Lexus IS

Overview

Introduction:

Being Japan's largest seller of premium cars, the Lexus rooted in the year 1989. Code-named as F1, this flagship sedan project came into existence with its first model Lexus LS. After bagging numerous awards for its prestigious models, the marque gained a huge success in the auto industry, and now with a new model under the list, the brand is ready to repeat the history. Earlier known as Toyota Altezza, the IS was produced as a series of entry level luxury cars. Introduced as entry level sports model, the IS began its journey in the year 1998. Reaching to its third generation, the new IS resembles more of a sports car than a luxury sedan. Unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, this glorious masterpiece comes in premier, prestige, platinum and sports version.

Interior & Features

Interiors:

The unmatched refinement to the interior of the IS raises the bar for luxury and comfort. Newly designed sporty aura of the car includes LFA-inspired leather wrapped steering wheel. In order to avail the driver with a sporty feel, the finely stitched seats are positioned at a slightly lower position that makes the handling and gear switching easy. Electro multi vision screen located to the refreshed dash surface incorporates remote touch and electrostatic switches that offers an effective man-machine interface. Ambient lighting of the instrument cluster comes with digital meters that avails you with precise driving parameters. Optional Mark Levinson audio system of the car comes with a 15-speaker arrangement located at effective places, that offers quality auditory all inside. Capacious interior of the car comes with a cargo volume of 390-litres, which is sufficient to settle your heavy baggages.

Exterior

Exteriors:

Athletic design curves and protruded wheel arches displays the charisma and boldness it is bestowed with. Aggressive new spindle grille and broad air intakes to the front makes ample use of the air striking the fascia. HID head lamp cluster and the L-shaped daytime running lights throws an impression of elegance and dynamism to this artistic masterpiece. Powerful body lines and nicely chiseled bonnet of the IS adds efficiently to the aerodynamic factor of the vehicle. Stunning wrap around L-shaped LED tail lamps and chrome dipped dual exhaust tips reveals the reason for its absolute sportiness. Absolute allurement of the car comes from the precise dimension of 4666 mm X 1811 mm X 1430 mm (LXWXH) given to it. Suavely designed 17-inch alloys comes as standard to all variants, which holds a tyre size of 225/45 R17.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Engine, mileage and variants:

Premiered with an elegant silhouette and a performance rated generator, this entry-level luxury car comes in two variants- IS 250 and IS 350. With a glorious V6 roaring under the hood, the IS comes alive in performance holding an engine capacity ranging from 2.5-litre to 3.5-litre. Adding to the thrill, the IS knocks out a maximum power ranging from 204 hp to 312 hp (at 6400 rpm) and at the same time it growl out a peak torque range of 185 Nm to 277 Nm (at 4800 rpm). With F Sport package installed, the performance of the IS reaches top race track levels, owing to which it guns from 0-100 km/hr in just 5.7 seconds. Limited aerodynamic coefficient of the car allows it to attain a top speed of 230 km/hr (electronically limited). Efficient six speed automatic transmission mated with the powerhouse of the IS 250 allows it to deliver a decent mileage of 10.1 km/l.

Braking & Safety

Safety, Braking and Miscellaneous:

Ventilated discs to all corners comes with anti-lock braking system that nourishes the braking performance by limiting the wheel locking condition during instant braking. Independent double-wishbone at the front and multi-link at the rear comes with gas pressurized shock absorbers that enhance the stability while maneuvering critical turns. Traction control system of the car provides precise amount of torque to each powered wheels thus gripping the tarmac while cruising at high speeds. Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) coordinates various handling and stability systems, that eventually enhance the grade response of the vehicle. Lane departure warning and blind spot monitor detects any vehicle presence in the blind spot area during the event of propulsion.

Verdict:

Fine built architecture and high class cabin trims have always been a part of Lexus composition. This time also the brand has maintained its legacy by adding some fair trims to the model that have made Lexus IS a car to strive for.