Fortunately the suspension arrangement that keeps the IS 250 so sublimely focussed in the corners, does so without subjecting occupants to an excessively hard ride. That's not to say that the IS 250 coddles like the patriarchal, LS 460 flagship- not even close. Think of a 3-Series Bimmer or Audi's A4 and you're in the same ride-quality ballpark. The final driving dynamic to cover in this discussion is braking ability. The IS 250 is fitted with particularly sensitive, perhaps even "touchy" brakes. While they're darn powerful - capable of annihilating speed with immense proficiency - they can sometimes be too good; it takes a delicate, restrained foot to smooth-out bursts of de-acceleration. Adjusting to the immediacy of the IS 250's brake performance takes some time behind the wheel, which is a richly rewarding experience all its own. With the use of Electronic
Brake-force Distribution (EBD) along with Brake Assist (BA), Lexus claims the over-achieving, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes actively tune themselves to specific braking conditions- there's little doubt that the technology works.
Also working to keep the IS 250 out of body shops is a Vehicle Stability Control program (VSC) combined with Traction Control (TRAC). I found these electronic attendants to be liberal in their permissiveness, only engaging when things are on the edge- an edge that is way out there thanks to outstanding handling dynamics. Reassured handling is a huge bonus when the right hand spends much of its time gripping a leather-wrapped shift knob, which mine did. I had the good fortune to mix my own set of six, rather than have the optional 6-speed an autobox do it for me. The shifter in the baby Lexus felt a little longer in throw than some others I have tossed but its "notchiness" and selection-certainty is first-rate, which simply adds to one's elation behind the wheel; and getting behind the wheel is easy. A SmartAccess keyless entry system allows the driver to
lock and unlock the doors by simply touching a door handle when the key fob is within proximity, such as in a purse or pocket. Pushing a dash-mounted button then brings life to the horses.
I love the convenience of SmartAccess; it and many other amenities, including a full-set of airbags, are incorporated as standard IS 250 equipment- after all, this is a Lexus. Nonetheless, several options and option packages are available to further contour one's IS 250. Perhaps less Lexus-like in the operation of the IS 250 is the road-noise generated by the low-profile 18-inch rubber adorning my tester's alloy rims. But keep in mind, this is an entry-level Lexus designed to stir the soul, not suppress it. And really, "stirring the soul" best sums-up the performance of the 2006 IS 250. It offers tremendous value in the compact-class, premium sports sedan market.
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
Also working to keep the IS 250 out of body shops is a Vehicle Stability Control program (VSC) combined with Traction Control (TRAC). I found these electronic attendants to be liberal in their permissiveness, only engaging when things are on the edge- an edge that is way out there thanks to outstanding handling dynamics. Reassured handling is a huge bonus when the right hand spends much of its time gripping a leather-wrapped shift knob, which mine did. I had the good fortune to mix my own set of six, rather than have the optional 6-speed an autobox do it for me. The shifter in the baby Lexus felt a little longer in throw than some others I have tossed but its "notchiness" and selection-certainty is first-rate, which simply adds to one's elation behind the wheel; and getting behind the wheel is easy. A SmartAccess keyless entry system allows the driver to
 |
| (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
I love the convenience of SmartAccess; it and many other amenities, including a full-set of airbags, are incorporated as standard IS 250 equipment- after all, this is a Lexus. Nonetheless, several options and option packages are available to further contour one's IS 250. Perhaps less Lexus-like in the operation of the IS 250 is the road-noise generated by the low-profile 18-inch rubber adorning my tester's alloy rims. But keep in mind, this is an entry-level Lexus designed to stir the soul, not suppress it. And really, "stirring the soul" best sums-up the performance of the 2006 IS 250. It offers tremendous value in the compact-class, premium sports sedan market.
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