LEXUS IS250 Sports Luxury High Design Performance

The smallest member of the Lexus IS250 family the Lexus IS200, has in keeping with others models in the range been replaced with an all new model, the LEXUS IS250. It has huge shoes to fill. Whilst the old IS200 wasn’t the most spirited performer it endeared itself to a large number of prestige buyers that previously would have only considered a European purchase. The new contemporary body design looks more aggressive than its predecessor, with large flares covering the 18 inch alloy wheels. The sweet sounding 2 litre inline six cylinder engine that powered the IS200 has been replaced with a larger 2.5 litre V6 engine with direct injection. The power output has increased to 157kW but with the power increase, and new design comes an increase in weight. There are three models in the lineup; the IS 250, LEXUS IS250 Sports and IS250 Sports Luxury. Prices start at $53,890 for the IS250 with the six speed manual transmission, the next level LEXUS IS250 Sports is $67,400, (manual), and the LEXUS IS250 sports Luxury tops the range with a price tag of $78,500. The Sports Luxury is available in automatic transmission only, and the auto is a $2,600 option on the sports and standard IS250.

LEXUS IS250 

LEXUS IS250 PERFORMANCE Some might be disappointed that the sweet sounding inline six has been replaced with the new larger 2.5 litre V6 quad cam, but importantly the new IS250 gains some extra power and torque- and still retains a sweet sound when the driver gets serious. Initially performance doesn’t feel so strong, the longer you drive the IS250 though, the more you realise the output is exceptionally balanced and refined. The Sports IS250 was a real surprise and impressed with its excellent ride quality, putting some of its competitors to shame. The 250 Sports tyre footprint is impressive with 255/40x18, Dunlop tyres ,on the rear, and smaller 225/40x18 on the front. Even with these low profile tyres the ride quality never deteriorated when road surfaces varied or became badly rutted, a lot of thought has gone into achieving the right balance between ride and handling, and it shows on road.

The Lexus IS 250 suspension and chassis package has been completely redesigned for the IS250 and the new design closely follows the design used for the new Lexus GS300. An aluminium front crossmember is the starting point for the double wishbone and large mono tube damper and spring assembly. The rear setup is a multi link design. and the rear coil springs are mounted on the lower section of the suspension in an effort to reduce intrusion into the cargo area. All this and rear wheel drive to boot makes the Lexus IS 250 one of the best handling cars driven recently. Pushed into a corner the Lexus IS 250 simply turns in and gets on with the job the large footprint provided by the Dunlop tyres provide excellent grip. Steering feel isn’t probably as sharp as some in its class, but nonetheless it provides positive feedback to the driver in all situations.

LEXUS IS250 Sports Luxury

Braking duties are handled by 296 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 291mm solid on the rear. ABS with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist. On test they performed faultlessly, with a precise, positive pedal feel. The stopping distances recorded are amongst the best in class.


LEXUS IS250 STANDARD FEATURES

Just because it’s the baby of the Lexus fleet, don’t think that it’s not going to be well appointed. The standard features list is over 6 pages long and puts many of its rivals to shame. Automatic climate control air conditioning with dual zone control, electric windows with drivers auto down and up
function, electrically operated ‘moonroof’, power operated steering column with memory for tilt and reach, automatic rain sensing wipers, high intensity Xenon headlamps with active cornering function and 18 inch alloy wheels are some of the key features. The options available are limited to a premium
sound system, DVD player, Satellite navigation and a Rear View Camera with Guide Assist. These options are offered as a combined package.

LEXUS IS250 

LEXUS IS250 DESIGN & FUNCTION

Being the smallest Lexus in the model range it’s no surprise that cabin dimensions are fairly tight. This tight feeling was one aspect of the new Lexus that took some time to adjust to. The tapered roofline and thick curved front A pillars combine to make the driver and passenger feel ‘squashed in’ initially, and the sunroof robs valuable millimetres of headroom which also contributes to this effect. Rear
legroom and headroom is fine but the high waistline design and smallish rear door glass can make you feel somewhat trapped. Cabin storage consists of a fairly shallow glove box and a centre console that has a sliding lid that flips up at the end of its travel. Flip out side door pockets make them easier to use and map pockets are provided behind the front seats.

LEXUS IS250 ERGONOMICS COMFORT

Seat comfort is excellent with a myriad of settings and options to gain a comfortable position. The sports front seats in the IS250 Sports have extra support without being too firm. They are heated, (they miss out on the cooling settings found on the GS 300 and 430 sedans), and feature all electric adjustment and have a 3 position memory function. Instruments especially the speedometer and tacho are large and easy to read and at night they are illuminated by a pleasant white backlight. Switchgear located on the tapering driver’s armrest were a stretch to view and operate. I found the smart entry remote less than intuitive to use whilst on test.

LEXUS IS250 Interior

LEXUS IS250 SAFETY AND SECURITY

All new models have eight airbags as standard and incorporate the latest thinking in air bag design. The front air bags are a new twin chamber design that form a depression in the centre when deployed to help in the spreading of impact to the upper torso. These air bags also deploy in two stages depending on the extent of the accident impact. Front seat passengers have dual seat knee airbags, side airbags and all occupants benefit from full length side curtain airbags. The top specced Sports Luxury has the Lexus pre collision safety system, (PCS). It can tension seatbelts when inputs from the vehicle swerve control, electronic braking and inter distance sensors detect that a collision is
unavoidable. ABS braking with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist is standard across the range.

At the outset the Lexus brand set out to redefine quality and refinement in a luxury car, and this new model continues the tradition. The interior is trimmed in a superb to touch and feel Alacantra fabric, and this sets the tone for the rest of the vehicle. All the interior trim mouldings have a nice tactile feel. Externally, paint quality is top class and panel gap even and true. Even the detail in the cargo area is
top class with well designed luggage hooks in abundance. Security consists of an engine immobiliser,
with alarm, remote keyless entry, and all LEXUS IS250 models sold in Australia will have the
Data Dot vehicle identification system printed on the vehicle.