PACKED to the gills with innovations to complement massive power, astonishing “big car” economy and surroundings of sheer luxury – that’s the Lexus IS 220d Sport, introduced to complete the line-up of second generation IS models.

The all-aluminium, four-cylinder 2.2 litre common rail direct injection engine is the first of its kind from Lexus. Modifications for Sport enable impressive claims of 134 miles an hour and upwards of 30 mpg for such a well-dimensioned car.

I chose the 220d Sport model for my initial evaluation of the new cars – and aside from the performance it was the appearance of one special feature after another that also impressed.

The instant that you exceed the speed limit on the motorway, for instance, an orange glow suddenly surrounds the speedometer and rev counter.

Those instruments, incidentally, feature illuminated silver digits on a black ground and both mile and kilometre markings are superbly clear. When you start to reverse, the driving mirrors begin to dip so that you can avoid kerbing the double spoked 18 inch alloy wheels. The steering wheel has a memory facility and the whole column is electrically adjustable; similarly the front seats also position themselves automatically.

The sun visors not only cut dazzle – they are the world’s first designed to absorb sound. Acoustic glass in the front screen is swept by wipers that operate automatically when it starts raining. Should the light begin to fade, the headlights react similarly.

IS diesel, is equipped with eight airbags, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. The passenger front airbag is the first in the world to use a twin-chamber construction, designed to disperse impact forces across the head and shoulders, instead of across the face, as on a conventional airbag.

All of this puts Lexus into a class of its own – and that’s saying something given the heritage of its many European competitors.

For both driver and passengers this enlargement translates into greater front and rear leg and shoulder room. The car concedes something when it comes to boot space but there is an aperture to enable pole-vaulters and the like to use some of the car’s rear seat space. At the same time, the drag coefficient of 0.27 means that it’s one of the most aerodynamically efficient cars in its segment.

Bodyshell stiffness is claimed to be greater by 20 per cent but the car’s weight has been reduced through the use of aluminium for the bonnet, suspension members and engine.

The diesel engine – so quiet that is difficult to believe - certainly delivers the power and refinement one associates with its class: 175 horsepower is produced at only 3,600 revs and there’s 400Nm of torque from 2,000 to 2,600 revs. The zero to 60 mph dash can be achieved in under nine seconds.

A new six-speed manual transmission complements the diesel engine - automatic is not available with this unit. New double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension systems with monotube shock absorbers help to deliver the expected Lexus ride comfort and handling.

Also new is the speed-sensitive, electrically assisted power steering system. ABS is supported by Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control.

In 220d Sport, which costs £26,968, what’s called a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system enhances all of this lot. Suede-effect upholstery, lowered sports suspension, electrically adjustable heated front seats, adaptive headlamps and front and rear parking sensors are also standard.

These features build on the hardly-basic specification that includes cruise control, a 13-speaker sound system with CD autochanger and auxiliary socket for linking personal digital music players, keyless entry and push button starting with the aid of the clutch pedal (there’s no need to touch the accelerator), climate control, sequenced LED interior spot lighting and front and rear armrests.