Lexus has a new driving force that will garner much greater sales in the European and Irish markets. It's actually the smallest model in the Lexus family, the IS which has now gone into the second generation and is just making its Irish debut.
The IS, it is predicted, will account for around 650 registrations next year, with other bigger models like the GS and LS amounting to around 350. Toyota's upmarket division should then have its first-ever four figure total in 2006.
The expected popularity of the "baby" Lexus has much to do with having a diesel version for the first time. Diesel power is vital for growth in the premium and executive segments, probably more so in the UK and Europe than Ireland.
Overall, diesel availability will more than double the rather sparse coverage that Lexus has in Europe. Of the projected 650 IS Irish sales, the diesel share is likely to be more than half.
The whole idea of a diesel Lexus has a certain sort of unreal fascination, especially with a brand that majors on the sound of silence.
Last week we experienced the reality at the international IS press launch in Italy. Yes, there was some recognisable diesel clatter on start-up, but it quickly dissipated in the first 15 or 20 seconds of driving.
The four cylinder 2.2 litre with 177bhp, and badged as the IS220d, predictably enough soon put its refinement on parade. Even at tick over in urban conditions, it was hardly vocal enough to tell us that there was a different kind of engine power upfront.
But then most thoroughly modern diesels are like that these days, and this 220d is among the best of them when it comes to NVH reduction, NVH being the industry acronym for Noise, Vibration and Harshness.
Thoroughly modern diesels are also expected to give a wide band of torque or pulling power and that's where the IS220d didn't quite match our expectations.
The lack of power or lift-off was most discernible in the lower gears. Otherwise, the car is well served by its slick and precise six-speed manual box.
The 2.5 litre V6 petrol engine with 208bhp felt more "Lexus" and it almost surprisingly offered a better torque spread and a better driving feel.
No one could fault the interior opulence, that's also matched with aesthetic practicality.
There are three levels of specification. The entry-level spec includes a smart entry system with a push button start-up, cruise control, dual zone electronic climate control, windscreen de-icing, a 13-speaker stereo system with a 6-CD in-dash autochanger, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Back seat passengers don't enjoy a huge amount of leg room, but if they are a bit on the bulky side, their biggest problem is likely to be getting in and getting out. A certain amount of head twisting is necessary.
At the launch, a slightly plump Dutch journalist who said he was "six foot in English", complained that he couldn't sit behind himself (ie fit directly behind his own driving position).
Unusually the IS was presented in static form in Ireland last month, well before its international launch and its arrival was detailed in Motors then when Irish prices were also announced.
For the record, they start at €43,790 for the basic 220d, rising to €51,420 for the Sport version. The 250 petrol goes from €44,950 to €55,205. The 250 went on sale here last week, while the 220d arrives in early January: a 220d Sport grade with a shorter final drive ratio comes later in 2006.
A conspicuous omission from the model line-up appears to be a 2.0 litre petrol, it being very much the core of the first generation family. Lexus apparently has no plans for such a version, believing that their new diesel arrival will provide adequate alternative appeal.
Mark Teevan, managing director of Lexus Ireland, sees new IS buyers having "a wide spread of ages", with many being user choosers in the corporate sector: "This is a car that is going to dramatically increase the Lexus brand awareness and image in Ireland."