Lexus is test drive since 2005 sedan

Plus-minus freedom

Yes, it's him. Original, recognizable, stylish. However, the machines of this class are contraindicated. The hood of the hood, perfectly round wheel arches, a high window sill and bas -relief rear optics - all this creates the unique appearance of the new Lexus. They dream of him, sometimes simply because it is he. And there is no other.

President of Toyota Motor Co. Tomoaki Nisitani once spoke out that he had high hopes for the launch of the new Lexus IS250 in Russia. Perhaps the phrase sounds stencil, but in this way the company really filled the last gap in its own premium line. Although this is far from the key to success. Competitors of the Japanese D-class crossed our boundaries like with a more serious arsenal. And Lexus offers only one body type, one engine, one box and one type of drive. Not densely compared to BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Slass and Audi A4, which have all-wheel drive, and a station wagon, and engines for every taste, even a mechanical transmission from which IS250 is spared. But it is too early to discount Lexus from accounts. The Japanese contrasted the ready -made decision by the German freedom of choice. It remains only to decide on the configuration.

Sales of the new Lexus IS250 in Russia began in November last year. The dealers are satisfied with the number of cars sold (according to sellers, the first batch dispersed instantly, almost from the wheels) and with optimism look at the future model. And for nothing: Lexus is a stylish and modern car with an outstanding exterior and more than a comfortable salon. One has only to approach him, and this very premium will not allow itself not to notice. Touching the handle of the driver's door - and the Smart Key system automatically recognizes the owner of the car by a key fabric lying in his pocket. The central castle instantly works, and all four are opened (or if you adjust the program - only a driver) doors. The sedan salon is very convenient, and also pleasant both visually and by touch. All interior details are literally polished to the perfect shape.

This will certainly notice each of the four passengers, but the fifth will still feel superfluous. We press the brake pedal, then on the Start/Stop Engine button, and again there is a roll call with a key fob, which should be in a radius of a meter. Only now the engine is launched. We were lucky: Lexus is 250 in the Sport configuration for the test. The difference in equipment, although not as big as it could be, but still noticeable. The main differences from the base are a leather salon, 18 -inch wheels and xenon headlights, headlights with washing headlights. The rest of two hundred and the fifties like two drops are similar to each other: all under the hood of 2.5-liter engines with a capacity of 208 hp. The direct injection motor is equipped with a Dual VVT -I system - an improved system of change in gas distribution phases. The torque of 252 nm is distributed exclusively to the rear wheels and only through a 6-speed automatic gearbox with the possibility of sequent transmission. In all operating modes of the transmission, the motor is spinning to 6500 revolutions. But the switching of the tohombler to the sports position makes the tachometer arrow spin with a noticeable enthusiasm. It is worth only in this mode to press the accelerator pedal to the floor, and moving at a speed of 60 km/h Lexus will go into a rapid set, contradicting the neighbors on the highway.

The start of the place is not less enthusiastic: acceleration to a hundred passport takes 8.4 seconds, but judging by the speedometer and its own sensations, it happens a little faster. Moving along the deserted, flat highway paid attention to silence and calm in the cabin. Even at 200 km/h - zero emotions. If you do not notice the smeared landscapes outside the window, you can simply forget how speed you move. The braking is very effective: ABS, paired with EBD, and a system for increasing emergency braking BA, help to competently dispose of the left pedal. If you can find fault with something during a trip to the Lexus IS250, then only to a half-second delay in the reaction of the car to the accelerator pedal. Probably the presence of another device - the TRC anti -circulation system affected. But it is far from the fact that it would be better without it.

Another difference between Sport is a sports suspension. She, as expected, is noticeably tougher than the standard, that a clear plus on a good road and minus - on a bad one. Especially in combination with low -profile rubber. This Lexus does not like pits and other coating defects. But smooth asphalt simply loves. The maneuvers are given to him easily and naturally, and the S-shaped turn passes almost without rolls. It is a pity, of course, that Russia, apparently, will not reach the all-wheel drive and equipped with a mechanical box of the IS 250 model, and with them a more powerful Lexus is 350. And 308 horses of the latter were so happy with the Americans!

Finance

Fall behind the wheel of the new Lexus IS250 with 41,600 dollars. The basic configuration has already included alloying 16-inch discs, cruise control, anti-industrial system (TRC), a leather steering wheel with an audio control buttons, and with gearboxes, steering wheel power lines (EPS), ABS with EBD (system distribution system) , BA (system of strengthening emergency braking), a target stability system, a Smart Key distance central castle and much more. Sport equipment will cost $ 6,100 more. It includes a sports suspension, parking sensors, bi-xenon headlights with near and high light and an adaptive lighting system (I-AFS), headlight washers and an electric drive with a memory function: seats, steering wheel (in tilt and departure) and lateral mirrors. The maximum equipment of Luxury will be released at $ 49,700. The difference with Sport - the sports suspension was replaced with softer shock absorbers and springs, added the interior decoration with wooden inserts, a leather interior with ventilated front seats and heating, the front thresholds and an electric drive.

Lexus IS250: Competition

Audi A4

The closest competitor for the Lexus IS250 in the Audi lineup was the A4 sedan with a 2.0-liter 2.0TFSI turbocharged engine with direct injection. Its basic value is about 42,000 dollars. A less powerful four with a 1.8t engine will rise at 36,400 thousand, while a 3.0-liter Ingolstad sedan will cost 50 thousand dollars.

BMW 3-Series

Retail prices for BMW 325ia with a capacity of 218 hp Start with 41,000 euros. At the initial cost, the Bavaire is inferior to Lexus, but is rehabilitated due to the list of basic equipment: there is already xenon, an alarm of emergency rapprochement during parking, headlight washers plus 0.7 seconds of advantages during acceleration. At the same time, for this amount you can purchase the maximum packaged Lexus IS250.

Mercedes C-Class

A full competitor to Lexus from Mercedes was the C230 sedan, which can be purchased for 34,900 euros. In dollar equivalent, we get an amount almost similar to the Japanese. Rear -wheel drive, 204 hp And 8.4 seconds of acceleration to 100 km/h are even more close to rivals. For about $ 44,000, you can purchase a 3.0 -liter C280, and for 49 thousand - add all -wheel drive to it.

The car was provided for the test Autocenter Lexus - Axel Car

Text: Alexander Sigalo
    
   
 
 
  

A source: Wheel magazine [No. 100/2006]