In 1998 Lexus launched the IS series as a competitor to the BMW 3 series, the Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A4. Like it's closest competitor the BMW 3 series, it's front engined and rear wheel drive. It came with two engine options, a 2 litre straight six (in the IS200) and a 3 litre six (in the IS300, the car this model represents). The IS200 was by far the most popular version in most markets with it's smaller and hence cheaper to run 2 litre engine, while the larger engined 3 litre IS300 was mostly aimed at markets such as in the US where buyers prefer bigger engines as the higher running costs are not as much of an issue thanks to relatively lower fuel prices.
This "baby Lexus" has sporty handling and manual/stick-shift versions have a close ratio six speed gearbox. The interior has fantastically original drivers instruments. The speedometer, rev-counter, temperature, fuel gauge, etc. are arranged like the dial of a Swiss chronograph. Overall it is a fine car, although for me personally I prefer the 3-series! An all new Lexus IS series was introduced in 2005 and is also a very fine car aimed at the 3 series, Mercedes C class and so on. The new car has either a 2.2 litre turbo-diesel engine (essential for sales success in Europe where more than 50% of new car sales are of diesels) or a 2.5 litre straight six. To date (April 2006) I'm not sure if a larger engined version will be introduced.
In Japan, it's home market, all Lexus's were sold as Toyota's (which is in fact what all Lexus's are, badge engineered Toyota's!). The IS series are therefore also known as Toyota Altezza and AUTOart make a version of this car too. Since 2005 however, Toyota have launched the Lexus brand in Japan as well, so from 2005 on, all "Lexus's" will be badged "Lexus" in Japan as well as the rest of the world.
My Mother in law drives a 1999 Lexus IS200 which I have to say is a fine car, but a little bit too small for my 6'2" frame! Not a car for big people then, but otherwise a nice car to own!
AUTOart make this model of the Lexus and it is very nice indeed. It is one of their earlier releases from around 2000 I believe, and hence it is no longer a "state of the art" AUTOart. Nonetheless, it has good quality paint and is well made (the model in the photos on this page is around 4-5 years old now and still in very good condition). The bodywork is on scale and has full opening features. The alloy wheels look very realistic although the tire sidewalls are unbranded. The interior detail is quite good, although the aforementioned "watch-like" instrumentation is represented by a flat sticker as opposed to a moulded and painted part. Certainly the best (and I think only) 1:18th model of this generation of the Lexus IS/Toyota Altezza.
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