The new Lexus IS goes on sale today, set to change the whole perception of the nameplate in Ireland.
Apart from being much more stylish, and substantially larger, the new generation IS also has two completely new engines, one of which is the brand's first-ever diesel.
According to Lexus Ireland MD Mark Teevan, the arrival of the new 'small' Lexus will put sales of the brand in Ireland 'over the 1,000 mark' for the first time.
He estimates that 650 IS units will be sold in Ireland in 2006, an increase of 120 percent over current sales of the outgoing version.
Up to 55 percent of sales will be 2.2-litre diesels, which will actually be the least expensive of the versions on offer at €43,790.
Sales of the petrol version, from €44,950, begin immediately. The first diesel will arrive in January, and a higher-performance 'Sport' version of the diesel will go on sale in March.
A full 'First Drive' report will appear in the upcoming issue of Irish Car. Trish Whelan.
