I just received a brochure from Lexus on the new IS models due for release late in the UK.
The petrol model (6 cylinder) comes with the option of a manual or automatic gearbox. The diesel model only has a manual gearbox listed.
It seems stupid to me for Lexus not to offer an automatic for the diesel. After all, Lexus is predominately a luxury brand and surely an automatic gearbox is the first essential requirement in a luxury car.
If Lexus are aiming their cars at both the luxury and sports market they should provide choices so each model can appeal to the respective buyers.
Sorry to rant on, but I was so looking forward to buying an IS220d with an automatic gearbox. I can only hope that automatic will be offered as an alternative, hell even BMW offer an automatic in their 2.0 litre diesel.
I live in hope.
Oldun