WITH its value-packed positioning and just-right feel, the Lexus IS became a real contender for pick of the mid-size luxury sedan segment when it launched in mid-2013. If only entry-level variants weren’t saddled with a weedy but thirsty 2.5-litre V6.

Since then, the benchmark-setting Mercedes-Benz C-Class has landed, Jaguar has exceeded all expectations with the XE, BMW has updated its 3 Series and a new Audi A4 is imminent.

But the Lexus still feels good and fits the sports sedan brief exceptionally well, especially now its outclassed 2.5-litre V6 has been replaced by a cracking new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that is more than a match for any European effort.

After a week driving the IS200t Sports Luxury, we were convinced Lexus is onto a winner.

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