ONLY HEADLIGHTS, BONNET AND MIRRORS SHARED

+ Click to Enlarge MORE FLATTERING PROPORTIONS: The Lexus IS250C convertible retains the tail-high stance of the sedan but loses its chunky styling in favour of more subtle horizontal accents.

November 19, 2009


The Lexus IS250C launched in 2009.

Lexus has introduced its second convertible into South Africa after the special order-only SC430 - the new IS250C.

While it clearly looks like the sedan, the IS250C shares only its headlights, bonnet, door releases and exterior mirrors with the IS250.

The front overhang is longer by 15mm to improve aerodynamic efficiency when driving top-down and the headlight clusters now have LED illumination.

The 250C's three-piece folding hard top has one of the fastest mechanisms in its segment, 21sec to open, and uses 13 motors and 33 sensors to perform its up-and-down origami.

The boot will take a golf bag, thanks to the rear overhang being 50mm longer than the sedan. The doors, as befits a coupé, are 300mm longer than the front doors of the IS250 sedan and the front seats have a one-touch walk-in button that automatically folds and slides the seat forwards.

The IS250C's front seats are heatable and the convertible also additional heating pads at shoulder height, improved heater performance and greater ventilation airflow than the sedan.

The two full-sized rear seats are separated by a centre console with cup holders and rear legroom is enhanced thanks to slimmer front seat-backs.

The 180mm LCD touch screen control for the audio and navigation systems has been improved with a redesigned set-up screen and extra tabs for the audio functions.

The standard eight-speaker audio system has equaliser tuning to provide consistent audio quality whether the roof's up or down, automatically compensating for the loss of bass when the roof is stowed.

Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard and there is provision for a USB and audio jack with an audio/video streaming function. The standard satnav has a 40GB hard drive.

The IS250C shares its 153kW, 2.5-litre V6 and six-speed auto transmission with the IS250 sedan.

As with all Lexus models, the IS250C comes with warranty and maintenance plans, each valid for four years or 100 000km, whichever comes first. It will retail for R550 200. - INL Motoring