New Lexus IS 200t Unveiled in Malaysia: Prices Start from RM298K

Kuala Lumpur: Lexus has announced the launch of its new compact sedan - IS 200t in the Malaysian market. The drive will be available in four variants and three of them will feature a brand new 2.0-litres four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The automaker has discontinued the IS 250 and IS 350 to make way for new small yet powerful 200t engine. However, the range topper - IS 300h is still available. The price of IS 200t Premium, IS 200t Luxury and IS 200t F Sports variant starts from RM297,800, RM349,900 and RM384,900, respectively. While the only Hybrid variant IS 300h retails from RM452,100.

Coming to specifications, the new IS 200t features the same engine (2.0-litres four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine) that's available in NX 200t SUV in Malaysia. The only difference is that it is installed longitudinally in comparison to transverse in the NX. The engine can produce 238 bhp of power at 5,800 rpm and 350Nm of torque in the range of 1600 - 4400 rpm. The top speed of all IS 200t has been rated at 230kmph that is just 5 kmph more than the previous. The turbocharged engine of IS 200t is equipped with a water-cooled cylinder head, integrated exhaust manifest and Variable Valve Timing Intelligence.

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While the previous IS 250 engine managed to reach 100 kmph in 8.1 seconds, the new 200t engine is capable of achieving the same feat in just 7 seconds flat, thanks to its new eight-speed torque converter Sports Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission that replaces the previous six-speed transmission. The new Adaptive Variable Suspension System (AVS) is available with IS 200t F Sport variant only and the other variants feature the standard fixed multi-link setup. In addition. The IS 200t F Sport also feature the Drive Mode Select System that can be controlled by a rotary dial given on its centre console whereas other variants come with the standard Eco, Normal and Sports get.

The IS 300h still utilizes the Lexus Hybrid Drive System equipped with 178 horsepower 2.5-litres Petrol Engine, 141 horsepower Electric Engine in addition to an Electronically-Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). Also, there is a Ni-MH battery which stores energy to be supplied to an electric motor, increasing power and enabling the drive to travel short distances in full electric only mode. With no plug-in charging option – the battery can be recharged either by the combustion engine or through brake energy regeneration. An impressive feature in IS 300h specs list is Active Sound Control (ASC) which produces a sportier engine sound in the cabin through a dedicated speaker. While drivers are given an option to control the volume, the audio feed will deactivate automatically upon the activation of EV or ECO mode.

The interiors largely remain unchanged and its cockpit layout and materials used are almost same as before. The only notable change in the interior is the powered steering column adjustment fit given in all IS Models. The automaker has given 10 airbags that are 2 more than the previously available. Except the lowest-spec IS variants, the remaining models features a Blind Sports Monitor (BSM) and a Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Read Also: Lexus Malaysia Releases Detailed Specs for IS 200t on its Site

Each IS 200t variant is available in seven different exterior paint colors, excluding F Sport that gets two extra: White Nova GF and Heat Blue. The interiors suit the car's exterior paint and offer options like Black Metallic, Wood Grey Ivory and Wedge Metal DarkRose (only for F Sport). All variants of new Lexus IS range are equipped with Lexus Security and Solar Film in addition to Lexus Emergency Kit that includes a first aid kit, safety triable, jumper cable and a portable tyre pump. The IS 200t variants come with a standard 3 Year/100,000 Kilometer (whichever comes first) factory warranty. The battery of IS 300h come with 8 Year warranty without any limitations on mileage. All the three variants of Lexus IS range are available for public viewing at local showrooms beginning today.

IMAGES COURTESY: 8CARS.MY