Michael McAleer enjoyed the manners of the new SportsCross version ofthe IS200
Lexus Ireland is now offering Irish motorists a hybrid of the popular IS200, only this time with 240 per cent more luggage space. And all for just over €1,000 more than the original sporty saloon. That seems like value for money. At €40,600, it's only marginally more expensive than the IS200 saloon, which retails at €39,080.
The stylish SportsCross, with coupé-like lines offers near identical performance to its saloon brethren with the added space possibilities. Yet the designers have managed to avoid falling into the design trap of simply adding boxy estate lines.
Lexus Ireland's managing director Mark Teevan estimates sales of around 75 for the SportsCross next year, but we would suggest this is conservative. Some potential saloon purchasers of the 350 or so IS200 saloons expected to be sold next year may well opt for the roomier SportsCross.
The latest addition brings to five the number of models available from Lexus and follows on three years after the introduction its compact saloon, the IS200.
Understandably, Lexus is wary of any associations with estate cars. Yet, like Alfa Romeo with its 156 SportsWagon, it may just avoid reference to the SportsCross as an estate thanks to the eye-pleasing lines.
In power terms, the new SportsCross uses the same straight six-cylinder engine, offering up 155 bhp, combined with the six-speed gearbox. Lexus has long aimed to target the IS200 and IS300 at keener drivers by featuring sporty equipment and manners. It already has a SportsCross in the IS300 model.
So what's it like to drive? Well, we took it for a run through the three most common road conditions in Ireland: heavy traffic, short motorway spin and then the windy roads of north Wicklow.
The six-speed transmission is well ratioed and the engine responds well to any appeals for power. We enjoyed our spin in the car.
Two option packs are available, the Visibility pack at €1,610 and mainly 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 is also available as options.