It may seem like the kit lens + IS, but the reviews + MTF for the new canon 18-55 IS has been great. The new IS seems pretty neat too - apparently it's completely silent and claims to be good enough for a gain equivalent of up to 4-stops.
http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/len...56is/index.htm
I think you should get it, Michelin. For the price, you can't really go wrong.