The 2.0-liter four-cylinder uses a twin-scroll turbo, direct injection, and Toyota's most advanced continuously variable valve timing to produce 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The power band is actually quite usable with peak torque coming in at 1,650 to 4,400 rpm.

While the turbo delivers on power, it doesn't do well on economy. Just 20 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway means that it's hardly better than the V6.

The GS 200t is rear-wheel drive only. In Normal mode, the 8-speed auto hunts too much on downshifts. Keep it to Sport or Sport+ for the best experience.

Engine noise is artificially enhanced here. But engineers toned down piped-in noise on the GS 200t. You hear the typical Lexus-smooth engine song as you accelerate, but it's not overbearing.

The 200t is missing the Dynamic Handling System. That ends up leaving the handling progressive, but too light and short of feedback.