Lexus recently revealed its new IS 300 sedan.
The IS is the brand’s compact performance sedan and is squarely aimed at the German dominance in this segment.
The new range is treated to a 10.3-inch touch display that handles infotainment and vehicle features; the entire cabin is wrapped in premium materials; and the front seats are heated and powered as standard on the SE and F grades.
In addition, they also get a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, satellite navigation, voice control, and LED headlamps with automatic high-beam.
Three models will be touching down locally later this year, which are all powered by a petrol-hybrid 2.5 litre CVT engine.
The system pushes out 164kW and 221Nm of torque, and will reach 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
Headlining the range is the Lexus IS 300 F Sport, which has a price of R916,100 and comes with a 7-year/105,000km warranty and full maintenance plan.
The competition
With a budget of around R900,000, you can have your pick of many sporty vehicles.
The IS 300 F Sport will therefore face menacing competition once it arrives later this year, and we will see how it stacks up against the cars below.
Audi A5 Sportback 40TDI Quattro S Line
- Price – R884,500
- Output – 140kW/400Nm
- 0-100km/h – 7.6 seconds
- Warranty – 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan.
BMW 330d M Sport
- Price – R920,800
- Output – 195kW/580Nm
- 0-100km/h – 5.5 seconds
- Warranty – 5-year/100,000km Motorplan maintenance contract.
BMW 420d Coupe M Sport
- Price – R888,916
- Output – 140kW/400Nm
- 0-100km/h – 7.2 seconds
- Warranty – 5-year/100,000km Motorplan maintenance contract.
Ford Mustang 2.3T Fastback
- Price – R859,100
- Output – 213kW/441Nm
- 0-100km/h – 5.5 seconds
- Warranty – 4-year/120,000km comprehensive warranty, 3-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance, and a 6-year/90,000km service plan.
Jaguar XE P250 R-Dynamic HSE
- Price – R889,662
- Output – 250kW/365Nm
- 0-100km/h – 6.7 seconds
- Warranty – 5-year/100,000km warranty and service plan.
Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line
- Price – R927,100
- Output – 190kW/370Nm
- 0-100km/h – 5.9 seconds
- Warranty – 5-year/100,000km maintenance contract.
Subaru WRX STi Premium
- Price – R853,000
- Output – 221kW/407Nm
- 0-100km/h – 5.2 seconds
- Warranty – 3-year/75,000km maintenance plan, and a 5-year/100,000km warranty.
Volvo S90 D4 R-Design
- Price – R913,650
- Output – 140kW/400Nm
- 0-100km/h – 8.2 seconds
- Warranty – 5-year/100,000km warranty and service plan.
Keyword: New Lexus IS 300 F Sport – The stiff competition it faces at R900,000