Lexus IS Sport Cross (01-05) - Review

Sportcross has always had two engine choices: a 2.0 24-valve VVT-i engine and a 3.0 since its launch in 2001. Both are willing and flexible units, if a little noisier and not as smooth as BMW's six-cylinder lumps. But they're powerful (outputs are 153 and 211 bhp), give rapid acceleration (0-60mph in 9.5 and 8.2 seconds) and offer lots of pulling power – especially the 3.0 litre. A sporty diesel in the line-up would have been a useful addition.

As a rival for the 3-Series Touring the IS Sportcross does rather well. Like the BMW (long touted as the "ultimate driving machine"), it's rear-wheel-drive and has an agile yet composed feel. The steering is well weighted, direct and offers plenty of feedback. A six-speed gearbox adds to IS's fun-to-drive feel and is ideally suited to the engine. The chassis is responsive and offers plenty of grip. But while IS undoubtedly is a better drive than most in its class, it lacks the poise and refinement of 3-Series.