The Lexus IS safety credentials were given a boost when it scored a maximum five-star rating in official Euro NCAP crash tests and all cars come with eight airbags (including driver and passenger knee airbags), whiplash reducing seat design and headlamps that swivel with the steering to give better lighting on corners. The IS250 SE-L when fitted with automatic transmission is offered with a pre-crash safety system which uses the radar system from its adaptive cruise control to predict when an accident is unavoidable.
In certain cases it will tighten seatbelts to draw passengers into the safest position and trigger the brake assistance for maximum braking power
With 378 litres of boot space, the IS is poor compared to other saloons – the BMW 3-Series for example has 460 litres. The narrow opening means loading large objects is tricky plus there’s considerable intrusion from the wheelarches. There’s no estate version either but stowage up front is good with a large central cubby (under the armrest) and a decent glove box.
Euro NCAP Rating
The Lexus IS Saloon (05-12) was tested by Euro NCAP in and received the following safety ratings:
Euro NCAP provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. The safety ratings are determined from a series of vehicle tests, designed and carried out by Euro NCAP. These tests represent, in a simplified way, important real life accident scenarios that could result in injured or killed car occupants or other road users.