LESS than three years after it was launched here, the Lexus GS300 gets yet another update.

Earlier this year, the mid-size luxury sedan adopted direct fuel injection for its three-litre V6 engine. That boosted output 17 hp to 245 hp, while maximum torque rose 10 Newton metres to 310 Nm, which is available earlier.

Now the sporty saloon gets a new feature for 2008 - Adaptive Variable Suspension. This allows the driver to choose from two modes of damping - Normal and Sport. The former provides the usual comfortable ride that all Lexus vehicles are well-known for, but some people may find it a little waffly. Hence the appearance of the new button on the lower centre console.

When depressed, the GS300's suspension immediately becomes firmer. At higher speeds and around fast corners this is welcome. But on irregular surfaces, the ride quality deteriorates somewhat and becomes intrusive.

After experiencing Sport mode, chances are that you will find Normal to be a better proposition. Because while the GS300 has the classic front engine, rear-wheel-drive layout so beloved of motoring enthusiasts, it does not mean everyone who buys one would like to drive like Sebastien Loeb.

But the 2008 GS300 also has other improvements. There is a new version of VDIM or Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management. This feature integrates functions such as ABS, EBD (electronic brake force distribution), traction control and VSC (vehicle stability control) to enhance performance, traction control and stability.

Visually the GS300 sports changes such as restyled front and rear bumpers, as well as the now de rigueur turn indicator in the door mirror. Inside, the cabin has seen minor differences such as a new metal garnish around the gear lever, and the repositioning of the fuel filler cap release and bootlid buttons to make it more accessible for the driver.

What remains unchanged is the seemingly good value of the GS300 and all Lexus models in general. Compared with German luxury marques of equivalent engine size, the GS300 is well-priced. Critics may point to its lack of heritage or its Japanese roots, but there is no doubt that the luxury and quality of a Lexus come at a very attractive price.

But perhaps a bigger attraction is its fuel efficiency. For a three-litre V6 car with rear-wheel-drive, the GS300 will still turn in an enviable 9.5 km per litre in combined city and expressway driving. This is better than some smaller, four-cylinder cars.

And with today's high fuel costs, that must surely be an advantage.

LEXUS GS300
Engine: 2,995cc V6
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic transmission
Max power: 245 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Max torque: 310 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
0-100 kmh: 7.2 secs
Top speed: 240 kmh
Price: from $192,000 (with COE)
Distributor: Borneo Motors, tel 6475-1288