The car reviewed here isn't exactly the same as the one you will receive if you place an order for an IS 250C at your local Lexus dealer, but it's close. 2011 model year versions differ from this one only in that they have been mildly restyled and the 2.5-litre petrol engine has better fuel economy (30.7mpg combined) and lower CO2 emissions (213g/km), though performance isn't affected.In all other ways the IS 250C remains unchanged, and among other things this means that you get a good-looking car, though one that is not as adventurously designed as the original IS. They two most distinctive design features of that model were the tail lights (frequently used by young persons to pimp their Citroen Saxos or what have you) and the quite beautiful instrument display, which looked not unlike the innards of a John Harrison clock.I miss the instruments most of all. The display on the current IS is much plainer - functional, certainly, but not delightful to look at. The only good thing to be said about this is that you won't be tempted to take your eyes off the road for any longer than necessary.One thing I don't miss is the previous rather wayward behaviour of the IS over bumps. The last version I drove (a saloon rather than a convertible) was seriously underdamped at the front, and it seemed a matter of luck which way it would go when it reached the top of a crest. This one is much better-behaved, but for the open-topped version of what is described by its maker as a sports saloon, it's not at all sporty to drive. Apart from the effects of the low-profile tyres, it rides reasonably well, and it does nothing untoward on a medium-speed cruise, but it feels lumpen and unresponsive and is in no way exciting or even interesting to drive.The major controls are all fairly heavy by modern standards (though at least they require similar amounts of effort to operate, which is a Good Thing), and so is the bootlid. Opening this is the sort of thing that should be attempted only by manly men. Once this has happened, you'll find that 583 litres of luggage volume unless you've folded down the roof, in which case you're left with 235 litres.Now, volume figures are fine and dandy, but in themselves they don't give any idea of the shape of the volume in question. In the Lexus, the space left over once the roof has been tucked away is predominantly horizontal, and although I didn't actually try this I doubt that it would be possible to fit any kind of suitcase in there. Roof-down, the IS 250C is an attractive car for short journeys, but not all that practical for long ones involving an overnight stay.As tends to be the case with most convertibles, the rear seats are hardly practical for anything at all, or at least anything involving adults. They are beautifully sculpted and upholstered, but there is minimal legroom, and unless you approach them from above while the roof is down your access is hampered by the front seatbelt. Don't expect to see many of these cars on the road carrying rear passengers.There are really two trim levels for the 250C, called SE-I and SE-L, but an SE-L fitted (as this one is) with the optional Multimedia pack is considered as a separate model. The pack consists of hard disk drive satellite navigation, an excellent Mark Levinson audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and a reversing camera in addition to the parking sensors which are standard on all models.The reversing camera is the really important item here, because it's almost impossible to see out the back of an IS 250C from the driver's seat. When you're in reverse gear the monitor showing you what's behind also carries a warning that you should check your surroundings for safety reasons, which is a cause for wry amusement because looking at the monitor is already the best way of checking them without actually getting out of the car and having a look for yourself. Front visibility isn't great either because of the large windscreen pillars, but the lack of a central door pillar means that you get a very good view to the side - far better, in fact, than in most other cars on sale today. Engine 2500 cc, 6 cylinders Power 208 bhp @6400 rpm Torque 186 ib/ft @4800 rpm Transmission 6 speed auto Fuel/CO2 30.4 mpg / 219 g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 9sec Top speed 130 mph Price From £44606.00 approx Release date 03/07/2009
Our Rating
