Road Test: Lexus IS 200 2.0 SE 4dr

The handbags are out again in our previously-harmonious TG workplace. Perched innocently at the midst of the kerfuffle is our Lexus IS200 Sport long-term test car.

To fill you in on the background goings-on, Road Test Editor Tom and Features Editor Zac had been hard at it producing sprogs and hence required practical, family-sized transport. They hadn't, however, lost their desire to drive about in a something sporty. So that's why we acquired the IS200... and that's where the grumpiness started."Nope, I don't like it!" exclaimed Zac, "it's got a weird interior, and the engine is totally gutless." In addition Tom pipped in: "Yes, it bogs down pulling away from junctions. And it stalls all the time. And I hate the odd magnifying effect of the rear-view mirror. And I reckon our Nissan Primera's more fun. So there..."

Blimey. Well, to show you what a subjective business the assessing of cars can be, I'm going to have to totally disagree. Well, almost totally - the IS200's two-litre, straight-six lump does need more torque. Even now it's run in, the engine still needs revving hard to give anything like its best. Scarcely any of its urge arrives until knocking on for 5,000rpm and peak power isn't available until 6,200rpm when - wham - it's time to say 'hello' to the rev limiter. Meanwhile a 1.8-litre Astra will have trundled past.

The IS200's chassis, though, is much more enthusiastic than the engine that propels it. Shifting along a good B-road, the car feels compact, neutral and exploitable in a way that even the latest BMW 3-Series really doesn't any more - 25bhp more would definitely do it a big favour.

Anything else that's popped-up to our awareness? Well, the six-speed gearbox's metal-on-metal clunkiness has eased off a bit, but, less positively, the optional satnav appears to be permanently 50 yards off the mark; there's an annoying buzz from the chrome trim around the gear lever, and the nifty six-disc in-dash CD-player swallowed a disc and only spat it out after receiving a severe thumping.

Oh, and we've also suffered a spot of tyre trouble - road tester Colin managed to pick up a puncture in one of the rears. Mr mobile Kwik Fit found that both of the large, rear 215/45R17 Bridgestone Potenzas were down to their wear indicators (in scarcely 8,500 miles!) and fitted replacements at a hefty £174.43 a corner. Also, the big five-spoke alloys are proving very tricky to avoid kerbing.

Currently, the top news for sprogless old me, is that I still get to indulge in the IS200's cornering delights on a regular basis. As, confusingly, Zac is sticking to a three-door Clio and Tom's toughing it out on his scooter

Peter Grunert