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Cape Town - Lexus has unveiled its new IS sports sedan at the Beijing Motor Show.
According to Lexus SA: "The new IS sedan is scheduled to arrive in Quarter 4 of 2016, with local specification and pricing to be announced at a later date."
New design
A dynamic new fascia headlines the exterior styling changes with new headlights, large air intakes and an evolution of Lexus' signature spindle grille design.
READ: Radical Lexus RX arrives in SA
Lexus said: "The grille now folds back at a higher point, changing the proportions at the top and bottom sections to provide a sportier, more aggressive appearance while blending effortlessly into the reshaped bonnet."
The F Sport variant's grille features a three-dimensional "F-mesh" pattern with black metallic coating incorporating brake ducts. A range of new alloy wheels compliment the refreshed design and utilise revised spoke arrangements and machined surfaces.
The rear has more pronounced L-shaped LEDs with a triple layering feature in the taillight housing and rectangular chromed exhaust tips.
Upgraded interior
A new 10.3" multimedia screen represents the key update to the IS cabin. The new high resolution display offers a larger and clearer image of the various functions of Lexus' advanced multimedia system.
According to Lexus: "(The) 'enter' buttons have been added to the sides of the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) on the centre console to boost user functionality (as seen in thev RX launched locally earlier in 2016).
"The audio and ventilation control panel has also been refined to fit completely within the enlarged knee bolsters with a new hairline-finish surface that provides visual appeal while also giving a high quality feel."
The interior also gains new stitching along the dials, refined speedometer and tachometer, new cup holders reshaped to also house larger smart phones, a larger leather-wrapped palm rest and tweaked in-dash analogue clock.
READ: Stunning Lexus LC 500 headed for SA
Engine line-up unchanged
The existing line-up of engines remains, starting with the innovative 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged four cylinder unit of the IS 200t, alongside the charismatic 3.5-litre quad cam V6 of the IS 350.
