The IS 200 and IS 300 were compact executive cars that Lexus started marketing in 1999 to be their entry-level model. The model is known as the Toyota Altezza in Japan and was developed as a high-performance luxury car to compete directly with the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.
Project Chief Engineer Nobuaki Katayama was responsible for the development of the IS 200 / IS 300 and was known for his work on the rear-wheel-drive Toyota Corolla AE86. The idea was to create a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive vehicle with a luxury interior in a sports sedan package.
First Generation IS 200 (GXE10) / IS 300 (JCE10), 1999-2005
During its introduction, only the IS 200 was released, with the IS 300 following in 2001. The IS 200 came out as four-door sedans and five-door station wagons, but the latter was not sold in Australia.
The interior featured unique elements, notably the gauge cluster that resembled a prestigious chronograph watch. The buttons and switches were well-laid-out to combine with the leather-covered panels and brushed aluminium trims. As a Katayama brainchild, the IS 200 was a driver’s car from inception. It featured sporty seats, cross-drilled pedals, and well-finished shift column and knob.
The IS 200 was equipped with a 2.0L 1GE-FE I6 (114 kW/ 195 N⋅m) coupled to either a 4-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox. Available trim levels in Australia were the IS 200 Base, IS 200 Sports Luxury and IS 200 Yellow, with a Platinum Edition added in 2003.
In 2001, the IS 300 was introduced, powered by a 3.0L 2JZ-GE I6 (224 kW/ 420 N⋅m) with a 5-speed automatic transmission, the same powertrain that the Toyota Supra used. Initially, it was offered only as a base trim with a Platinum Edition, Sports and Sports Luxury trims added in later years.
Elsewhere, the 5-door wagon versions, commonly called SportCross, were also powered by the same engines as their 4-door counterparts except for the Japanese Altezza RS200, which received a 2.0L 3S-GE I4 (154 kW/ 216 N⋅m).
Second Generation IS 200 / IS 300, 2005-2015
The second-generation IS 200 / IS 300 models were now sold worldwide, including Japan, under the Lexus name. The station wagon version was dropped due to poor sales, so this generation was now exclusively done as a 4-door sedan, incorporating the new L-finesse design philosophy of Lexus.
The interior now featured the luxurious amenities that Lexus had been incorporating in all their vehicles, such as the electroluminescent display, LED interior lighting accents, memory leather seats, and brushed metallic or maple wood trims.
The second-generation IS 200 and IS 300 were not sold in Australia. What arrived instead were the IS 250, IS 250c, IS 350 and IS F models. In other markets worldwide, a diesel variant was released and known as IS 220d sold from 2005-2012 with a 2.2L 2AD-FHV I4 (130 kW/ 400 N⋅m) with another detuned version offered as the IS 200d from 2010-2012 with a 2.2L 2AD-FTV I4 (110 kW/ 360 N⋅m). The IS 300 was marketed from 2007-2013 with a 3.0L 3GR-FE V6 (170 kW/ 300 N⋅m).
Third Generation IS 300, 2013-Present
The third generation went through several concepts before the production version was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in 2013. Its design was greatly influence by the very popular Lexus LFA.
The exterior carried the aggressive spindle design and was now fitted with the 3-LED projector headlights. Daytime Running Lights accent the bumper's upper surface, and the rear taillights were treated to three-dimensional L-shaped units. The side panels had skirts that curved into a continuous line extending to the rear bumpers and accented by a spoiler that was built into the boot lid and a rear bumper valance that completed the very sporty look.
The IS 300 Luxury and Sports Luxury sold in Australia were powered by the 2.0L 8AR-FTS I4 (179 kW/ 3500 N⋅m). The current (2017-present) IS 300 is what used to be badged as the IS 200T from 2015 to 2017.
In 2016, the headlights were replaced together with a redesigned fascia, bonnet and taillights. The interior received the latest electronics that Lexus offered on their other models and was accented by a newly-designed steering wheel and numerous other details.
Owning an IS 200 / IS 300
The IS 200 / IS 300 models are the entry offerings from this prestigious brand. Even the base models give the comfort and driving pleasure that one would expect from a luxury brand. These vehicles are no longer merely nicely-dressed-up Toyotas but are models on their own.
The Lexus IS models are known for their durability and reliability, rewarding the driver with problem-free years of driving, and more so with proper care and maintenance. In this regard, you may refer to us at Carpart.com.au. We can assist in connecting you to car parts sellers and professional auto service providers in Australia.
Fred Cajulis