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2006 Lexus IS Preview

Lexus Comes to Market with a Serious Competitor to BMWs 3-Series

Longer by 3½ inches, wider by almost 3 inches, and sitting on a wheelbase that extends 2.3 inches beyond its predecessor, the 2006 Lexus IS 300, with its chiseled good looks and aggressive character appears to be exactly what compact luxury buyers currently want.

When the current IS 300 debuted in North America, a rebadged and somewhat upgraded Japanese-market Toyota Altezza, enthusiasts jumped on the Lexus bandwagon. It was small, light and plenty powerful, and soon after its introduction offered a manual transmission

Watch out BMW 3-Series, the 2006 Lexus IS 300 is sporting chiseled good looks and an aggressive character. (Photo: Lexus)

just like BMWs benchmark 3-Series.

Interestingly enough, it was these enthusiasts that praised the IS 300 for behaving much like past generation 3-Series, which were smaller, lighter and resultantly more nimble.

But the first-generation

It looks like Lexus listened to the critics of the first-generation IS, and fixed all of their gripes. (Photo: Lexus)

IS wasnt without its detractors, complaining about its bland exterior, as well as criticizing its busy cabin layout and cramped quarters.

The upcoming 2006 IS looks ready to remedy such problems, and knowing how advanced its rear-drive cars are becoming in driving dynamics shouldnt lose any of its fun factor either.

Its longer

Its longer wheelbase means there will be more room in the cabin. (Photo: Lexus)

wheelbase should satisfy rear seat passengers, offering the greatest span between front and rear occupants in the segment. Lexus claims its new IS will be more comfortable in other ways too, especially when the optional fan ventilated front seats are ordered.

Lexus no doubt wants to keep the younger, enthusiast crowd happy, but nevertheless understands that a more conservative approach inside will increase sales to a more mature audience, therefore the cars odd

The new IS has a superb base audio system, featuring 13-speakers and a 6CD changer that is capable of playing MP3 and WMA files. (Photo: Lexus)

mismatched interior surfaces will be replaced with a more cohesive design, with higher quality plastics, more wood on luxury trim levels, and tighter fit and finish tolerances.

For instance, the leather seat double stitching is now 25 percent tighter, helping it to wear better and improving appearances. There are also more high-tech metal highlights, while light colored birds eye maple wood is now available.

The IS has always delivered superb audio sound, and the new version of the car will

Two gasoline engines will be available in the new larger version, at least in Europe where it debuted earlier this week. (Photo: Lexus)

continue this tradition. Standard will be a 13-speaker sound system featuring a 6CD changer that is capable of playing MP3 and WMA files. Incidentally, the upcoming 3-Series only gets a single disc CD player in the dash. While its MP3 compatible, the optional stacker is still in the trunk. An auxiliary socket is also available, connected to the stereo via the console bin, a feature that targets a younger, more music-centric audience that would rather plug their external devices into an audio system than bother with a pile of CDs.

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