2017 Lexus IS 200t

Lexus says its compact IS has been successful as a “conquest” model, competing for buyers against well-known German sport sedans like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.

It’s not hard to see why the IS has done so well for Lexus: it possesses an appealing combination of decent performance and refinement, characteristics high on the shopping lists of many in this category.

For 2017, Lexus updates the IS with revised styling that includes a new front fascia with large air intakes and an “evolution” of the brand’s signature spindle grille. LED headlights are now standard across the line and the rear of this sedan gets restyled taillights and rectangular exhaust tips.

Inside, there’s a new analog dashboard clock, a “hairline” finish Lexus says looks and feels better and new meter hood stitching.

As before, the IS 200t uses a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, power figures that line up nicely against the IS’ BMW, Benz and Audi competitors.

But unlike those competitive four-cylinder models, all of which can be optioned (or come standard) with AWD, the IS 200t is RWD-only. However, it does get an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The turbo four-cylinder lends itself nicely to this car, with generous low-end torque that makes the car feel quicker in city driving than its relatively modest power figures would suggest. The smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic contributes here, too, its tightly-spaced gear ratios making good use of the engine’s output.

Up top, we called this car’s performance “decent:” While the IS 200t is fun to drive, it doesn’t reward the enthusiastic driver with much mechanical feedback. But how can we criticize Lexus here? Even BMW has dialed back the driver involvement in its 3 Series, a car that used to be considered the ultimate driver’s car. Unless you’re really picky about how much road feel is transmitted through the steering wheel, our advice is to simply not worry about it and enjoy the car for the things it does best: hustling down a twisty backroad on the weekend while getting you around town comfortably and reasonably efficiently during the week.

Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption estimates are 10.6/7.3 L/100 km (city/highway).

At a starting price of $40,150, the IS 200t comes with a 10-speaker stereo with seven-inch display, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors with turn signal repeaters, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes-Free capability, heated and power-adjustable front seats with lumbar, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic high beams, radar cruise control and lane departure alert with steering assist.

An optional F Sport package ($44,950) brings a blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and a backup camera, plus the Lexus Active Sound Control System. Other functional upgrades include ventilated front seats, sunroof and auto-dimming side mirrors. On the appearance side of the ledger are 18-inch wheels, sport front seats, trim-unique scuff plates, shifter lever, three-spoke steering wheel and a slick digital gauge cluster nicked from the LFA super car.