Lexus IS 250C

Expert Rating:

What is it?

Here is the first open-topped Lexus IS. It features a folding hardtop and four adult-sized seats. Despite appearances, it shares few external parts with the four-door saloon version and we've been told that the 2.5-litre V6 '250' model will be the only variant ever to be made. The fact that the only transmission option is a six-speed automatic hints at the target audience of this car. Indeed, Lexus reckons it has identified a new market niche, biasing its coupé-cabriolet towards comfort rather than the dynamics its BMW and Audi rivals purport to possess.

Is it any good?

It's not a bad strategy to adopt a different stance to the Germans, and in many ways it works. The engine is quiet virtually all of the time - if a little overwhelmed by the weight of the car - while the automatic gearbox is smoother than Casanova. Like the great man himself, it also takes its time, which is just fine for the intended purpose, but makes the tactile gearshift paddles all but pointless.

Refinement is the key characteristic of the IS 250C. Along with the hushed engine and silky transmission, there is precious little wind or road noise whether the roof is up or down. Comfort is aided by a softly sprung chassis, which rides bumps in a much more mature manner than the car's German rivals. Meanwhile the IS 250C's interior stands up to comparison with cars in the class above. It's beautifully made - if not particularly thrilling to look at - and distinctly well equipped. Rear passengers with big shoulders won't be happy, but leg and head room back there are ample for this sort of car.

Roof up, the IS looks a little awkward, with 18-inch alloys even looking disproportionately small. Blame all the space needed to stow the folded top. It takes only 20 seconds to do so, reducing the boot from a good size to a not so impressive aperture - though apparently a set of golf clubs will still fit in with the roof down. In this guise the car looks better, but perhaps not as elegant as it could given its remit.

Should I call the bank manager?

You'll need to. Given that the IS C will come in only one flavour, it's not exactly cheap. Prices in the UK start at £34,550, rising to £43,250 for a fully specced up model, while Irish buyers have just one trim option at €61,400. You could try to argue all day with your bank manager about quality, residuals and a high level of standard equipment, but he may wonder why you're not going with the usual, proven choices. Saying that, if Lexus is right about its target demographic, it's possible that this car will be a cash purchase in any case.

Summary

If you assess the IS 250C according to Lexus's own goals for the car - namely comfort, refinement and quality - it's a resounding success. However, if you have an ounce of interest in how a car takes a corner, you'd best look elsewhere. Our only other real issue with the new coupé-cabriolet is the lack of engine and transmission choice. Hence, it's likely to remain a rare sight in this part of the world.

Shane O' Donoghue