Lexus slashes IS250 Sports price

LEXUS Australia has introduced a new IS250 Sports model that slashes almost $6000 from the previous Sports Package price.

The package, which adds $6500 to the price of the base IS250 Prestige models, comes with special 18-inch split five-spoke alloy wheels, satellite-navigation, aluminium pedals and sports suspension.

That brings the cost of an IS-equipped with the Sports Package to $62,990 for the six-speed manual transmission and $65,490 with the six-speed automatic transmission. The previous Sports grade automatic model, which was discontinued last September, was priced at $71,276.

As well as being $5786 cheaper than the previous Sports Package, the new IS250 Sports gains leather-accented seat material over the previous alcantara material.

Lexus chief executive John Roca said the new IS250 Sport brings greater value to customers and helps satisfy a growing demand for sports-oriented Lexus models like the new IS F.

“The new IS250 Sports Package has enabled us to offer all the features that customers desire, at a lower price point,” said Mr Roca.

“The Package also benefits from the recent upgrades to the whole IS line, including a revised manual transmission which now offers faster gearchanges.”

Lexus sales are down 31.6 per cent in the first three months of 2009, which is in line with the overall Australian prestige market, but IS sales have fallen a worrying 58.2 per cent despite the midlife upgrade arriving just six months ago.

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