Is the IS200 and Altezza the same?
The short answer is yes, the IS200 and Altezza are the same vehicle. The Altezza and IS200 are two names for the same model of luxury sedan produced by Toyota. The Altezza was the name used for the vehicle in the Japanese domestic market, while the IS200 was the name used for the same model sold in other markets, such as Europe.
Explaining the IS200 and Altezza
The Altezza and IS200 were part of Toyota's luxury Lexus division. They were introduced in 1998 as a compact executive car, competing with other luxury sedans like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Altezza and IS200 shared the same platform, engine, and overall design, differing mainly in their names and some minor trim and equipment details for their respective markets.
The Altezza was the name used for the vehicle in Japan, where it was sold as part of Toyota's domestic lineup. The IS200 was the name used for the same model when it was exported to other countries, particularly in Europe, where it was sold under the Lexus brand.
Key Similarities and Differences
Despite the different names, the Altezza and IS200 were essentially the same vehicle. They shared the following key features:
- Platform: Both models were built on Toyota's rear-wheel-drive AS300 platform.
- Engine: The Altezza and IS200 were powered by the same 2.0-liter inline-six engine, producing around 160 horsepower.
- Design: The exterior and interior designs were nearly identical, with only minor differences in trim and equipment levels.
The main differences between the Altezza and IS200 were in their branding and marketing. The Altezza was sold as part of Toyota's domestic lineup in Japan, while the IS200 was sold under the Lexus brand in other markets, particularly in Europe. This allowed Lexus to establish its presence in the luxury sedan segment in those regions.
Overall, the Altezza and IS200 were the same vehicle, just marketed under different names for their respective target markets. They shared the same underlying platform, engine, and design, making them essentially the same model of luxury sedan.
