WANT something a bit perkier than a Lexus IS250 but can’t quite shell out the cash for the range-topping V8 IS-F? Lexus might just have the model you are looking for.

Called the IS350, it has a big 3.5-litre V6 crammed into the engine bay, pumping out a healthy 233kW and 378Nm.

The suspension has been fiddled to cope with the fresh powerplant and the brakes have been upgraded accordingly.

Lexus will offer the new sporty model in three grades including the entry Prestige, the top shelf Sports Luxury and the new mid-range F Sport specification which gives the IS350 an even harder edge.