Test drive Lexus IS 1998 - 2005 sedan

Soft aggression

The European automobile world is closed and conservative, any violation of the status quo this event. This time, the Lexus IS200 became the culprit.

Entering the market for a compact sports sedan from Lexus event is really outstanding. The Japanese chose Europe for the priority area for expansion of the Lexus IS200. But it’s no secret to anyone that all places at the gaming table have long been painted. Moreover, an extremely strict competition is being conducted between the main characters, and the courage in such conditions is the courage bordering on recklessness in such conditions. But the expansion took place, which means that the special forces team from Lexus prepared properly.
Special propaganda. The moral and psychological factor is one of the main in the success of any combat operation, and in Lexus this, apparently, is well understood. IS200 is new and at the same time traditional. The key to his recognizability is distinct stylistic analogies with the latest versions of the GS series. True, critics nod that the 200th contours are somewhat reminiscent of the main European competitors of the BMW 3 series and Alfa Romeo 156. Let it be. We consider this similarity by elements of the necessary disguise, on the one hand, and on the other technique of the very special propaganda that allows you to penetrate the consciousness of the object, playing in the habitual images. A memorable and ambiguous appearance should attract attention and interest. Did it succeed? Probably yes. The appearance of the IS200 can be divided into three main components: the original, but low -income front, charged with energy, a dynamic profile and a completely unique feed design with breathtaking lights. It seems that it is on this trinity that the main calculation was built, and if so, then the role of the 200th is a brilliant classic sedan of sports type with intriguing personal features.
 
Equipment and weapons. So, the object is intrigued, enthusiastic and seeks to continue contact. Behind the door, the next, more powerful stage of psychological processing awaits him. The main thing that immediately falls into the field of view and literally primagnetizes the eye, this is the instrument panel.
You can endlessly draw analogies with all sorts of Swiss chronometers there, etc., but it is completely indisputable that this dashboard on extravagance, originality and originality is ahead of the planet of the whole. The core of the structure is a speedometer, which builds up three other main devices: engine temperature indicators, charging and the economy of nothing even remotely similar to anyone. But art requires sacrifice, and without them was not. The sophisticated speedometer visually suppresses other devices that obtained too small and difficult to read. The tachometer scale was lost somewhere below, to the left of the grandiose central structure, and it is very difficult to see its evidence on the go. The economy meter, when operating the engine at idle, generally shows some nonsense: fuel consumption, in his opinion, at this moment is 30 l/100 km! A similar appetite of the 200th may surprise and push away, although the reason is clearly in the device itself. It was originally developed for the American version, where fuel consumption is calculated and indicated in the mileage (in miles) per gallon of fuel, that is, the opposite of the European standard. The mechanical replacement of digitizing the scale led to this small curiosity. Is it excusable? Quite.
Moreover, everything else is out of criticism. Like large, small Lexus is equipped in the highest category. He has one set of weapons, but is expensive. Skin, ultra -modern titanium and carbon fiber in the decoration. A complete set of electric drives, automatic climate control, cruise control and four airbags. The traction control system with the ability to turn off and the winter mode of operation of the transmission. Built-in stereo system with six speakers and a compact disk player. The lateral mirrors are not without peculiar greetings to competitors through an electric drive.
I don’t even want to talk about the ergonomics in the teeth when you sit in a luxurious, compliance with all sports standards, the recaro seat, you get a compact bagel in your hands emphasized by sports design and such an expressive ball -shaped knob of a gearbox from polished titanium, possible issues disappear by themselves. All requirements are taken into account and implemented before you thought about them. Possible satellites are not forgotten: with small dimensions, the internal space of the 200th does not leave a feeling of tightness and is used as rationally as possible. The internal proportions are carefully calculated, and four adults in IS200 will feel quite comfortable. But not five. And the best is two.
Combat skill. They win, as you know, not by number, but by skill. This is not taken away from the 200th. The in-line 155-horsepower 2-liter six has, due to the use of the smart system of variable phases of gas distribution VVT-I, unique traction characteristics. The system opens the inlet valves exactly as required in every specific situation, providing even, unaccounted traction in the widest speed range: torque more than 160 nm arises from 2000 rpm. and persists until the maximum permissible number of revolutions of 6500.
Another feature of IS200 6-speed mechanical gearbox in standard configuration. Psychologically, such a move is win -win, but is there a practical meaning in it? We came to the conclusion that if he is, then mainly in providing comfortable and economical driving along non -winged autobahns. The speed ranges for the highest gears are very wide, the difference between a minimum, where the transition to the transmission below is not yet required, and the maximum is about 70 km/h. But in the mode of sharp sports overclocking, the car was very critical of the ratio of transmission-turn. The first three are very short, and if you drive the tachometer to the right to the right, the transfer number of the subsequent is too large. You are waiting for a further jerk, and the car stumbles and frantically twitches. This imposes certain restrictions on accelerating dynamics, although it is not so difficult to leave two black stripes under the rear wheels right away. But what about the spectacular care to the point? It is necessary for a long time, by trial and error, to look for the optimal ratio of gears and revolutions at the start. This is where the distinct and well -visible tachometer would come in handy. Although, in general, the box must be given tribute: such a long time ago such jewelry accuracy and clarity of switching did not come across.
On the course of the 200th behaves like a well-trained special forces fighter. He performs all teams immediately and implicitly. On the legs, the car is very tight, continuing to actively maintain balance even in situations where another rear -wheel drive car would have sang with tires for a long time. All this is the merit of a hard, sports, but very energy-intensive suspension with low-profile rubber on 17-inch discs and the ideal weight of the car along the axes: 50 to 50. And for the acuteness of sensations, you can press two buttons that turn off the Traction Control and the so-called winter operation of the transmission. The reactions of the car are aggravated to the limit, and in order to maintain control, it is necessary to dose the actions of the control bodies jewelry. Plus a complete concentration of attention. The main thing is to know firmly what you want from him, and then the 200th will be a wonderful sparring partner.
Strategic bridgehead. The first stage of aggression from the east was very gently, but the success is undeniable. The IS200 special forces fulfilled its task by quickly capturing a bridgehead in a foreign territory and a fair number of captives. The hopes of Nobauki Katayama and the main inspirer of the project that the new car will win the sympathy of those who want to get a prestigious car that can stand out from the existing class monotony for normal money, have every chance to come true.
 
Text Andrey Timofeev, photo Alexey Ilyin
 

A source: "Autopilot"