2017 Lexus IS 200t

2017 Lexus IS 200t

Test Drive

Written by Marco Carvajal

Photographs by Lexus

The updated Lexus IS 200t with a turbo engine is ready to create a more serious competition against other sedans with a sport character, but with the characteristic Lexus’ style.

2017 Lexus IS 200t 4 doors sedan

Introduction

The IS model has reached adulthood. The smallest Lexus sedan was launched on the market in 1999. Over the last 18 years, more than a million copies of the IS model have been produced. Many of these copies travel in Europe. However, this was the plan. The car was created with the thought of the European market. Now in the present the IS has been modernized and making its way throughout the American market.

The 2017 Lexus IS 200t not only comes with sportiness by exterior and chassis settings, but also reinforces its statement with a noticeably more powerful and traction turbo engine. The exterior is very attractive, it has been beautifully designed.

History

Taking a firm position in the automotive industry, Toyota executives stopped being satisfied with the successes in the middle class segment and decided to challenge all prestigious brands worldwide. The ambitious plan became reality after a few years. Strengthened in the ranks of automakers as a “reliable medium” Toyota could not compete with such outstanding, at that time, brands, like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Therefore, it was decided to implement their plans in a new car, with a new name. Therefore Toyota created the new luxury brand Lexus. The old, kind Toyota grew up and gave its way to a new child, the Lexus.

The official history of Lexus cars began with the model LS400, presented at the auto show in Los Angeles on January 2, 1988.

Lexus cars were repeatedly recognized by the American analytical company J.D. Power and Associates as the most reliable in the world.

Pricing & Versions

2017 Lexus IS 200t this is sedan with fighting character, which available in three variations for every taste and size of pocket.

 Exterior

Thanks to the enlarged front bumper air intakes, as well as the modified radiator grille, the updated 2017 Lexus IS 200t has acquired an even more expressive look. The tail part of the restyling model is decorated with superbly drawn lanterns with a filling of three V-shaped diode bars. The outlines of the rear bumper have also changed, in which the drop-shaped branch pipes of the exhaust system with chrome coating are now visible. As for the overall dimensions of L / W / H, they remained unchanged – 4680/1810/1430, respectively.

Exterior Features

Overall Exterior Styling/Body Design

• 17-inch wheels (IS 200t and 300); New 18-inch wheels (IS 350 only)
• Color coordinated front airdam
• Color-keyed shark fin antenna for SiriusXM Satellite Radio (complimentary 90-day trial subscription)
• LED brake, tail and license plate lamps
• Moonroof (power tilt and retract)
• Revised front bumper, grille, rear combination lamps and exhaust diffusers
• Revised rear bumper and unique F SPORT treatment
• Side mirrors with integrated turn signals and puddle lamps
• Standard LED headlamps

Body Structure and Paint

• Exterior colors (10): Eminent White Pearl, Obsidian, Silver Lining Metallic, Atomic Silver, Nebula Gray Pearl,
Redline, Caviar, and Nightfall Mica. Exclusive to F SPORT models: Ultrasonic Blue Mica and Ultra White
• Flush surface body panel and glass
• Galvanized steel used in all areas of the body except the passenger compartment and the roof
• One-piece color-keyed Super Olefin Polymer front and rear bumpers
• PVC sealer and undercoating
• Use of sound dampening asphalt sheets in roof and floor pan

Convenience Features:

• Heated outside rearview mirrors
• SmartAccess with push button start

Interior

In addition to appearance, the engineers finalized the 2017 Lexus IS 200t interior in a beautiful way. The main innovation was up to 10.3 inches screen multimedia system instead of the old 7-inch. As for the architecture itself and the decorative elements, it is worth noting the slightly modified outlines of the center console with cup holders, as well as the armrest. In addition, some changes in the controls of the climate and audio systems, as well as buttons on the steering wheel, thus improving the ergonomics of the car. The list of additional equipment was mainly supplemented with a warning system about possible collision, lane retention, automatic switching of the main beam to the near and adaptive cruise control.

Interior Features

Interior Trim:
• Audio panel finish
• Chateau, Nuance Black and Illustrious Piano Black trim (Base), Gray Sapele Wood (Luxury Package) or
Silver Performance trim (F SPORT)
• Covered palm rest
• Fabric sun visors and headliner
• Floor mats
• Front (2) and rear (2) articulating assist grips
• Interior colors: Black, Chateau, Flaxen, Nuance Black and for F SPORT package models, Black, Chateau
and Rioja Red
• NuLuxe trimmed seating

Seats:
• Front seatback pockets
• Heated front seats (AWD only)
• Height adjustable front shoulder belt anchors
• 60/40 split folding rear seat

Instrumentation and Controls:
• Analog clock, exterior temperature gauge
• Battery, oil level, seat belt, brake, airbag SRS, side airbags SRS, engine, oil pressure, low fuel, tire pressure
and tire slippage (with TRAC) warning lights
• DC outlet and 1 AUX and 2 USB jacks in console box
• Door open, TRAC off, high beam, hazard and cruise control indicator lights
• Headlights-on indicator in instrument panel
• LCD-type electronic digital twin trip meters and odometer display (non-F SPORT only)
• LFA inspired TFT combination meter (F SPORT only)
• Optitron gauges featuring a 160-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, fuel and coolant temp gauges
(non-F SPORT only)
• Scheduled maintenance indicator light
• Revised design for steering wheel switchgear

Safety and Convenience

Wonderful security system in this Lexus

Convenience features:
• Articulating assist grips (two front/two rear)
• Bluetooth® wireless phone technology
• Covered center console storage box
• Cruise control
• Cupholder design
• Door courtesy lights, glove box light and trunk light
• Dust/pollen interior air filter
• Electrochromic rearview mirror with compass (without Navigation)
• First aid kit

• Front and rear dome light and individual map lights integrated into headliner
• Front center armrest
• HomeLink programmable garage door opener
• Illuminated outside mirror button controls
• Lexus Personalized Settings (LPS) to allow certain electronic settings to be tailored to owner preference
(programmable by Lexus dealers)
• Manual tilt and telescoping adjustable steering wheel
• Power door locks with anti lock-out
• Power windows with auto up/down with jam protection
• Rear armrest with storage box
• Remote trunk lid release
• Retained accessory power for operation of power windows and moonroof
• Retractable coat hooks
• Siri Eyes Free Mode – (iPhone 4S and later)
• Call contacts
• Select and play music from iTunes®
• Hear and compose text messages and emails
• Hear sports scores, stock info. and weather
• Use maps and get directions (turn-by-turn navigation can be requested through Siri and Apple maps);
map displayed on phone screen
• Perform POI searches
• Requested search info. read back to driver over vehicle audio system (iPhone screen remains blank)
• Read notifications
• Read calendar information; Add reminders, calendar appointments and notes
• Stainless steel scuff plates (front doors)
• Speed-sensitive, shift-linked automatic door lock/unlock

Safety features:
• Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) and Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) function for all positions except
driver (driver’s only equipped with ELR)
• Lexus Safety System+ now standard
• Pre-Collision System
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Intelligent High Beam
• Hi-speed Adaptive Cruise Control
• Three-point belts for all seating positions, including center rear, front and outboard rear with force-limiting
pretensioners; height adjustable front shoulder belt anchors
• Child Restraint Seat (CRS) top tether anchor brackets (adopted to comply with phase-in of the new CRS
Anchorage Points Regulation)
• LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Location specific Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
• Front and rear door side impact beams
• Front and rear energy-managing crumple zones
• Impact absorbing door and body construction
• Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) – Driver’s and front passenger’s airbag, Driver’s and front
passenger’s knee airbag, Front seat-mounted side airbag, Front and rear (2) side curtain airbags and Rear
side
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
• Traction Control (TRAC)
• Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) with cut-off switch

Security features:
• Entry system with lock, two-stage unlock, trunk open and “panic” features, volume-adjustable confirmation
tone and rolling code technology
• Headlight-off delay feature (after locking vehicle, headlights remain illuminated for approximately 30
seconds before automatically shutting off)
• Multifunction in-key remote
• Remote-activated, SmartAccess-linked illuminated entry (dome-light ring illuminates when doors are
unlocked, remains illuminated for 15 seconds or until door is opened)
• Lexus Enform Safety Connect with Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency
Assist Button, and Enhanced Roadside Assistance (complimentary one-year trial subscription included)
• Vehicle theft-deterrent system with engine immobilizer

Conclusion

2017 Lexus IS 200t is a great machine to drive with great driving sensations. The engine works very smoothly with the 8-speed automatic transmission Sport Direct Shift (SDS), it feels great!, it is fast, efficient, it respond very precise to driver’s commands.

The driver has the choice of one of three modes of motion: Eco, Normal and Sport, it is fun to drive.

The Lexus IS on the corners literally sticks to the road. It is a great beautiful car with a powerful engine.

Priced above 40K it is not the cheapest sedan in the market, but it is a Lexus!