Model tested: Lexus IS-F
Price: £51,105
Date tested: April 2008
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

Overall rating: 81%

The BMW M3, Mercedes 63 AMG and Audi RS4 have a new rival for performance car fans to drool over – the Lexus IS-F which features the luxury manufacturer's most powerful engine yet.

1. Looks
Compared with the standard IS there's a more aggressive nose and tail plus side vents, smoked BBS 19-inch alloy wheels and two sets of eye-catching twin stacked exhaust pipes at the spoiler-laden rear.
8/10

2. Looks inside
There's silver carbon fibre-effect finish around the gear-stick, the roof lining is black and drivers should have no problems getting comfortable. The steering column is adjustable for height and reach and boasts three memory settings to accommodate different drivers or styles of driving.
7/10

3. Practicality
Unlike the standard IS, the IS-F only seats four. Boot capacity of 378 litres is easy to access and there is plenty of cabin storage with cup holders and expandable door pockets.
7/10

4. Ride and Handling
The IS-F is based on the IS platform but features a reworked, lighter, stiffer suspension system with a lower centre of gravity for sharper handling. Ride quality Is firm but the car is comfortable for long journeys.
9/10

5. Performance
The 417bhp 5-litre V8 produces 372lb/ft of torque to power the IS-F from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds; the electronically limited top speed is 168mph. It certainly sounds the part and we loved pushing the engine to generate its head-turning roar.
10/10

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6. Running Costs
CO2 emissions of 270g/km place the IS-F in tax band G; Lexus says it should average 24.8mpg.
6/10

7. Reliability
Lexus has a great reputation for reliability; it appears at the top end of the Reliability Index. The IS-F is a new car but the IS has a reliability record and there was nothing during our loan to suggest problems.
8/10

8. Safety
The IS has a five-star EuroNCAP rating with brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, ESP and ten airbags. A Pre-Crash Safety System prepares the safety system when an accident appears unavoidable.
8/10

9. Equipment
The IS-F mirrors the IS SE-L, adding a premium audio system, sat-nav and rear park assist monitor. The only option is an £800 electric tilt and slide adjustable sunroof.
9/10

10. X-Factor
We loved the car's race car roar. It's LOUD!
9/10