LEXUS’ first try at a BMW 3 Series rival was nothing short of sensational. The IS200’s superb handling, sharp styling, great quality and comfortable cabin really put the Japanese cat among the fat German pigeons. Dynamically it wasn’t until the 2001 E46 Series II that BMW eclipsed the IS, and the others are still trying. Now Lexus has started all over again with the totally new IS250. It’s safer, faster, stronger, roomier, more refined and much more up-to-date in design. But the charismatic in-line sixes have gone, replaced by a 2.5-litre V6. And overall weight has rocketed. So is the IS still special?