Photo: autoevolution
We have recently tested the 2014 Lexus IS and we have to say that it is the best-looking compact sedan we’ve ever seen.
Our vehicle was the IS 300h fitted with the cool F Sport pack that adds a nice grille mesh and those gorgeously sculpted extra air intakes up front, those sexy double-spoked rims, leather interior, sport suspension and other bits and pieces.
Leaving aside the beautiful exterior that will never need any aftermarket body parts, we stepped inside where we got embraced by ergonomic sculpted seats wrapped in fine black leather (too bad it wasn’t the red-black themed one) and discovered one of the best driving positions ever made - everything is at reach and the LFA-inspired gauge cluster perfectly offers all info you need during a trip, especially when you press the magic button on the steering wheel and the central ring slides on the right to uncover more Need For Speed-style info.
Next, we were a bit stunned by the amount of leg room at the back, thanks to the increased wheelbase and sculpted front seats. Next comes the Start button, which at a simple press seemed to do nothing. But then we reminded that it is a hybrid. So, lefthand turn signal and off we went in the most stylish sedan in the city, that turned a lot of heads due to its alienish design.
As the automaker claimed, the handling is very good, due to the advanced chassis welding and sport suspension, which feels firm but surprisingly won’t wreck your spine over a speed bump. The steering is very responsive and the paddle shifters will let you toy with the car’s e-CVT transmission that can simulate gears pretty good for a sporty drive. If not, just keep the rev counter on the blue zone and you will enjoy some peacefully, muted driving thanks to the incredible sound insulating Lexus has put in this model.
The total 220 hp and 216 Nm that goes to the rear wheels seem a bit short compared to what the competition has. But as we were saying, we love this car just like we love an oldschool muscle car - not for its performance but for its presence, style and emotions created. Besides that, the power is enough to take you from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) while averaging a 4.3 l/100 km (54.7) combined fuel consumption and 99 g/km CO2 emissions.
Conclusions - it is a wonderful piece of machinery that can make each trip a special event. If you find it underpowered then go buy a BMW. But we assure you that it definitely compensates with the design, interior features and an overall feeling that may get you. At least it got me, by giving that sensation of wanting to put on some sunglasses, driving gloves and disappear into the horizon.
Read the full test drive and see the photo gallery here.
Leaving aside the beautiful exterior that will never need any aftermarket body parts, we stepped inside where we got embraced by ergonomic sculpted seats wrapped in fine black leather (too bad it wasn’t the red-black themed one) and discovered one of the best driving positions ever made - everything is at reach and the LFA-inspired gauge cluster perfectly offers all info you need during a trip, especially when you press the magic button on the steering wheel and the central ring slides on the right to uncover more Need For Speed-style info.
Next, we were a bit stunned by the amount of leg room at the back, thanks to the increased wheelbase and sculpted front seats. Next comes the Start button, which at a simple press seemed to do nothing. But then we reminded that it is a hybrid. So, lefthand turn signal and off we went in the most stylish sedan in the city, that turned a lot of heads due to its alienish design.
As the automaker claimed, the handling is very good, due to the advanced chassis welding and sport suspension, which feels firm but surprisingly won’t wreck your spine over a speed bump. The steering is very responsive and the paddle shifters will let you toy with the car’s e-CVT transmission that can simulate gears pretty good for a sporty drive. If not, just keep the rev counter on the blue zone and you will enjoy some peacefully, muted driving thanks to the incredible sound insulating Lexus has put in this model.
The total 220 hp and 216 Nm that goes to the rear wheels seem a bit short compared to what the competition has. But as we were saying, we love this car just like we love an oldschool muscle car - not for its performance but for its presence, style and emotions created. Besides that, the power is enough to take you from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) while averaging a 4.3 l/100 km (54.7) combined fuel consumption and 99 g/km CO2 emissions.
Conclusions - it is a wonderful piece of machinery that can make each trip a special event. If you find it underpowered then go buy a BMW. But we assure you that it definitely compensates with the design, interior features and an overall feeling that may get you. At least it got me, by giving that sensation of wanting to put on some sunglasses, driving gloves and disappear into the horizon.
Read the full test drive and see the photo gallery here.
Google News