Lexus IS impresses as Britain’s best compact executive car

The Lexus IS achieved double success in the Auto Express 2019 Driver Power Survey, heading the rankings as the best compact executive car and coming runner-up to the New Car of the Year – the Toyota Prius – by the narrowest of margins, making it the top rated premium model overall.

These are the latest in a distinguished list of awards the IS has received since the first generation model went on sale in Britain 20 years ago. Today, with more than 87,000 UK sales to its credit, it continues to deliver the highest satisfaction to owners.

Auto Express reports that its survey respondents “love the drivetrains” – the vast majority being self-charging hybrids – for their quiet and smooth character and strong acceleration.

“Owners are also massive fans of the interior, both in terms of the design and how well it’s put together,” it adds, noting in particular the comfort of the front seats and the view out.

Further praise is given to on-road performance with “responsive” steering and braking and “excellent ride and great handling,” and to the IS’s economy, exterior styling and build quality.

The latest IS range, introduced in 2017, is exclusively a self-charging hybrid model, benefiting from Lexus’s technology leadership in the luxury car market to offer excellent efficiency and a smooth, quiet and intuitive drive. The fundamental fuel economy and low emissions of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system makes the IS particularly attractive to business motorists; it attracts low benefit-in-kind company car tax rates (24 or 25 per cent according to model grade).

The IS also pioneers advanced safety provisions with Lexus Safety System+ active systems provided as standard on all versions, including a Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Sway Warning, Automatic High Beam and Traffic Sign Recognition.

The luxury finish inside and out is a testament to the skills of Lexus takumi craftspeople whose exceptional hand and eye skills guarantee high quality in every vehicle that’s produced.