Currently reading: Facelifted Lexus IS is shown in Paris

Upgraded version of Lexus IS has been revealed at the Paris Motor Show; will go on sale in Europe early next year, with new styling and safety kit

The facelifted version of the Lexus IS has been unveiled at the Paris motor show and will go on sale early next year.

Lexus admits that styling changes made to the car are very light. There are new headlight designs, larger air intakes in the front bumper and an evolved version of Lexus's spindle grille. For the IS-F performance saloon, the grille has been given a new 3D pattern and features new braking ducts, which are designed to improve aerodynamic performance.

The car's driving characteristics have also been upgraded thanks to new steering, suspension and power steering settings, designed to improve steering response at motorway speeds.

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Keeping up with the IS's new appearance are a new range of wheel designs, available in 16, 17 and 18.in forms, as well as new colour options.

Inside, the car's old 7.0in infotainment system has been upgraded to 10.2in and features a new high-resolution screen. 

Upgrades to the instrument panel, a larger armrest with new cupholders and new stitching also feature.

New safety technology includes Lexus's Safety System+, which includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assistance, automatic high-beam assistance and adaptive cruise control.

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Like the current car, the facelifted IS will be available in both IS 300h hybrid and IS 200t 2.0-litre petrol forms. The IS 300h is expected to account for the vast majority of sales.

The current IS has been on sale since 2013, so this refresh is designed to keep the car competitive against the likes of the Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, BMW 3 Series and Jaguar XETo date, Europe has accounted for almost a fifth of all IS sales.

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