Gadgets, gadgets everywhere
Every car can be had with power leather seats and a CD player, but it's the rarer features which help to differentiate a model from its competition, and the IS 250 is full of them.
Little electronic doodads to amuse are scattered throughout the car. Keyless access means leaving a small fob in your pocket then accessing the vehicle without ever using a key. Push a button to fire up the engine, and amaze your friends who will all think it's really slick.
Drivers can program ring-shaped indicators on the speedometer and tachometer to light up at certain speeds and revs too.
Useful?
Not really, but neat to watch.
There is electronic tire pressure monitoring, a "snow mode" for the electronic throttle system which makes it harder to surprise the rear tires, and even ventilated front seats.
The Drive
Underhood is a 2.5 litre V6 engine with 204 horsepower. That puts the IS 250 into the excitement ballpark of an Acura TSX or BMW 323- so it's swift though not particularly fast. The engine sounds delicious when pushed, and power delivery is very liquid and smooth.
The six-speed manual gearbox is an ideal match for the engine, though its throws and feel are less than you might expect from such a machine. The clutch is light and forgiving, though precise as well- showing off the IS's well-balanced intentions.
It's perhaps the perfect balance of power and performance that impress the most. IS 250 has enough power to quicken the pulses of all but seasoned performance veterans, though all the while it's pleasantly fuel efficient- using about 11L/100km in the city when pushed and 8L/100km on the highway.
While there, the ride is quiet and comfortable, with more than enough tightness and rigidity dialed into the suspension to remind drivers of its sporty demeanor.
The car changes direction and brushes off speed with urgency thanks to its sport-tuned suspension, razor-sharp steering and powerful, exceptionally precise brakes.
Every car can be had with power leather seats and a CD player, but it's the rarer features which help to differentiate a model from its competition, and the IS 250 is full of them.
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| Lexus' small sedan is equipped with many technologically advanced features. |
Little electronic doodads to amuse are scattered throughout the car. Keyless access means leaving a small fob in your pocket then accessing the vehicle without ever using a key. Push a button to fire up the engine, and amaze your friends who will all think it's really slick.
Drivers can program ring-shaped indicators on the speedometer and tachometer to light up at certain speeds and revs too.
Useful?
Not really, but neat to watch.
There is electronic tire pressure monitoring, a "snow mode" for the electronic throttle system which makes it harder to surprise the rear tires, and even ventilated front seats.
The Drive
Underhood is a 2.5 litre V6 engine with 204 horsepower. That puts the IS 250 into the excitement ballpark of an Acura TSX or BMW 323- so it's swift though not particularly fast. The engine sounds delicious when pushed, and power delivery is very liquid and smooth.
The six-speed manual gearbox is an ideal match for the engine, though its throws and feel are less than you might expect from such a machine. The clutch is light and forgiving, though precise as well- showing off the IS's well-balanced intentions.
It's perhaps the perfect balance of power and performance that impress the most. IS 250 has enough power to quicken the pulses of all but seasoned performance veterans, though all the while it's pleasantly fuel efficient- using about 11L/100km in the city when pushed and 8L/100km on the highway.
While there, the ride is quiet and comfortable, with more than enough tightness and rigidity dialed into the suspension to remind drivers of its sporty demeanor.
The car changes direction and brushes off speed with urgency thanks to its sport-tuned suspension, razor-sharp steering and powerful, exceptionally precise brakes.
 |
| It is quiet, comfortable and fuel efficient. |