Lexus IS facelift unveiled, gets refreshed inside and out



Not long after its shadowy teaser made its way on the Internet, Lexus has taken the veils off the IS facelift at the ongoing Beijing Motor Show.

As previously reported, the changes are mainly to bring the model up to speed with the current Lexus offering. The IS retains the same L-shaped LED DRLs (still separate from the headlamps), but the headlights now come with three projectors forming the letter L. The side air intakes are also larger, as well as the Spindle grille.

On the inside, the IS gets an updated 10.3-inch infotainment screen and some visual updates within the instrument cluster. The IS’ Remote Touch Interface controller now comes with an “Enter” button – a function that was sorely missed due to the model’s age.

Engine choices remain status quo, thus the 240 hp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and all-new eight-speed Sports Direct Shift automatic will carry on for at least a couple more years to come. 2016-lexus-is-facelift (16)

The current third-generation IS was launched in Malaysia back in 2013, followed by the introduction of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine last year. Look out for the facelift to arrive in Malaysia earliest by 2017.


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