THOUGH sedan sales are waning amidst the SUV gold rush, models such as the Lexus IS still represent the aspirational motor vehicle for many. Even if they drive out of the showroom in something high-riding, a sleek sports sedan inspired them to walk through the door in the first place.

Sales may be slipping but a look at the quality available in the luxury sports sedan segment proves that standards are not. Competition is hotter than ever, particularly since Audi launched the excellent B9 A4 in early 2016.

The refreshed Lexus IS provides a prime example of progress in this segment, providing subtle but meaningful tweaks inside and out, while gaining adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with sway warning system, automatic high-beam and a pre-collision safety system as standard across the range.

As a result, the IS200t F Sport tested here is dripping with equipment and a nicer cabin while maintaining most – but not all – of the charms we enjoyed in the pre-facelift version.

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