Lexus IS 250C F Sport road test
by Mark Walker
5th May, 2013
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Related story:
Lexus lifts the
lid on another F Sport model
22nd October, 2012
Lexus launched the IS convertible back in 2009 and recently added the F
Sport version to the range.
Test Car particulars
The vehicle driven is the Lexus IS250C F Sport convertible finished in Premium Silver, fitted with the optional
"Enhancement Pack 1".
Variants and Prices*
The IS 250C F Sport is priced from $82,300*. The optional enhancement pack is priced at $$4,615*. Metallic paint is
standard.
The IS250C is available in two other variants: Prestige and Sports Luxury. The Prestige is priced from $77,050* and
the Sports Luxury is priced from $95,149*.
Driving the IS250C F Sport
Despite the name, the F Sport variant doesn't come equipped with superior performance to the other IS convertibles.
For all variants, power comes from a 2.5 litre, 24 valve, double overhead cam V6 petrol engine which produces maximum
power of 153 kW at 6,400 rpm. Peak torque is 252 Nm at 4,800 rpm.
All IS convertibles are rear wheel drive and only available with a six speed automatic gearbox.
The power is reasonable but it’s not fast nor exciting to drive. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes a claimed
9.0 seconds.
Although there is no extra engine performance included on the F Sport, Lexus have tweaked the suspension, chassis and
steering to provide performance oriented handling. They've achieved this by including sports suspension, additional
bracing in the chassis to increase rigidity and new settings in the electric power steering.
Overall the handling is still aimed at providing a comfortable drive and ride and it achieves this. The F Sport gets
unique graphite coloured 10 spoke 18” alloys as well as styling enhancements on the lower edge of the front bumper and a
mesh grille.
Living with the IS250C F Sport
There is a new IS sedan due to be launched soon so the current IS can probably be forgiven for looking a little dated.
This is most obvious in the cabin where the dash and instrument cluster are noticeably lacking the design flair and
functionality of Lexus models launched recently.
That said, the IS F Sport is still loaded with features like leather trim, climate control and fully electric front
seats.
Many convenience features are also standard, including satellite navigation, bluetooth phone & audio connectivity,
large infotainment screen, automatic folding side mirrors, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors.
The lay out is 2+2 meaning two in the front and two in the rear. It’s a very comfortable vehicle for the front seat
occupants however rear seat passengers have very little space. I had two children in the back seats over a short journey
and they claimed to be comfortable. Unfortunately to ensure enough leg room for a ten year old, I had to compromise my
own comfort by moving the driver’s seat closer to the wheel. This is familiar territory for coupes and convertibles
though.
The boot space is quite generous when the roof is up. There is a convenient blind in the boot which identifies the
area that will be taken up by the folded roof too. This will prevent any surprises should you have some cargo in the boot
and need to fold the roof in a hurry.
Safety
Occupants are protected by six airbags including knee airbags for both front occupants. Active cruise control was
fitted as part of an optional package on the F Sport test car and it works to maintain a safe distance to traffic you are
following by detecting vehicles ahead in your lane.
Hill Assist and Xenon headlights are also included, along with anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic
brakeforce distribution and vehicle stability control.
Fuel and emissions
All IS250C variants require premium unleaded (min 95 RON) which adds to running costs. Lexus claim fuel economy of 9.3
litres per 100 kms can be achieved on a combined cycle as per ADR 81/02. That’s quite high for a car of this size. Over
the 557 kilometres covered on our test drive, the average consumption was a surprising 8.8 litres per 100 kms. It’s quite
unusual for our fuel economy to be less than the manufacturer’s claims. About 40% of our test was at freeway speeds.
The fuel tank has a capacity of 65 litres.
Dimensions
Length: 4,635 mm
Width: 1,800 mm
Height: 1,415 mm
Wheelbase: 2,730 mm
Weight: 1,710 kg
Boot capacity: 391 litres with the roof up.
After Sales
The Lexus warranty package covers the IS for 48 months or 100,000 kms. Additionally, roadside assistance is offered
for 48 months. Consult your local dealer for specific conditions.
Lexus offer owners the added benefit of complimentary loan vehicles when the vehicle is being serviced, subject to
conditions and availability. This is a common feature with premium brands such as Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.
Conclusion
The Lexus IS convertible is still a unique offering and the introduction of the F Sport model gives it a welcome
refresh. It looks a little outdated compared to rivals from Audi and BMW but it’s also quite a bit cheaper which goes
some way to bridging the gap. The IS convertible also faces fresh competition from the new-to-Australia Infiniti G37
convertible. However, the IS convertible offers superior warranty conditions and comes with the impressive reputation of
Lexus.
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices,
fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
E&OE
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