Lexus IS 220d gets more frugal

I have to confess, I have been known to moan about the range of harsh Co2 targets that governments, particularly in the EU, have imposed on car makers. In times of economic turmoil it seems counter productive to force costly targets on manufacturers. Still, I can’t argue with the results.

Lexus is the latest car maker to have a play and a tweak, and it has just announced revisions to the Lexus IS 220d, which means more miles, for less fuel and lower emissions without any decrease in performance or increase in price. Hard to argue with.

Lexus has managed to bring the Co2 emissions on the Lexus IS 220d down from the previous 163g/km to 148g/km. This has the big plus of dropping the VED rate but, for corporate customers, it also means better writing down allowances and lower benefit in kind costs for employees. Add to that an increase in economy of 9%, and you have a package that no one can argue with.

As a company car for middle management, or a luxury rep-mobile, there is a big case to make for the Lexus IS 220d. Not the most involving car made, it does however boast terrific build quality and reliability, coupled with a cocooned driving environment. Vehicle dynamics are not uppermost in your mind when business is to be done (been there – done that!), and these extra cost savings, plus added equipment on the IS range for 2009, make this a very wise choice.