• IS retains its five-star safety rating
• Lots of autonomous tech added with 2017 facelift
• All cars get eight airbags plus tyre pressure monitoring

There is a huge amount of equipment installed to improve Lexus IS safety. This all adds up to a five-star Euro NCAP crash testing score.

An all-new pop-up bonnet means pedestrian safety is improved, while you get eight airbags, a tyre pressure warning system and the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (braking, traction control and stability control functions).

As part of a 2017 facelift the IS gained full LED headlights that are 10% brighter, with a beam wider by one metre either side, covering the function of the front foglights too.

The Lexus Safety System+ was added, bringing with it a pre-crash system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert and automatic high beam. This is standard on all cars except base SE trim. Premier grade and the Premier Pack additionally add a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.

• Largest and most practical IS model
• Means more legroom and boot space
• Split-folding rear seats not standard

Lexus IS practicality is improved over the previous model. The car is 75mm longer than its predecessor and 10mm wider too. This translates to 50mm more rear legroom and a larger boot, now measuring 450 litres.

Although there’s a button on the key fob and a button in the car, it would be nice if the button on the boot was a little easier to find.

It’s a shame 60/40 rear seats don’t come as standard on SE version of the IS 300h, but are available on higher grades to boost practicality.

You’ll easily get four adults in the IS, although a fifth will be a squeeze since the transmission tunnel is fairly large and extends down the centre of the car.