refinement, especially with the automatic gearbox. The engine emits little more than a whisper when cruising, and only a muted roar under heavy acceleration. If there was a car we could choose for a long motorway jaunt, the IS250 would be at the top of the list.
9/10

6. Running Costs
Experts say our IS250 SE-L will retain 50 per cent of its value over the first three years of its life. That's slightly more than a BMW 325i SE but less than a comparative Audi A4, which are both more expensive to buy. On a mainly urban commute, the IS struggles to return 20mpg, but economy-conscious drivers are likely to consider the diesel version anyway. Insurance is about average at group 14, while its 214g/km of carbon dioxide places it in the second highest road tax band.
7/10

7. Reliability
Lexus, like its parent company Toyota, has a legendary reputation for reliability. Doors shut with a reassuring clunk, and the quality feel of the interior underpins Toyota/Lexus' success in the Reliability Index.
10/10

8. Safety
The Lexus IS250 received a maximum five stars for occupant protection in the EuroNCAP crash tests. The safety body praised its knee airbags for protecting passenger's legs and gave it top marks for side impact tests. This was complemented with a four star rating for child occupant protection and an average two stars for pedestrian protection. Our well-specced SE-L came with a huge amount of safety kit, including front, side and knee airbags for both front seat passengers, while all occupants benefit from curtain airbags. All models have the same safety features; apart from the range-topping diesel Sport model which also has a grip-enhancing system which prevents skidding.
9/10

9. Equipment
Again, there are plenty of toys throughout the IS range. Our SE-L featured everything bar the racy accoutrements which the top Sport model boasts. Naturally it has electrically adjustable leather seats, fancy 17in alloy wheels, climate control, a 13-speaker audio system with a six CD changer and door mirrors which fold when the car is locked using the remote central locking system. Chrome sill plates which feature Lexus logos which glow blue and a start button both fall on the right side of tacky, thankfully.
9/10

10. X-Factor
The Lexus IS is the first Japanese car to truly rival Germany's best. Incredible refinement coupled with an excellent reputation for reliability makes it a great choice for drivers covering lots of miles. What it lacks in badge kudos, it more than makes up in class.
8/10

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