More often than not, when automakers perform a facelift on one of their vehicles prices tend to go up, but that logic doesn’t apply on the UK market 2009 IS. Depending on the model, Lexus has cut prices between £702 and £1,057. For the 2009 IS range Lexus introduces a new three-grade structure (SE, SE-I and SE-L trims) with enhanced specifications across the board. The most important upgrade is the provision of the firm’s Vehicle Integrated Dynamics Management (VDIM) as standard on all models.

In a nutshell, exterior changes on the 2009 IS concern the new front bumper with a revised grille, the door mirrors with integrated indicator lamps, the subtly restyled taillights and the newly-design 17-inch and 18-inch alloys. In the cabin the changes are limited to minor adjustments to the tone of interior upholsteries and trims and the shape of switches and graphics on the center console.

Under the skin Lexus has retuned the anti-roll bar, suspension and EPS while a paddle shift function is newly available on “D” mode in the six-speed automatic transmission.

Also, minor revisions to the IS 220d’s turbo diesel engine les to the reduction of CO2 emissions from 168 to 163g/km, moving the model down a band for Vehicle Excise Duty (E to D) which means that owners saves £25 pounds on a year’s road fund license.

New 2009 Lexus IS prices vs current IS prices

CURRENT IS MODEL

OTR PRICE

CUSTOMER SAVING

IS 220d

£23,192

£702

IS 220d SE

£25,842

£847

IS 220d SE-L

£27,942

£782

IS 250

£24,127

£927

IS 250 auto

£24,937

£927

IS 250 SE

£26,777

£1,057

IS 250 SE auto

£27,587

£1,057

IS 250 SE-L

£29,687

£837