The next generation Lexus IS gets a substantive exterior update from its predecessor, but designers stopped just shy of a complete makeover.

It appears that the folks at Lexus know a good thing when they see it because the brand’s newly unveiled IS entry-level model gets an exterior makeover that borrows heavily from its predecessor and that was by design.

“Because the original styling of the current IS has proved so popular, Lexus has kept the essence of car’s exterior appearance intact,” the company noted at the debut of the new model at the Beijing Auto Show.

That said, the words “borrow” and “unchanged” aren’t the same. The third-generation model sees upgrades to the front fascia with new headlamps, large air intakes and a new take of the brand’s “spindle” grille.

The new new flowing look makes for a more aggressive- and spirited-looking car: a nice improvement from the last model, which was a strong seller for the brand. It’s a sleeker look for the IS designed to make it look like it’s constantly in motion, officials said.

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The F Sport model takes those exterior improvements a step further. The new grille sports a three-dimensional F-mesh pattern, including functional brake ducts. Adding to the car’s new look are standard 10-spoke, 17-inch wheels boasting new designs using bright machine finishes.

The IS is the third-most popular vehicle in the Lexus line-up and features a load of styling updates.

Changes to the rear are highlighted by more pronounced “L”-shaped LED light guides that are now triple layered within the taillight housing and new rectangular chrome exhaust tips that accentuate the car’s sporting nature, Lexus noted.

However, the biggest change is clearly inside the new IS. The first change drivers and passengers will notice is the enlarged touch screen. Growing from 7 inches to 10.3 inches for 2017, it makes it easier access all of the vehicle infotainment functions. In this case, bigger IS better.

Not only is everything easier to see on the new bigger HD screen, there are functional changes that make it simpler to use. First and foremost, there are “Enter” buttons on the sides of the Remote Touch Interface, confirming choices with, well, the touch of a button.

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Lexus took the time to revise the audio and ventilation-control panel to fit it completely between the new model’s knee bolsters. Not only does it make for improved accessibility, but also it makes the presentation look cleaner and more stylish, Lexus claims.

The interior improvements, which also includes new stitching to improve the sporty feel of the cockpit, boast new cupholders and an in-dash analogue clock … for a touch of classic to go with a car full of modern.

The interior of the new IS makes all of the technology and infotainment upgrades easy to see and access.

Lots of show is great, but if there’s no go, it’s a bad package. Buyers of the new IS get three options on the go front. The rear-wheel-drive IS 200t will be powered by the recently-added 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-4 with intercooler, which comes mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.

This engine, first introduced on the NX crossover vehicle, features a number of innovative technologies including Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide (VVT-iW) that allows the engine to switch between Otto and Atkinson cycles by varying the intake-valve opening angles, and the D-4ST direct injection system. It combines a high pressure fuel system for injection directly into the cylinders with a low pressure system for injection into the ports. Power is rated at 180kW at 5,800rpm or torque 350Nm at 1,650 to 4,400rpm.

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The new IS’s safety equipment has been upgraded with the Lexus Safety System +. It combines Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Radar Cruise Control. No pricing information was released.