The Penultimate Driving Machine?
In Borneo Motors' own words, the Lexus IS200 is a "distinctive challenger to European compact performance sedans". The Highway examines this claim.

On paper, it's almost too good to be true: a straight-six engine tuned for 153bhp, a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, and double wishbone suspension all round, all packed underneath a body that fits nicely into the compact executive class.

Add to that, a brand renowned for some of the most rigorous, fanatical engineering the automotive world has ever seen, a price tag kept nicely competitive, and the end result should have driving buffs salivating. The aim here is clear. Lexus wants to kick BMW's 3 Series in the shins, and zoom to the top spot in the sporty compact saloon category practically invented by the 3. Forget the relentless pursuit of perfection for the moment, then. The IS200 is about the relentless pursuit of action.

Ironically enough, BMW has steered the latest 3 Series towards a more mature personality. You might even say the 3 Series has become more Lexus-like. The IS200, on the other hand, is Lexus' push towards becoming more BMW-like.

In some ways, the Lexus succeeds right away. Performance from the 2-litre engine, enhanced by Toyota's intelligent variable valve timing system, is always crisply muscular, and never delivered less than silkily. Like a small six should, the engine loves to rev, although it never seems to thrive on them the way say a BMW's six pot does. Instead, the IS200 feels as if it gets its power from a healthy torque curve.

Here's a small bit of info bound to irritate IS200 owners. Manual versions of the IS200 outdo the 3 Series by having six-speed gearboxes to the BMW's five-speeder. Locally, you can only have an auto though, which means that the IS200 has to make do with just four ratios, while BMW and Mercedes boast five speeds on their automatic cars.

It's not particularly quick, the IS200, but its performance is satisfyingly eager, the engine communicating a sporting sense of ardency whenever you push the right pedal to the carpet.

There are all sorts of visual accom-paniments to go with the performance, as well. The most exquisite among these are the IS200's instrument cluster, stacked together and stylised to resemble a fine chronograph sports watch. If you are fussy, and driving enthusiasts usually are, then you might grumble that the wrong dial is in the centre. It's the tachometer which counts the most when you're truly pressing on, after all.

Nevertheless, the IS200's in-struments are a treat, as are the dials in all Lexuses. There's also a subtle yet noticeable power bulge in the bonnet, which just sneaks into your line of vision as you sit behind the wheel. It acts as a constant reminder of the well-tuned six cylinder engine sitting underneath it.

Less cause for excitement is the rest of the interior, which errs on the side of overstatement. The overstyled dash entertains momentarily, but you soon tire of its gimmicky lines, sensing that it will date quickly. Worse still are the plastics that form the dash. Unyielding to the touch and shiny, they are easily the worst, plastics to bedeck the inside of a Lexus yet.

The IS200's maiden name is the Toyota Altezza, and it shows, because some parts of the car do feel as if they belong more in a Toyota than a Lexus. Opening the bonnet gives you one example: it's held aloft by a prop stand, instead of being sprung open by gas struts, which is the preferred way of doing things when it comes to luxury cars. It's a small matter, one which owners would probably never even notice, but it detracts from the no-compromise engineering that is a hallmark of the other Lexuses.

On the plus side, for a compact executive, the Lexus doesn't feel compact inside at all. When it comes to rear legroom, for example, it demolishes the 3 Series. This is a fight about other things, however, and one that the Lexus fights well.

Around corners it is jaw-droppingly quick, mustering seemingly endless grip from its tyres, surprising you at first with its relentless tenacity to cling onto your chosen line. Push harder, and the car shrugs off the challenge, almost biting more ferociously the more you try and loosen its grip on the tarmac. On a track, you know the Lexus would lap quickly. And to unstick the tail, you would have to break the speed limit twice over first.

What the IS200 boasts in sheer ability is ill-matched by driver involvement, however. The steering is lifelessly remote, and artificial enough to be genuinely off-putting, so that while the Lexus is well-capable of fast and furious action, it fails to draw the driver into the process as an active participant. And that, probably, will keep driving purists in BMW's corner for now. There is a difference between steering a car through a bend, and driving it through one. In the Lexus, it feels like the former.

Highway reader Arthur D. Lim has requested a test of the Lexus IS200 against the other 2-litre cars listed below. Because the cars occupy different size and price classes, however, The Highway looks at their relative strengths and merits, rather than pitting them directly against each other

Test On Request

BMW 520i
For: Superbly refined, with a smooth engine and fluent ride. Wonderful chassis promises surprising fun for the size. Spacious inside and comfortable on journeys short or long. The BMW badge is more prestigious than ever, and this car is greatly responsible.

Against: Could use a bit more straight line speed. 523i versions and above better realise the chassis' potential. Also, it's relatively pricey, compared with the others listed here.

Buy this if: You can afford it. The BMW is easily the most complete car here, and certainly the best all-rounder.

Saab 9-5 2.0
For: Turbocharged engine gives strong performance. The interior is also cavernous and well-appointed. Saab's flagship is comfortable and easy to live with, allowing effortless fast cruising. Many thoughtful touches, such as the glovebox cooler or double sunshades, impress.

Against: Not particularly inspiring to drive, with a nose-heavy attitude that makes the car run wide into corners relatively early.

Buy this if: You need plenty of room, and don't care about driving.

Volkswagen Passat 1.8T
For: Classy interior smacks of the best Teutonic qualities. It feels tough and well-built, and is spacious with a large boot, without being bulky outside. Torquey performance from the 1.8 litre turbo is combined with a superlative five-speed Tiptronic gearbox.

Against: Engine is slightly buzzy and boomy when extended. Slightly insipid to drive and personality-wise it's a bit cold.

Buy this if: You want value for money and are willing to try something different. Essentially an Audi A6 for less money.

Mercedes-Benz C200
For: Very classy interior. The C200 manages to capture the essence of whatever gives Mercedes-Benzes their unmistakable character, offering true Benz ownership experience in a small package.

Against: Due to be replaced next year by an all-new model. Detached steering and coarse engine mar the experience offered by the balanced chassis.

Buy this if: You simply must have a Mercedes-Benz.

Volvo S70 2.0T
For: Stomping performance from 180bhp engine, with terrific five-cylinder music. The Volvo is fast, safe, strong and very user-friendly, with a comfortable and roomy interior. Offers a memorable driving experience.

Against: Chassis can just barely handle the power. Ride quality is poor, and the exterior looks dated.

Buy this if: You are horsepower hungry, but responsible enough to want a very safe car. 225bhp T-5 version offers more wild fun from the same 2-litre capacity.