2006 Lexus GS Road Test

I should mention that the standard "Super-Live Sound" system is pretty good too, featuring 10 speakers, POS, ASL and steering

Special filters eliminate micro dust and pollens, as well as noxious toxins such as CO, HC, and NOx, from entering the interior. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

wheel controls, plus a 6-disc CD changer and cassette player.

Also impressive is the GS's dual zone climate control system, which uses multiple temperature and humidity sensors throughout the cabin, as well as temperature sensors outside, to optimize passenger comfort. The system's automated recirculation control switches between fresh and recirculating air without driver input, and special filters eliminate micro dust and pollens, as well as noxious toxins such as CO, HC, and NOx, from entering the interior. The car's smog sensor can be adjusted for sensitivity too, especially important for those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory ailments.

On another subject, in my experience Lexus' keyless SmartAccess system, which automatically unlocks the car when the driver approaches a specific door and touches a button on the handle, is the best in the industry. It reacts quicker than those which automatically unlock when walking up to the car, because all it takes is resting a hand on the handle to unlock

Lexus includes a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPM) that detects and then, if needed, lets the driver know when one or more tires have lost air pressure. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

it. The little button on the handle for locking is also extremely handy, as most keyless systems require the fob for locking purposes.

I also really like the round dash-mounted "Start" button used for turning over the engine. Most keyless systems simply leave an ignition-like switch where the key previously would be inserted, that needs to be turned in order to ignite the engine. The start button is much more sophisticated, upping the luxury experience.

On the safety front, Lexus includes a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPM) that detects and then, if needed, lets the driver know when one or more tires have lost air pressure, by way of a warning light on the dash. It's important to regularly check tire pressure as either too much or too little could cause early tire wear that could inevitably result in a loss of control.