The 2016 Lexus Is200t F Sport arrived on the scene with a splash of vibrant color and a promise to redefine the Lexus sedan image. For years, Lexus was synonymous with reliable luxury, but often perceived as catering to a more mature demographic. The IS200t F Sport aimed to challenge this stereotype, injecting a dose of youthful energy and sporty performance into the brand’s lineup. This review delves into the specifics of the 2016 Lexus IS200t F Sport, exploring its engine performance, design elements, interior features, and overall driving experience.
Exterior Design and Styling
The Lexus IS200t F Sport makes a bold statement with its exterior design. Moving away from the understated elegance traditionally associated with Lexus, the IS200t F Sport embraces a more aggressive and sculpted aesthetic. The “Predator” grille, a signature Lexus design element, dominates the front fascia, immediately drawing attention. While effectively masking the bumper from most angles, its pronounced hourglass shape pushes the boundaries of contemporary automotive grille design, arguably vying for attention in a similar vein to Audi’s distinctive grille styling.
Flanking this imposing grille are the headlamps, which present a slightly fragmented appearance. A body-colored separation subtly disconnects the main lighting units from the LED daytime running lights, a design choice that may not appeal to all viewers.
The vibrant “Redline” paint, while eye-catching, might not be the ideal color to fully accentuate the car’s design intricacies. Lexus offers an “Atomic Silver” finish, a shade reminiscent of pewter, which arguably highlights the complex curves and body lines of the IS200t F Sport more effectively. This silver option provides a sophisticated alternative, showcasing the vehicle’s form with a subtle yet impactful elegance.
The rear of the IS200t F Sport continues the theme of intricate design with taillights that extend and accentuate a character line originating beneath the doors and flowing towards the trunk’s edge. This cohesive design element effectively minimizes the visual bulk of the tall trunk lid, creating a more streamlined profile. The inclusion of dual-exhaust outlets adds a sporty touch and maintains symmetry, a practical design choice considering many IS trims feature a V6 engine, streamlining bumper production.
Interior Comfort and Features
Stepping inside the 2016 Lexus IS200t F Sport reveals a cabin that aligns with Lexus’s reputation for quality and refinement. The interior is characterized by robust, luxurious materials throughout and a focus on near-perfect ergonomics. The gear shifter, positioned for easy access, invites manual gear changes, adding a tactile element to the driving experience.
The steering wheel, offering both tilt and telescopic adjustability, enhances driver comfort. However, the absence of a power-adjustable steering column at this price point is a notable omission. For drivers of larger stature, a power steering column with memory function would improve ingress and egress, a feature present in several competing models and higher IS trims. While a minor drawback, it’s a convenience factor worth considering.
The optional F-Sport seats are a standout feature, providing exceptional comfort even on extended drives. The ventilated seats, with both cooling and heating functions, further enhance comfort levels. The nearly white leatherette upholstery in the test vehicle adds a touch of visual appeal, although practical considerations might lead many to opt for a darker hue to better withstand everyday use and potential spills.
Rear seat space is somewhat limited, particularly for larger adults seated behind similarly sized front occupants. However, for shorter journeys or younger passengers, the rear seats offer adequate comfort. Feedback from younger occupants suggests above-average rear seat comfort, indicating suitability for families with children.
A notable ergonomic issue lies in the placement of the front cupholders. Their positioning encroaches on passenger elbow space and their proximity to each other makes accommodating two large beverage cups challenging, potentially leading to spills. This design flaw detracts from the otherwise well-thought-out interior.
Engine Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the 2016 Lexus IS200t F Sport is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a common choice in the entry-level sports sedan segment, replacing the previously standard six-cylinder engine in base models. This engine configuration provides a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing the sporty aesthetics.
The turbocharged four-cylinder delivers 241 horsepower and 256 lb-ft of torque. While boasting a higher horsepower figure than competitors like the BMW 320i, real-world performance in terms of 0-60 mph times is comparable, hovering around the 7-second mark. The eight-speed automatic transmission offers seamless shifts, becoming more responsive when switched to sport mode via the console-mounted dial. Enthusiasts might find themselves wishing for a manual transmission option to further enhance driver engagement, but unfortunately, it is not available.
Lexus opts for a fingertip-controlled joystick system, located beside the gear lever, to manage infotainment and navigation functions, instead of the more common touchscreen interface. The screen is positioned further into the dashboard, beyond easy reach for touch input, justifying the joystick control. While touchscreens offer intuitive interaction, the recessed screen placement in the IS200t F Sport may reduce eye strain by minimizing focus adjustments between the road and the display. Furthermore, this system avoids the issue of fingerprint smudges on the screen, a common annoyance with touch-sensitive displays.
The optional Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system delivers exceptional sound quality. This premium audio setup provides immersive sound, capable of overpowering external noise and enhancing the in-car entertainment experience, justifying its premium price for audiophiles and those seeking superior audio performance.
Ride Comfort and Handling
Compared to the Infiniti Q50, another similarly powered 2.0-liter turbo competitor, the 2016 Lexus IS200t F Sport offers a more engaging driving experience. The steering feels more precise, and the suspension is tuned for more dynamic handling, making it more responsive during spirited driving. The Lexus’s lower curb weight, being rear-wheel drive compared to the all-wheel-drive Infiniti, contributes to its enhanced agility.
However, this sport-oriented suspension setup results in a firmer ride, which can be less forgiving on rough road surfaces. Road noise is also more pronounced than typically expected in a Lexus, diminishing some of the brand’s renowned refinement. The Infiniti Q50, conversely, provides a more compliant ride, better absorbing road imperfections and offering a quieter cabin experience.
Despite the firmer ride, the IS200t F Sport remains an enjoyable vehicle to drive. The slightly less spacious interior and firmer suspension might be less ideal for long family road trips, but for daily commuting and shorter drives, it excels as a sporty and engaging sedan.
Conclusion
The 2016 Lexus IS200t F Sport successfully blends Lexus luxury with a more dynamic and youthful character. Its bold exterior design, refined interior, and engaging driving dynamics make it a compelling option in the entry-level sports sedan segment. While minor drawbacks like the cupholder placement and firmer ride exist, the overall package delivers a rewarding driving experience. For those seeking a stylish, sporty, and reliable sedan, the 2016 Lexus IS200t F Sport warrants serious consideration.
