The SportsCross version of the Lexus IS200 gains lots of extra space without giving in to the "estate" look. It kept Michael McAleer smiling.
The Lexus IS200 SportCross is aimed to make its mark. Lexus originally introduced the IS200 to add some sporty sparkle to the Japanese marque's range, with more rugged racing looks and character, and the likes of BMW directly in its sights. According Mr Katayama, the IS 200 chief cngineer, the original saloon has "the qualities of a true athlete - strength, power, control and response." Continuing the theme, the SportCross takes this athlete and adds a bun bag.
The SportCross is up against some stiff opposition from an increasingly stylish range of "estate" versions of popular saloons. At the upper echelons of the executive market, it faces the impressive German stalwarts like the Audi A4 Avant and BMW 3-Series Touring, to name but two.
Also competing for the attention of those seeking "sporty practicality" is the likes of the Alfa Romeo 156 Sportswagon and Renault Laguna Estate, which personally we find more attractive than their saloon siblings.
With such competent competition, Lexus has deigned to put its Sport version of the IS200 saloon through the rear-end makeover. As with many of these designs, the manufacturer attempts to offer the extra luggage capacity of your everyday estate, yet with the sleeker coupé-style lines. It's a trade-off and in the real world you are never really going to get both. But some come closer than ot hers.
So we have the IS200 SportCross. In its saloon guise, the IS200 is a serious contender in the small executive market with its striking power and crisp handling. So, does the added length add to the cars handling or take away from its "sporty" characteristics? The revised look certainly smoothes out some of the stronger, more rugged lines of the saloon.
The SportCross succeeds in retaining the agile and aggressive appearance of the saloon version, and we were certainly won over by its lines. What's more, with 240 per cent more luggage space the benefits are there for all to see. Executive cars aren't noted for their generously dimensioned interiors, and the IS200 has always seemed slightly narrower in the cabin than some of its German competitors. With the extra length on the SportCross this feeling is overcome. The downside of those fashionable lines is a slightly cramped rear seat compartment and a high luggage area that's not really as roomy as you might expect. If you are looking for the full-blown estate option of say, the Volvo V70, then this is not going to fit the bill. And the golf bag test? Well, it passed with room to spare and there was enough extra space in the rear to leave them there for the week and they never got in the way. But this is only to be expected.
THIS is the second SportCross version Lexus has brought out: it already has the original version derived from the IS300. By all accounts this three-litre-engined model most definitely fits its sports billing. However, the IS200 version does seem to be slightly lacking that killer punch at the lower revs, unlike the saloon version that never misses a beat. It does have the pulling power and there is no doubting the overall smoothness of the straight-six two-litre 153 bhp engine with its lovely ear-pleasing note. But it has clearly foregone some power for the added space.
Coming from Toyota, with its history for quality finish, the Lexus has built up a strong reputation for build quality and there are no question marks over its latest offerings in this regard. It certainly meets the mark of its German competitors and offers small touches of refinement that make all the difference at this level.
The ride is quite firm, getting smoother with speed, and it cruises quietly on the motorway. It also has the same superb driving position as its saloon sibling and well-placed controls that are a pleasure to use.
Bad road surfaces are absorbed well by the suspension, while the firm steering is accurate. From the numerous models in the Lexus range we have driven, we are increasingly of the opinion that the range possesses one of the most direct and enjoyable steering systems. The SportCross retains this characteristic and overall offers a satisfying driving experience. We always enjoy rear-wheel drives, though this is not going to be the sort of car you throw into a corner sideways with oversteer.
Then there is the notchy six-speed gearbox and the short stumpy gear lever, all of which encourages you to make full use of the revs on offer. If there is one complaint about it, the location of reverse next to first and initially we did find ourselves slipping into reverse at the start, though there is a warning bleeper that sounds when reverse is engaged.
Inside it has the familiar Lexus instrument panels, featuring small dials inside a larger one, reminiscent of those expensive sports watches. One qualm would be with the over-emphasis in the central console to the air-conditioning switches and knobs.
All IS200s come with a six-CD multichanger and a minimum of six speakers that deliver fine sound quality. It is relatively easy to use, although steering wheel controls are sacrificed for a sporty steering wheel.
The Lexus is competitively priced against its rivals, and when you take its equipment levels, which include climate control, air conditioning, alloy wheels, the CD player, multiple airbags and a six-speed transmission as standard, the deal looks very good indeed.
Twin airbags are standard up front, along with sidebags. Two option packs are available, the Visibility pack at €1,610 featuring improved headlights and windshield options, and an executive pack at €4,225 offering leather trim, heated seats and a better stereo system. A moon-roof and satellite navigation are also available as options.
In the end, the SportCross retains many of the enjoyable driving characteristics of the saloon version with the added rear-end room, though perhaps not as sporty as the name might suggest.
FACTFILE
ENGINE:
The straight-six two-litre engine develops 15.3 bhp and 195 Nm of torque.
PERFORMANCE:
A top speed of 134 mph, with an acceleration from 0-60 mph of 9.5 seconds.
SPECIFICATION:
Alloy wheels, ABS, front and side airbags, 6 CD stereo. Two option packs are available.
FUEL:
A combined fuel consumption figure of 28 mpg.
PRICE:
€40,600
THE COMPETITION
Lexus IS200 SportCross: 1,998cc; 9.5 (0-60); 134 max speed; 153 bhp; 28 mpg combined; €40,600.
Audi A4 Avant 2.0. 1,984cc; 10.2 (0-60); 121 max speed; 130 bhp; 35.3 mpg combined; €38,110.
BMW 318i Touring. 1,995cc; 9.3 (0-60); 132 max speed; 143 bhp; 39.2 mpg combined; €38,200.
Alfa Romeo 156 Sportswagon 2.0 Sportivo. 1,970cc; 9.0 (0-60); 133 max speed; 165 bhp; 31.4 mpg combined; €36,000.
Mercedes C180 Kompressor Estate. 1,796cc; 10 (0-60); 134 max speed; 143 bhp; 34 mpg combined; €40,190