The European-sold Lexus IS 220d will be seeing a raft of improvements starting this March. From the press release:

• Revised Lexus IS 220d produces lower emissions, CO2 figure down from 163 to 148g/km
• Delivers significant savings in Benefit-in-Kind tax rates and Corporation Tax
• IS 220d moves into Band C for Vehicle Excise Duty
• Improved fuel consumption (46.3 to 50.4 mpg Imperial), but no loss in performance
• Improved specifications for 2009

Beyond the mechanical updates, these improvements benefit companies looking to save money with their corporate fleets, and best of all, these improvements come at no additional cost. The IS 220d remains a strong value within its segment, starting at £22,015.

Full press release follows:

Lexus moves into new territory this winter with revisions to the IS 220d that bring a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, leading to even more significant cost of ownership savings.

In bringing the CO2 figure down from 163 to 148g/km, the IS 220d enjoys a more advantageous position in terms of Benefit-in-Kind company car tax rates and the allowance companies can write down against Corporation Tax. The new BIK rate is 20 per cent and for the 2009/10 tax year the reduced CO2 level allows companies to offset more of the IS 220d’s capital cost against Corporation Tax at a rate of 20 per cent. Taking the IS 220d SE-I as an example, this means companies can save up to £1,335 in Corporation Tax compared to the previous 2009 model with 163g/km emissions.

The economic profile of the luxury sports saloon is further enhanced by a new Band C rating for Vehicle Excise Duty, plus reduced fuel costs thanks to improvements in fuel consumption which raise the combined cycle mpg by nine per cent, from 46.3 to 50.4.

The adjustments which have brought these benefits about have not impinged on top-line performance: the lightweight 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine produces a maximum 175bhp at 3,600rpm and 400Nm of torque @ 2,600rpm, giving a maximum speed of 135mph and nought to 62mph acceleration in 8.9 seconds. The IS 220d is fitted as standard with a six-speed manual transmission.

There is no increase in on-the-road prices, with the 2009 IS 220d priced £22,015, SE-I £24,470 and SE-L £26,585. The IS 220d benefits from previously announced specification improvements for the 2009 model year, including the provision of Lexus’s Vehicle Integrated Dynamics Management (VDIM) system on all models. SE versions now come with Cellensia upholstery; front and rear parking sensors are standard on SE-I grade; and SE-L models have gained new-design 18-inch alloy wheels.

In the fiercely competitive premium saloon market, the new IS 220d enjoys a clear advantage over its rivals, thanks to its unmatched combination of high specification, value and tax efficiency.