Most CCs are compromised in every department from aesthetics to driving dynamics. Lexus has daringly added such a model to its range, and while it has its foibles, the IS250C does go some way to exorcising many of the faults that plague this particular segment.
Unless purpose-built as CCs, very few cars are capable of carrying off the requisite deep flanks and hard roof-accommodating boot that often characterizes these models. Although based upon an agreeably curvaceous saloon, Lexus's rather awkwardly-proportioned IS250C is a good example of this phenomenon. By and large, the smooth sheetwork of the flanks, neat (if somewhat uninspired) nose and distinctive LED brakelamps lend the IS250C an upmarket air, but the need to stow a folding hard roof has resulted in a rather hump-backed rear section that sits at odds with the car's otherwise svelte silhouette.
Another upshot of that folding roof is a somewhat compromised boot. With the roof in place, Lexus claims a load space of 553 dm³, which doesn't sound too bad. However, the load divider tray that prevents the operation of dropping the roof being likened to a trash compactor makes loading effectively a bit of a puzzle. Drop the roof and the boot space is reduced to just 205 dm³. This makes the likelihood of toting golf bags in this car somewhat remote.
Most CC roofs have a tendency to execute their origami swan-esque open/close operations with an accompaniment of unpleasant mechanical clonks and whirrs, and rattle when the road gets bumpy. To this end, the roof of the IS250C bucks some of the trends. Its contortions take a reasonable (by CC standards), 21 seconds and the fit is reassuringly snug, resulting in a cocooning yet spacious interior ambience with refinement and noise suppression on par with that of a fixed-roof compact executive saloon.
Even more impressive is the car's manners when the roof is stowed. Where most CCs exhibit the torsional rigidity of a damp poppadom, the Lexus feels solid and composed - even large bumps and ruts that would have most CCs quivering do little to ruffle the Lexus' demeanour. This car's solidity does, however, stem from serious underbody bracing, and we all know what that means...
Extra weight, and lots of it... In fact, a technical spec sheet provided by Lexus states that the IS250C's gross vehicle mass (that is the maximum permissible weight of the car with passengers, their worldly goods, a full tank of fuel and all of the other fluids required to make the whole thing motive) stands at a considerable 2 075 kg. To put that into perspective the car's kerb weight (remove passengers, shopping, unleaded etc) stands at 1 750 kg, nearly 200 kg more than the saloon.
Bear this in mind, and then consider that this heavyweight is propelled by the same 2,5-litre V6 petrol engine as the saloon. The 153 kW engine is smooth, refined and revs freely while the automatic transmission shifts with a silky demeanour. The result is that the car feels rather sluggish and reluctant to gather speed with any urgency. It also doesn't relish being hurried... that heavy body appears to induce a fair bit of roll under cornering.
So, what we have here is a car that quashes a number of common CC maladies whilst falling foul of others. Does that make it a bad car? Well, not really. Scouring the press release accompanying the launch of the IS250C fails to turn up such erroneous terms as "sporty", "performance-orientated" or "dynamic" - things that the Lexus simply is not. Clever touches such as heating and sound systems that automatically adjust to roof-down conditions combine with a relaxed manner and soft ride to make this car a consummate boulevard cruiser. If you're looking for a drop-top to entertain, you'd be looking in the wrong place, but the IS250C's ability let to one soak in your surroundings without taxing you in any way will hold a certain appeal.
It is obvious that lexus do not bribe the motoring Mags or the biased journalists.
Get a couple of Adults to do some testing on cars in SA
USA Reporters rave about Lexus products, in SA Mags it is BMW, Audi, Mercedes how boring.
BMW is a great car to drive but none of the above are as reliable. I have owned all the above and am an avid BMW Fan but they all gave me many problems and breakdowns even in the first year of ownership. I own a Lexus now for over two years and have never had a failure of any sort, Never been back to the dealer for anything else than the normal service, and then never complaining about any problems.
Lexus in my and many others opinion will outlast all the rest.
Concerned motoring magazine reader.
