lexus is200 : It looks like the 3-series has a serious opponent in the compactexecutive market in the UK now? Comments?The IS200 is at it's best in a sports version with the 6-spead gearbox.For marketing reasons, the IS200 engine is set at 5 bhp and 5 Nm morethan the engine in the 320i. Unfortunately, the IS200 has a less torqueby lower rpm's. It matches excellent with the 6 speed manualtransmission, because you can ride it at it's optimal torque at anyspeed. The combination of the IS200 engine with the old fashioned4-speed automatic transmission without self-switching possibility is farfrom perfect.The brakes of the IS200 are better than those of the 320i, even thoughthe BMW has ventilated disc brakes on the rear. Lexus stated that theIS200 stands on 17" alloy wheels because it has the same brakes as theGS300, but that is marketing bullshit: the GS300 has 16" wheels andoriginally the IS200 automatic was to be set on 16" wheels also(according to their .pdf press release).Both cars drive excellent; the Lexus more sporty, the BMW morecomfort-like.Although Lexus claims that the IS200 is specially designed for Europethere are quite a lot non-European details on the car. The boot is smalland has no hydrolic openers, idem the engine room. The volume adjusterof the audio system is on the rigth; ideal for Japanese and Englishrigth steered cars but not for the European mainland. The loudspeaderssound very colored and seemed to be adjusted for the American audience,not for the European.
lexus is200 : Quite a few safety items aren't available on the Lexus IS200. No Xenonlight, no head-airbags, no electronic stabilisation system, no rainsensor.Also the BMW has driver-dependant oil-changing intervals and a moremodern integrated electronics (audio, GPS, phone).On the other hand: the quality of Lexus is, according to the past best,of the best. It's to stupid for words that you get only 1 year ofwarranty on a BMW, while you get 3 years full-warranty on any el-cheapoKorean car, for instance. A lot of items that should be standard arequite expensive extra's on the BMW.In general:If you want a sporty car: get a Lexus IS200 Sport.If you prefer comfort and/or safety: get a BMW 320i (or a 323i if youcan afford it).I'm not sure which IS will be available in the UK, but in NA it willbe the IS300 with the 3.0 six from the GS300 (215hp). It looks likewe'll get the 17" rims (on sport version) and things like skid controland HID lights. From what I've heard, the car should handle very welland be a serious competitor for the 3 series. I think pricing willdetermine alot. I'm definitely curious though. So far the car willonly initially have the 5 speed auto but should have the six speedmanual by fall 2000. Until I get to actually drive one, my heart isstill set on the 323ci.
lexus is200 : Hi Kevin.I think that the handling of the Lexus IS200 is much like the previous 3series.The new 3 series (E46) is less sporty.My 323Ci has the sport suspension (in Europe standard on the coupé) and 17"wheels with 225/45 tyres.It's quite sporty, but not like my previous one (E36).I drove the Lexus before I went to order my Ci and I was really impressedabout the car.The handling is great and the steering is sharp.The general building quality is very good.But the materials used in the car I wasn't very enthousiastic about.It looks a bit cheap, especially the sport-version with the silver leathersteeringwheel and the dark windows and the silver rear-lights. (but this ispersonal)The first look seems okay, but when you look better and feel the materials,you understand why the BMW is more expensive.The Lexus is a nice car, but not for me.If you compare the price of the Lexus with the BMW (say, for example theLexus IS200 with a BMW 320i),you will notice that the Lexus is cheaper, BUT, I think the BMW is worth theextra money.It also has much more safety-features, even features I can't even order on aLexus IS,like 8 airbags and Dynamic Stability Control.Friendly greetings, Iggy
lexus is200 : Where did you hear this? Is this official, or a rumor? With the 6 speed,the IS300 is an interesting prospect. Without it, at least for me, it'sjust another also ran, so I'm really curious to hear about whether adecision on 6-speed availability has been made. I think that in the LA Auto Show introduction they mentioned it.--Remove .nospam from return address to emailJosh Turner wrote in message..."We also recognize the importance of a manual transmission to our targetbuyer. Development of a 5-speed manual is underway, and we should havethat available in about a year."Note that the announcement says a 5 speed, rather than a 6--interestingthat they'd go with a different transmission. Nonetheless, this ispretty good news; looks like I'll have to add Lexus to my list of carsto consider.I am not in the market for a sport sedan (no need for more than 2 seats -yet), but I had a chance to see the Lexus displayed during the MotereyHistoric Races - and the proportions are IMHO just right - it looks as smallas or a bit smaller than the E36.--Remove .nospam from return address to emailJosh Turner wrote in message... You are correct. At the time of my original posting, mostrumours had them bringing the 6-speed. Now they are not even offeringa manual for another year. I think this may have solidified mychoice...323Ci. I can't believe they would target the BMW and notbring a manual. I'll still give the car a drive though since theAltezza (european model) has received some pretty rave reviews in thehandling department.
lexus is200 : i am looking at these two cars - Audi 1.8T, and the lexus IS200 luxhowever, i am not too sure which one to get, they are two differentcars, even though they are in the same class. Another thing is thatit has to be automatic, so that has to be a determining factor. Sofar i think that the audi is a better car, as it has more power,5 speed auto with tiptronic steering wheel and it is german. Buton the other hand, the lexus is cheaper, different, handles better and has more standard options. what to do???It really depends on your priorities; how much are you willing to pay?Neither car is a "bad car" in terms of quality, comfort, etc. But theAudi is just better overall, as you said; and if you're thinking aboutan AWD Audi, it's going to capable of sweet roadholding too. The autoversion of the IS200 has been criticised for not having quite enoughpower, and I suspect the great handling is going to feel hampered bythat; I also think this fact may make the IS200's resale not as good asother Lexii (no other Lexus has been criticised for having too littlepower for it's purpose), but then Lexus overall has much better resalethan Audi so it may not be an issue.
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