Lexus IS 250C is designer cool (From Business in Dorset)

Lexus IS 250C is designer cool

5:21pm Tuesday 20th October 2009

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LEXUS has done a fantastic styling job on the new convertible. Sweeping lines with a broad side profile make the 250C a pleasure to look at from all angles, with the roof up or down.

The new model carries a real designer look which seems to tick the boxes.

As you would expect, the quality and attention to detail are of a very high standard.

The materials used within the cabin have a soft yet durable touch. Once you are sitting comfortably inside there is a real air of sophistication, with the beautifully shaped seats and excellent driving position.

The steering is electrically adjustable for rake, reach and height and both driver and passenger are blessed with heated and air cooled fully electric seats with three stage memory function.

The main dashboard controls are within easy reach and well placed ensuring the driver has everything to hand.

The engineers at Lexus have made the 250C one of the most mechanically refined vehicles in this price range.

The solid top roof will retract silently from fully closed to fully open in just 20 seconds.

With the roof tucked away in the boot there is still room for a small golf bag, however with the roof up you do get a full size 583 litre boot which would easily accommodate a couple of golf bags and weekend luggage as well.

Whether the roof is up or down makes no difference to the ride, just sit back, relax and enjoy.

The sixspeed automatic transmission changes from gear to gear without you even noticing.

The 2.5 V6 205bhp engine is extremely quiet, in fact on tick over even with the roof down you can barely hear the engine at all.

The 250C achieves zero to 60mph in nine seconds while enjoying a top speed of 130mph where the law allows.

Probably the most impressive feature on the 250C is its capability to keep the wind at bay while traveling at motorway speeds with the roof down.

Lexus has done a wonderful job of ensuring there is little or no wind noise, more than likely thanks to the 250C's low drag co-efficiency of just .29.

With the roof up the soundproofed glass further improves the sound deadening ensuring conversation is not strained while munching up the miles.

Lexus has included a whole host of standard features such as 18'' inch five spoke alloys, BI Xenon (HID) headlights with pop up washers, seven inch screen satellite navigation with HDD drive, rear parking camera, full Bluetooth and I-POD connectivity, cruise control, rain sensing wipers and keyless entry, multifunction steering wheel with audio control and multi-information display with voice command, etc – the list is extensive!

Safety features include VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) which basically means the vehicle’s braking, stability and traction control work together making for a smoother, safer drive.

Lexus has included ‘rollover hoops’ behind the rear headrests which pop up should the car turn over during an accident.

There is also a specially strengthened front windscreen frame with energy absorbing side pads for front and rear seat occupants.

Additional protection comes from six airbags, including a twin chamber front passenger airbag – a Lexus world first!

There are also knee bags for front passengers and side airbags.

Other safety features include ABS, EBD, speed-sensitive power steering, brake assist, stability control and a tyre pressure warning system.

If you are considering a convertible or a coupé in this price range I would suggest you drive the new 250C before making your decision.

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