LESS is more, or so it would seem where Lexus is concerned. Two-and-a-half years after the Japanese luxury carmaker introduced the IS250 here, a refreshed version has been unveiled.

And it is a mild rejuvenation of the entry sedan, more Botox than facelift. The changes are mainly cosmetic, with only a couple of significant tweaks to the car's dynamics.Lexus has taken a subtle approach to the revisions and wisely so. After all, the IS250 already looks and feels like a fairly complete package.

The sporty styling of the exterior remains unchanged except for a new front bumper and radiator grille. The door mirrors also get the by-now-popular turn signal lamps and the rear light cluster is new. Inside, the centre console sports a pair of repositioned air vents but perhaps the most significant change is the addition of VDIM or Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management.

VDIM combines all the functions of the various safety systems, such as the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), TRC (Traction Control), VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and EPS (Electric Power Steering).

Previously, these systems had operated separately on their own. With this integration by the latest-generation VDIM, the 2009 Lexus IS250 boasts even better preventive safety and driving performance. On the road, the IS250 offers sports sedan handling. It has a classic front engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and a competent chassis.

The steering is vice-free and the car well-balanced, plus you get the remarkable refinement and silent operation that all Lexi are famous for.The only drawback is the slightly anaemic V6 engine. The 2,500cc power plant is eminently smooth with generally adequate performance but it lacks the oomph required for a more spirited drive.

For better acceleration, though, the engineers have modified the steering-mounted shift paddles to work even when the gear lever is in D. Previously, the gearstick had to be slotted into S before the paddles can be used. But with the so-called D-range paddle shift, it is possible for quick manual intervention,such as changing down a gear or
two to quickly prepare for an overtaking manoeuvre.

While the IS250 offers excellent ride comfort,rear passengers may find the back seats a bit snug. Rear legroom is at a premium,especially if someone tall is sitting in front of you.

Two trim levels are available - standard and luxury - with an $11,000 premium for the latter. For this, the latter variant comes with interior wood trim, illuminated scuff plates, a rain sensor, powered steering wheel adjustment, front seats with memory, and the most obvious difference of all - a 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

This last feature might just convince you that the new IS250 is a sound investment.

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Master craftsmen at work

This article was first published in The Business Times on Oct 25,2008.