• Hybrid 300h is the best here
• Boasts up to 67.3mpg
• Petrol 200t is worse with 39.2mpg

If you’re concerned about getting the lowest possible Lexus IS running costs, the model to go for is definitely the IS 300h. Thanks to assistance from the electric motor, this car is capable of a claimed 67.3mpg on average.

Of course, you shouldn’t expect to hit such figures during normal driving, but 50mpg should be possible if you’re light with your right foot.  The 200t is understandably more thirsty however, with only 39.2mpg on offer.

The 300h is best for tax too. In SE specification (with the smallest wheels), the IS 300h emits just 97g/km of CO2 and thus qualifies for very cheap road tax and company car tax.

In terms of maintenance, Lexus expects the IS to be relatively cheap thanks to the hybrid powertrain. This allows the brakes to live a much longer life thanks to the energy regeneration system, and also allows the car to do without a clutch.

If you choose the right model, Lexus IS 300h emissions can be incredibly low for such a large car. SE versions have the smallest wheels, and thus are capable of emitting just 97g/km of CO2.

Pick the 200t and you’ll fare much worse – with 167g/km of CO2 thanks to its petrol engine and larger wheels.

Lexus IS reliability shouldn’t cause you too many headaches. The firm, being a subsidiary of Toyota, enjoys a reputation for building extremely resilient cars.

Although the hybrid system is fairly cutting-edge, it’s not a new concept and the firm has been building cars with similar set-ups for many years now with few problems.