Lexus IS goes hybrid in SA

The refreshed model line-up now comprises the IS 300 EX, equipped with the two-litre turbo motor; the IS 350 F SPORT boasting the revered 3.5-litre quad cam V6 and, of course; the all-new derivative which is badged as the IS 300h SE.

Why add a hybrid model now?

Lexus is committed to producing cars that reduce emissions and will always afford customers the opportunity to play their part in caring for the environment. Lexus offers more hybrid vehicles than any other carmaker, essentially giving customers the best of both worlds – cutting-edge petrol propulsion supplemented by electric power.

The result is a reduction in CO₂ emissions coupled with lower real-world fuel consumption, without exacting a single penalty in the performance stakes. Best of all, Lexus hybrids never require a visit to the charging station, banishing all anxiety-range issues.

The all-new IS 300h

The IS 300h reinforces Lexus’ commitment to the future of self-charging hybrid technology. It is powered by Lexus Hybrid Drive, which achieves significant reductions in fuel consumption CO₂, NOx and particulate emissions, with no loss of performance.

IS 300h's longitudinally-mounted, four-cylinder 2AR-FSE 2.5-litre engine has 133kW of power at 6,000rpm and 221Nm of torque from 4,200 to 5,400rpm. Unique features of this Atkinson cycle petrol engine include D-4S fuel injection, Dual VVT-i intelligent variable valve timing and high-efficiency exhaust gas recirculation.

But, of course, the star attraction of the IS 300h is that the aforementioned petrol powerplant operates in concert with a 650-volt permanent-magnet, synchronous electric motor, producing 105kW maximum power.

The IS 300h’s powerplant is mated to a seamless electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission which can be switched to a sequential shiftmatic mode, operated using paddle shifts on the steering wheel, giving a manual shift feel for a more engaging driving experience.

The IS 300h produces just 104 grams of CO2 per kilometre and consumes an average of just 4.9 litres of fuel per 100km, with a combined power output of 164kW from its petrol-electric drivetrain. This equates to a zero-to-100 km/h acceleration in 8.5 seconds and a governed top speed of 200 km/h.

As with all Lexus self-charging hybrids, the IS 300h is a full hybrid that can be driven in petrol-electric or pure electric modes at slower traffic speeds.

Overview

As an overview, the Lexus range kicks off with the IS 300 EX model which features a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with intercooler. This super-smooth powerplant produces 180kW and quickly builds up a wide torque plateau of 350Nm@4400rpm. Variable Valve Timing intelligent – Wide (VVTi-W) allows the engine to switch between the Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles to maximise efficiency. The D-4ST fuel injection system combines a high-pressure direct fuel injection system with a low-pressure port-injection system.

The flagship IS 350 F SPORT delivers impressive performance from a 3.5-litre V6 that produces 233kW and 378Nm of peak torque. This model uses the eight-speed SPDS automatic transmission. A Drive Mode Select system features up to four driving modes to tailor the car’s combination of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics. As mentioned, The F Sport now also comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+ package.

On the colour front, three new hues have been added to the latest IS line-up - Sonic Silver, Black and Opulent Blue. A further six colours include White Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Mercury Grey, Morello Red, Graphite Black and Madder Red. White Nova and Poseidon Blue are two other colours exclusively available to F Sport owners.

Furthermore, Lexus has expanded the customer care for all IS models, offering customers a standard, best-in-class 7-year/105,000km warranty and full maintenance plan. The vehicle service intervals are at every 15,000km, alternatively once a year.

Pricing

The new Lexus IS retail prices are: