Review: Lexus XE10 IS (1999-05)

Review: Lexus XE10.I IS 200 (1999-01)

Overview

Released in March 1999, the Lexus XE10 Series I (XE10.I) IS range was a compact executive sedan. Manufactured in Iwate, Japan, the rear-wheel drive XE10.I IS range consisted of the IS 200 model which was powered by a 2.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The XE10.I IS 200 was available in three variants: an unnamed entry-level variant, the Sports Luxury and Sports LE. In 2000, a limited-run Yellow edition was released.

1G-FE engine

The 2.0-litre 1G-FE inline six cylinder engine had a cast iron block, an alloy cylinder head, double overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing (VVTi), an acoustic controlled induction system and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

Dimensions

The XE10 IS was 4400 mm long, 1720 mm wide, 1420 mm tall and had a 2670 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the IS 200 had a drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd, achieved in part through the use of an underbody aerodynamic kit.

Suspension

TThe XE10 IS had double wishbone front suspension with coil springs, two-stage gas-filled dampers and a stabiliser bar. Furthermore, the IS had multi-link double wishbone rear suspension with a toe control arm, lower-mounted coil springs and stabiliser bar.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the IS 200 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The IS 200 (and, subsequently, the IS 300) had 296 mm by 32 mm vented front brake discs with twin-piston calipers and 307 mm by 12 mm solid rear discs with single piston calipers.

Features: IS 200

Standard features for the IS 200 included 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning, velour upholstery, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows, power mirrors and an immobiliser.

The IS 200 Sports Luxury added 17-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, a power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and stainless steel scuff plates; the Sports LE variant was distinguished by its sports body kit.

2000 Lexus IS 200 Yellow edition

Released in July 2000, the limited-run Yellow variant was based on the Sports Luxury but added 17-inch chrome alloy wheels, leather seats, a carbon fibre steering wheel with yellow inserts, power moonroof, drilled sports pedals, front and rear spoilers and a yellow paint finish.

Related links

• Press Kit: Lexus XE10.I IS 200 (June 1999)
• Press Release: Lexus XE10.I IS 200 Yellow edition (July 2000)

Review: Lexus XE10.II IS 200 and IS 300 (2001-05)

Overview

Released in August 2001, the XE10 Series II (XE10.II) IS range initially consisted of the IS 300, with the XE10.II IS 200 following in November. Compared to its predecessor, the XE10.II featured an expanded model range and improved safety equipment. In June 2004, the XE10.II IS range underwent another update.

Visually, the XE10.II IS could be identified by its three-bar radiator grille, new profile side protection mouldings, smoked rear combination lamps for dark exterior colours. Inside, there was a soft-touch upper instrument panel, new air conditioning control panel, chrome door speaker surrounds and front row centre arm rest.

IS 300: 2JZ-GE engine

The IS 300 was powered by a 3.0-litre 2JZ-GE inline six cylinder petrol engine which had an aluminium head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing (VVTi) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Safety equipment

Compared to its XE10.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the XE10.II IS range was extended to include front curtain airbags, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. The IS 300 Sports Luxury (introduced in June 2004) was also equipped with electronic stability control and traction control.

Features: IS 200 and IS 300

Compared to its predecessor, the IS 200 Sports Luxury was fitted with combination leather (ivory or black) and alcantara seat trim and a leather-wrapped gearshift. The newly introduced IS 300 Sports featured 17-inch polished aluminium wheels, full leather seats with piping, high intensity discharge headlights, moonroof, an electrochromatic rear vision mirror and rear spoiler.

June 2004: Lexus IS update

In June 2004, the IS range was updated and expanded. The IS 300 Sports received full-face Alcantara and leather seat trim, power adjustable and heated front seats, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, metallic sports pedals and metallic scuff plates; steering wheel gearshift buttons (‘E-Shift’) were also introduced across the IS 300 range. The newly introduced Sports Luxury variant was further equipped with satellite navigation, a DVD player and full leather trim. The IS 200 Sports Luxury also gained full-face leather seats, high intensity discharge headlights with washers and moonroof; manual IS 200 models were also fitted with a limited slip differential as standard.

2002 Lexus IS 200 Caliente

Released in October 2002, the IS 200 Caliente featured 11-spoke alloy wheels with 45 aspect ratio tyres, full black leather interior, power adjustable and heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, metallic sports pedals and scuff plates, moonroof, privacy glass and body kit (front skirt, side skirts, rear skirt, boot lip rear spoiler); all models were finished in Caliente red, while manual models were also fitted with a limited slip differential and sports stabiliser bars.

Lexus IS Platinum Edition

Platinum Editions of the IS 200 and IS 300 were released in September 2003, featuring 11-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with 45 aspect ratio tyres, grey leather interior and door trim, power adjustable and heated front seats, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, moonroof, metallic scuff plates, boot lip spoiler and chrome exhaust extension; manual models were also fitted with a limited slip differential and sports stabiliser bars. The Platinum Editions were solely available with a ‘Titanium’ paint finish.

Related links

• Press Kit: Lexus XE10.II IS 300 (August 2001)
• Press Release: Lexus XE10.II IS 300 Sports (August 2001)
• Press Release: Lexus XE10.II IS 200 (November 2001)
• Press Release: Lexus XE10.II IS 200 Caliente (October 2002)
• Press Release: Lexus XE10.II IS 200 Platinum and IS 300 Platinum (September 2003)
• Wikipedia.org: Lexus XE10 IS