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Lexurious Lexus gets A for looks
19 Nov 2013
The new Lexus IS 350 is a real good-looking, comfortable family cruiser with enough muscle under the bonnet to put a smile on the face of any enthusiastic driver and enough smart and safety features to make it an attractive alternative to the Big Three Germans.
Drive it like a smart and sedate family saloon and the Lexus wafts along quietly and pleasantly but if you crack the whip it scoots off rapidly.
The 3rd generation Lexus is quite a head-turner, thanks mainly to its longer, slightly broader and lower stanch and sharply defined edges up front and along the sides. Its front end, in particular, is one of the most attractive in the C segment.
Choice of three
The latest IS comes in three packages - IS 350, IS350 SE and the IS350 F-Sport, all powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 engine that produces a healthy 228kW and 375Nm. In spite of the fact that it is comfortable and classy family sedan it is no slouch out of the starting stalls and will sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds, on par with the VW Golf GTi.
Power is transferred to the tar with the helping hand of a slick 8-speed automatic shift that offers the choice of manual cog-swapping with the gear selector or by flipping the flappies on the steering wheel.
It looks good from almost any angle.
The cabin is smartly decorated in what has become the standard black and silver of so many modern cars, only Lexus does it better than most with clearly marked, intuitive design and lay-out and a colour screen which makes think happen easily via a "mouse" on the central control.
Crack the whip for a little excitement
The seats are slightly smaller, but still comfortable although the space up front is a bit tight, particularly if you are large and tall. However, back-seat passengers have little to complain about because they have lots of space and the seats are as comfortable as easy chairs, Another appealing aspect of the Lexus is its practical, spacious boot.
Drive it like a smart and sedate family saloon and the Lexus wafts along quietly and pleasantly but if you crack the whip it scoots off rapidly, particularly if you click the magic control knob from Eco or Normal to Sport.
Not what you want to do... ever, but at least if the worst happens, you will be well protected.
It handles with remarkable confidence in a style which could probably best be described as a cross between a Mercedes-Benz C250 BE AT (R483,202) and a BMW 328 (R465,475) with which the IS350 (R449,900) competes price-wise.
A favourite in the US
Like a couple of other good cars on the local market Lexus struggles to find a really strong solid grip on the wallets of South Africans in spite of the fact that Lexus is a huge seller all over the world and particularly the USA.
The new IS350 has all the qualities to appeal and should be on the test drive list of all buyers shopping around in the C segment or simply just looking for a handsome, comfortable, family car with a twinkle in its eyes.
| The models and prices (which include a four-year/100,000km maintenance plan) are: | |
|---|---|
| Lexus IS350 AT | R449,900 |
| Lexus IS350 EX AT | R499,900 |
| Lexus F Sport AT | R553,900 |
Can the 2014 Lexus IS350 F Sport catch BMW?
2014 Lexus IS 350 Test Drive & Compact Luxury Sports Sedan Coupe
More by Henrie Geyser: motoring editor
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- Kia's people-carrier goes all swanky - 6 Aug 2015
- RS is a sporty, comfortable commuter - 1 Jun 2015
- Cross-over Kia is a real cheerful Soul - 25 May 2015
- Stylish Renault set to Captur the market - 18 May 2015
About Henrie Geyser: motoring editor
Henrie Geyser joined the online publishing industry through iafrica.com, where he worked for five years as news editor and editor. He now freelances for a variety of print and online publications, on the subjects of cars, food, and travel, among others; and is a member of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists. moc.acirfai@geirneh