Photo 7 -- Gearshift

As with most luxury cars, features such as power doors and windows are standard on the 2006 Lexus IS. Other standard features on all models include SmartAccess keyless entry and engine start – the button you see on all the Lexus commercials – a six-disc in-dash CD changer, driver and passenger airbags all around, including knee bags for the front passengers. There’s also a 13-speaker audio system, and dual-zone climate control. Other standard features include steering wheel paddle shifters and low-profile 17-inch front and rear tires.

Standard safety equipment includes traction control (TRAC), antilock brakes (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL). There’s also a standard tire pressure monitor system on all IS models. Options seem to be where it’s at when you think IS, and according to Lexus this was done with the intent to have an attainable model – the IS 250 – for the average 29-something crowd who made the IS popular. They’re betting that if they can keep the price within reach, they may be able make these young people fall in love with the new IS – don’t bet against it, though truth be told the new IS has lost some of its Wonderdog charm.