LEXUS continues to go from strength to strength with its latest range of models, throwing off the Alan Partridge stigma surrounding the marque. checks out the IS 220d Sport.

The Lexus IS 220d Sport is a silky smooth performer that impresses with its sensational attention to detail.

It aims to be the Far East’s answer to BMW with the added advantages of Mercedes levels of luxury rather than sporty prowess or flashy looks - and it succeeds.

There is plenty of power from Lexus’s first diesel, a 2.2 litre which launches the car from rest to 62mph in 8.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 134mph.

The latest diesel model of the IS sports saloon, launched in April, is longer and wider than the previous generation which gives more leg room and passenger comfort.

The thickly-padded leather seats, which come as standard, cocoon the occupants in luxury. The front seats are also heated and electrically adjustable with memory settings and upholstered in caramel suede.

There is plenty of room in the back and the boot’s not bad either.

You fire it up from a button on the dashboard and there’s also keyless entry from a widget you keep in your pocket. To lock the doors, simply press your thumb on the handle sensor and you are away.

There are very clear dials, essential when you are driving and keeping an eye on the speedometer. The needles light up when you switch on and give you a little floorshow.

The dashboard is sensibly laid out and easy to navigate with the sat-nav and radio easy to use thanks to a touch-sensitive screen or controls on the steering wheel.

Clever stowage binnacles flip out for loose change - not a big deal but proof of the considerable attention to detail. Even the stitching on the leather steering wheel is invisible.

Shedloads of items come as standard including cruise control, green tinted glass and 18in alloys plus a 13 speaker audio system.

There is pretty good fuel economy, averaging 38.2mph with an impressive 45.6mph on the open road and 29.7 mph for urban.

Safety features include eight standard air bags, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. The passenger front airbag is also the first in the world to use a twin-chamber approach to disperse the impact across the head and shoulders instead of concentrating it on the face.

Lexus was top marque in the 2006 J.D. Power UK Customer Satisfaction Study, earning the 2006 Gold Award for a sixth successive year with 873 points out of 1000, well above the industry average of 791 points.

If you want a car you really get a kick out of owning, this is as leading contender in its class.

Factfile

Lexus IS 220d Sport

Price: From £26,968
Insurance: 13E
CO2 emissions: 168g/km
Max speed: 134mph / 8.9 seconds
Combined fuel consumption: 38.2mpg