January 2002 Volume 83 Number 1 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

Lexus its own Navigator

With its slick handling, quick performance and good ride, the new Lexus IS 300 is exceptional. Its 3.0-litre engine and five-speed auto work beautifully together: most gear changes go unnoticed. In manual-mode – using the steering-wheel-mounted E-shift buttons – this car is a delight, particularly on winding country roads.

With its chunky, wedge-shape design, it looks the part. Big alloys, low profile tyres, flared guards and striking front and rear lights complete the picture.

In a mid-model upgrade, the luxury carmaker has released the IS 300 for sale alongside two revamped IS 200 models. The 2.0-litre six of the IS 200 develops 114kW of power and 195Nm of torque; the IS 300’s 3.0-litre engine can muster an impressive 157kW and 288Nm of torque.

Both engines are of straight-six design and feature twin overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable camshaft timing. Each is longitudinally mounted, driving the rear wheels.

IS 200 is available with either six-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission. The new IS 300 features a smooth, five-speed automatic box. Already proven in the up-market GS 300 and LS 400 models, the five-speed auto has a gate-style shift pattern and a “manual” mode. When engaged, the manual mode allows fast up and down shifts using E-shift control buttons mounted on the steering wheel.

Lexus has re-engineered the IS 200 body to accept the 3.0-litre six from the GS 300. It has increased body rigidity, frontal collision safety and re-calibrated the all-independent, double-wishbone suspension system, resulting in more precise handling.

Exterior modifications are limited and only cosmetic, but new standard equipment features on all IS models.

Inside are drilled alloy pedals and kick plates, a sporty leather steering wheel and a unique gauge layout. The interior is superbly finished and seats are comfortable. Cabin storage areas and boot space are generous.

Passive safety is improved with the inclusion of curtain-shield side airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger. These “head” airbags complement the seat-mounted side and front airbags, providing the driver and front-seat passenger with excellent collision protection.

An entry model IS 200 (manual) retails for $51,490, and includes:

• Alloy wheels.
• Six airbags and force-limiting seatbelt pretensioners.
• ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD).
• Traction control.
• Eight-speaker sound system with six-disc, in-dash CD changer.
• Climate-control air conditioning with pollen filter.
• Power windows and mirrors.
• Central locking with alarm and immobilizer.

At $58,280, the IS 200 Luxury Option model also has:

• Larger alloy wheels with low profile tyres.
• Leather/Alcantara seat facings.
• Power adjustable driver’s seat.
• Front seat heaters.
• Leather steering wheel and gear knob.
• Sports suspension and torque-sensing limited-slip differential (manual model).

A price hike to $73,960 for the IS 300 adds:

• 3.0-litre engine and five-speed automatic transmission.
• Vehicle stability control system.
• Electric tilt/slide moonroof.
• Rear spoiler, yellow fog lamps and self-levelling high- intensity headlamps.
• Full leather seat trim.

Optional on the IS 200 Luxury model and IS 300 is a DVD-based satellite navigation system. Information is provided on a pop-up screen in the centre of the dashboard and controlled by buttons in the console. The system uses UBD mapping and GPS technology to plot the car’s position and provide voice and map guidance to entered locations. Other menus list hotels, shopping centres and hospitals.

A long country haul proved the IS 300 to be economical: 9.4litres/100km.

Sheer indulgence

In addition to the revised IS range, Lexus recently released its sensational SC 430 V8 convertible. It’s bold-looking, beautifully appointed, powerful and very smooth. To drive, it is sheer indulgence. Its 4.3-litre, quad cam V8 engine belts out 210kW of power, sufficient to accelerate the car from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.4 seconds.

Drive is to the rear wheels though a smooth, five-speed automatic transmission. The car boasts electric everything, lots of real polished wood, leather upholstery, touch-screen satellite navigation and a sophisticated, high-powered sound system.

Perhaps the most impressive feature is its solid metal roof, which neatly retracts and folds away into the boot – all within 25 seconds and at the touch of a button.

At $162,000, its owners will – consciously or not – be making a statement.

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