Fun in the sun Lexus convertible

Moreover, all the Lexus models I have driven over the years have conformed to this mould, with looks that are more dignified than dashing, and a drive that is quiet and smooth, rather than dynamic and exciting.

Just 21 seconds from this...

Not that there is anything wrong with that. Lexus builds top-quality executive cars and they put serious effort into service standards and personalised customer relations - and because of this, it has established a solid niche market for the brand.

However, the fact is, Lexus has always been perceived to be an old toppies car, expensive and much too larney for the laaities.

A certain air of superiority

To this - your al fresco convertible.

Then a clever sushi-eating white coat in the Lexus product development department came up with a clever idea: why not create a convertible that will appeal to the younger set?

And so the Lexus IS250C was born; a handsome sleek coupe with a collapsible hard top that can be converted into an al fresco convertible in just 21 seconds.

As convertibles go, the 250C is in a class of its own. Not as fast and as exciting as the Teutonic Threesome, but with typical Lexus attention to class, finish and upmarket specifications, it has an air of superiority not normally found in topless cars.

It's quite an eye-catcher, too, particularly in wind-in-the-hair mode with its hard top folded away in the boot.

Wedged in under its sleek bonnet is the same 2.5-litre V6 direct-injection engine that does duty in all the other 250 models.

With 153 kW and 252 Nm at its disposal, it's never really going to be a scorcher but it has enough go to do the 0-100km/h dash in 9 seconds, but, being typically Japanese, it does require high revs for the power to kick to maximum.

Paddle through the gears

The ride is excellent, even though it leans more towards quiet and comfortable than glued to the tar.

The ride is excellent, even though it leans more towards quiet and comfortable than glued to the tar. However, that is understandable because Lexus is a big seller in the USA and Americans value comfort in cars above almost everything else.

In addition, the silky smooth ride is matched by a well-spaced six-speed auto shift with option of Sport mode, which gives the driver the choice of swapping cogs with the paddles on the steering wheel.

The cabin is beautifully laid out with a touch screen and sat nav that is logically designed for ease of use.

Like all four-seater convertibles, the space at the rear is cramped, particularly with the roof in place, but then impressively the boot space is big enough to swallow a golf bag or two, even with the roof folded away.

Simply great for touring through beautiful countryside.

The insulation is as good as one would expect from Lexus and even with the roof folded away, wind, road and engine noises are not intrusive at all.

A sound system to please a cabinet minister

Even at pushy speeds, the body feels fairly rigid with hardly any body twists and shakes.

Clever design elements include sound that goes up in volume as the speed increases and dual automatic climate control that automatically adjusts to keep the cabin warmer when the roof is down.

The design and layout of the driver's position is a big plus.click to enlarge

As with all Lexus cars the 8-speaker sound system is star quality and it comes with a six-CD changer with AUX port and USB port.

Other classy features include fully electrically adjustable seats, smart keyless entry and full leather furnishings.

The 250C comes with a full house of safety features including ABS, BAS, EBD, vehicle stability control, traction control and a zillion airbags.

At R550 200 this couple-convertible is not the cheapest choice in this class but in its favour are exceptional ride qualities, good looks, classy features, a four-year/100 000km warranty and a four-year/100 000km maintenance plan.

More punch would be nice

It sets high standards, but a little more punch would be nice.

For executive class fresh air, driving this Lexus sets new standards for this class, although more enthusiastic drivers would probably prefer an engine with more punch.

Interestingly enough, Lexus has just come to the market with its first sizzling performance saloon, the IS-F, which is wild enough to take on a BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

OK, so the IS-F costs about R220 000 more than the 250C but can you just imagine what a wild ride Lexus can create if they wedge the hot saloon's awesome 5.0-litre V8 into the engine room of the 250C?

Madness, I know, but one can always dream…