Transcript: Car Comment - Lexus IS 350
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Next Car's Stephen Walker with the Lexus IS 350
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"Car Comment" by
Next Car's Stephen Walker during the
"Road Ramblings" radio programme
in Mount Isa, Gympie, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Wingham, Tamworth, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga. Current
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Car Comment
Broadcast date: 25th December, 2010
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Just over a year ago, Next Car was sampling the
delights of the then new Lexus IS 250C. This hardtop/convertible proved a very satisfying motoring
experience. A prior IS drive was in the high performance IS F. This particular car positions Lexus
amongst high performing mid-sized cars from famous German brands. Clearly, as Lexus continues its
expansion programme certain niche markets will be covered by Toyota's upmarket brand.
One such new-comer is the Lexus IS 350. Whilst the European brands continue to expand their diesel
and their downsized petrol engine line-up, we now see Lexus going in the opposite direction with their
new IS 350. The IS 250 already provides quite reasonable performance with a good mix of luxury and
smooth driving dynamics. However, the new IS 350 takes performance to another level. Whilst the IS 250
provides quite good performance, the new IS 350 provides shattering performance. Unless you need to
have the jaw-dropping excitement provided by the V8 IS F, there is bound to be satisfaction gained
from either the IS 250 or the new IS 350.
Our drive of the Lexus IS 350 covered 201 kilometres around Melbourne. We were more than satisfied
with the joys provided by this mid-sized luxury sedan. The IS 350 has a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine as
the motive power. Lexus lab tests rate the fuel consumption at a very reasonable 9.4 litres per 100
kms on the combined cycle. The IS 350 uses premium unleaded petrol.
The manufacturer's list price for the Lexus IS 350 begins at $64,800 for the IS 350 Prestige model,
through to $71,800 for the sporty mid-range IS 350 F Sport and onto $81,300 for the top-of-the-line
Sport Luxury model. The IS 250 also comes in three versions, with the manufacturer's list price
commencing at $55,800, whilst the high-performance IS F comes in from $126,800. The manufacturer's
list prices quoted today excludes the traditional on-road costs, such as dealer delivery fees and the
state/territory statutory charges.
On the road, the IS 350 demonstrates very nice manners, just like the IS 250 really. Both are very
pleasant with good handling, steering, ride and braking. The seating is very comfy, with a wide range
of adjustments available for the electronically controlled front seats.
Whilst the dark plastic woodgrain interior trim is difficult to praise, it is very easy to accept
the quiet ambience of the Lexus IS 350.
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