Much better than I expected. Really comfy for soaking up motorway miles. I actually arrive feeling ok instead of tired now. great oomph when you need it, pretty quick but I didn't buy it to race chavs in their Saxo's. I'll leave that to the BMW drivers.

Lexus 220d

Price New £35,630 - £44,520 Used £29,960 - £42,000
Spec
Wheelbase 2730 mm
Length 4585 mm
Width 1990 mm
Height 1440 mm
Weight 1580 kg
Engine Size 2231 cc
Power Output 174 bhp
Torque 400 Nm    295 lb-ft
Top Speed 137 mph

Lexus 220D Review­­: Lexus’ First Attempt at Diesel

The Lexus 220D comes from the IS series of entry level luxury cars sold and manufactured by Lexus starting 1999. It was introduced in Europe in 1999 and in North America in 2000. The second generation Lexus 220D was launched in 2006. The 220D is the first diesel run car by Lexus.

The Lexus 220D is on sale now in 2.2 litre 4 cylinder diesel and 2.5 litre V6 engine. Lexus plans the car to rival the new BMW 3 series in terms of performance, handling and styling.

When it comes to styling, the 220D is just pure eye candy. At first glance, the car is gleaming, of curvy proportions, sophisticated detailing and has that focused stance. Its curvy features look great when on the road. The car is a smaller and cheaper version than the LS. And being the first diesel car manufactured by Lexus, it is the weakest on this aspect. It’s clear how Lexus tried its best in the diesel aspect, but they didn’t try hard enough. We just hope that the car was designed to be less noisy; the engine’s rattling is similar to the Toyota Avensis, which utilizes the same engine.

Lexus IS 220 D 01\2006 to Current - Aero Front Wiper Blade Set

Lexus IS 250 / 220d 2005+ Tailored Carpet Car Mats (Black)

Locking Wheel Nuts - Lexus Gs300 Is200 Ls400 is220 LS430 RX300

In terms of overall performance, it is the best diesel sports car produced by Lexus. Emission and economy is brilliant. It can seat 4 or 5 people, so not exactly class breaking when it comes to space. The ride is smooth and handling is good. In fact, the comfort level of the car is brilliant and close to perfect. Long distance journeys are just delightful that you certainly can’t hear kids whining: ‘Are we there yet?’ BMW wins by a slight notch when it comes to road holding, though. The ride is refined, quiet and cool all throughout.

The Lexus 220D is available in two engines: the 2.2 litre at 175 horsepower comes at a six speed auto. A faster and speedier version is the 2.5 litre V6 engine that runs at 200 horsepower. It can go up to 66 miles per hour in less than 8.9 seconds! When it comes to running costs, petrol can run a reasonable 28.8 mpg, while the diesel gets 38.8 mpg. Lexus has gone cleaner these days, thankfully: from a CO2 emission of 163 g/km, the 220D is at 148 g/km, benefiting the Mother Earth in this way.

The Lexus 220D is a rear wheel drive, and is available in petrol or diesel. The diesel can be a little heavy and noisy as compared to the petrol, but both cars give that sophisticated edge of European front drive cars.

Car Specs and Features:

Model: Lexus 220D

Engine: 2231 cc, 4 cylinder

CO2 Emission: 148 g per km

Torque: 175 bhp @ 3,600 rpm or 295 lb ft @ 2,000 rpm

Performance: 0 to 66 miles per hour in 8.9 seconds. Top speed at 135 mph

Safety Features: twin front, side and curtain air bags

Transmission: 6 speed manual

Price: £22,400 to £26,600

Insurance: Group 12E to 13E

Rating: 9/10