Tucked into the hooded instrument panel, a round analog speedometer contains smaller analog gauges arranged to resemble a sports chronograph. The watch face cluster stands between a half-moon tachometer on the left and quarter-circle fuel gauge to the right above a digital display for gear selection and trip odometer.

The dashboard center stack of vents and pods for audio and climate controls swirls down to wrap around the round gear box mounted at the front of a floor console that separates two height-adjustable sport bucket seats. Another bezel on the driver-side door panel corrals rocker toggles that power windows, door locks and both exterior mirrors.

A padded leather three-spoke steering wheel tilts manually and houses left and right sets of finger buttons that enable the driver to shift up or down one gear at a time without removing hands from the wheel. The tabs function like shifters on racers, whereby depressing the front button kicks the transmission down to the next lower gear and a touch to the back one bumps it up to a higher gear.

The firm rear bench will accommodate three in a pinch but has twin indentations and a fold-down armrest that conceals a small pass-through portal to the trunk.

Standard equipment for the IS 300 is an inclusive list of deluxe features like an automatic climate system, cruise control, power windows and door locks, eight-way power movement for front seats, a heat element imbedded in both external mirrors, remote entry and security system plus a Lexus audio package with eight speakers, cassette deck and a single-feed CD changer in the dash that holds six discs.

The sparse slate of optional gear includes leather upholstery and heated front seats, a power moonroof, a limited-slip rear differential, and 17-inch graphite alloy wheels or 16-inch wheels with all-season tires.