Lexus is test drive since 2009 sedan

Samurai

The new Lexus is - the car is largely revolutionary. This is the first car of this brand sold in Japan, in the homeland of the Toyota maternal company. However, the main market for the smallest Lexus is Europe, which is also unusual - all previous models were created with an eye on the American continent. It is the orientation of Europe that explains the fact that IS has become the first Lexus, which is offered with a turbodiesel.
Alas, diesel Lexus are not supplied to Russia, so we have taken on a test drive a more familiar gasoline IS250 with an automaton (versions with a mechanical gearbox are not available) in the Sport configuration.
Creating early Lexus models, the designers tried to hide the Japanese roots of the brand, imitating European brands, the Mercedes style was especially often copied. Now the situation has changed radically, and quite obviously for the better. Refusing to borrow ideas, the stylists were able to create a beautiful and original car. Yes, in IS250, Japanese origin is accurately guessed - and the sedan seems to be very proud of this kinship. Dynamic lines visually facilitate the car, making it more rapidly and compact than it really is. The slanting headlights go in the face on the hood, and they seemed to be drawn through the entire body and end with strict rear lights.
The design of the salon continues the ideas laid down in appearance. The combination of styles gives a feeling of completeness of the appearance of the machine, as if one designer or a group of real like -minded people worked on the creation of IS from a sketch to serial production.
The traditional love of small things for the Japanese is also noteworthy: absolutely everything is thought out. The optimal panel of the devices is perfectly read at any time of the day and in any light, the key of manual gear shifts are in optimal reach; They can be scolded only because they are plastic in the car for $ 50,000, aluminum could be installed. In our case, the central console was installed separately by CD/MP3-Magnetol for six discs and a two-zone climate control, and in more expensive versions it is possible to install a navigation system with a sensitive to press the Touch Screen display. When looking outside, the front seats with synthetic upholstery look rustic, but their shape perfectly holds the body in corners and does not allow to get tired.
If earlier, following the path of imitation of design, Lexus has always been in the role of catching up, now he is at least not inferior to his German rivals BMW and Mercedes, and even surpasses them in some ways. But design is not the whole machine, and the more carefully you study Lexus outside and inside, the more curiosity wakes up: how will IS250 manifest itself in motion? Will Japanese samurai shame?
The premium segment returns the fashion for the classic layout, and the rear-wheel drive of the little Lexus is very helpful here. IS turned out at the same time comfortable and sports. But the emphasis is clearly made in favor of the latter, although perhaps this is the prerogative of Sport configuration. It is equipped with 18 -inch wheels of different dimensions - the rear tires are wider than the front ones, which gives the car a special charm.
The true character IS has become clear from the very beginning of the test. Leaving the parking lot at the cabin and accidentally running around the front wheel on a low bard, Lexus was stuck: the suspension chose its move completely - and the rear wheel hung. The anti -industrial system helped as best, but it was not possible to continue moving forward, and I had to go back. From the point of view of the SUV, this behavior would be a complete failure, and for a sports sedan, a hard short -flowing suspension gives hope for gambling.
In the turns of Lexus, practically does not roll, clearly following the movements of the steering wheel, while all small irregularities are practically not noticeable for riders. In the city, the steering wheel remains light enough, and at the same time the driver does not have any problems with the lack of feedback, the machine is perfectly controlled. It seems that IS literally soars over the road, but not like a large heavy plane, but like a light glider, sliding in rising air flows. Pedal efforts are also minimal, which will surely attract the beautiful half of humanity. IS is a typical unisex, while driving such a car is not ashamed to be both a middle -aged man and a young girl. With a slight press on the gas, the sedan accelerates, as if from a gust of wind: the 60-80 km/h set in the city are typed in absolute silence and with inconspicuous switching of a modern six-speed machine. The sound of the motor in the cabin is distinguished only after 3000 rpm. But even when the arrow of the tachometer approaches the red zone, it does not press on the ears, but rather caresses the hearing. Braking the engine does not cause unpleasant reactions, the benefit of switching the transmission of keys on the steering wheel can even be from the Drive position: when you stop the box, the box itself will return to the automatic mode of operation.
With an increase in speed, after 80 km/h, the steering wheel is filled with a dense reactive force, which excludes the possibility of its accidental deviation from the zero position. On smooth asphalt, IS flies, like an arrow released from a bow. Problems are delivered only by very large irregularities and potholes. Almost always, Lexus gives a chance to go around them: the sedan unquestioningly performs the driver’s commands. But if I did not have time to react - be ready for a tough blow: alas, a short sports suspension does not always cope with the vicissitudes of Russian roads, European autobahns would better suit it.
On the highway, a 2.5-liter engine with a capacity of 206 hp It allows you to easily maintain a speed of 200 km/h, here, in addition to the good elasticity of the motor, the excellent body aerodynamics of the body, even at high speed, the interior is completely eliminated from all kinds of whistles, only the rumble of tires is noticeable, which is a problem for most Japanese machines.
Assessing the practicality of the Lexus IS250, it is necessary to state that, despite the long wheelbase, the cabin turned out to be very modest, and even dark due to the high window line. From the place of the driver, such a layout is perceived as sports and gives rise to associations with a compact compact, but you won’t envy the rear passengers: tall riders will simultaneously rest their heads on the ceiling, and with their knees - on the back of the front chair. And you should not dream about sitting here the three of them: a high central tunnel and highly inclined side racks can cause curvature of joints and claustrophobia. Alas, the trunk is also not impressive with the internal volume: its significant part is eaten by wide wheel arches and a multi -link rear suspension.
Therefore, if there is a desire to buy a prestigious family car, then a more logical step will pay attention to Mercedes or Audi. Lexus is more suitable for active drivers, the number of which I am belonging to myself. For gambling and spectacular appearance, I would be ready to forgive the samurai not only a tight interior and a modest trunk, but also a lot of other shortcomings, which IS, fortunately, does not. Buys Lexus and price: the most affordable version is estimated at $ 41,600, and the tested car costs $ 47,700. For comparison: prices for the BMW 325ia close in power begin at $ 49,000.

Leonid Pavlov
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: Carclub.ru