Lexus IS 350 F Sport 2013 Review

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $73,000
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Metallic Paint $1500
Crash rating: Five-star ANCAP
Fuel: 95 RON PULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 9.7
CO2 emissions (g/km): 225
Also consider: Audi A4 (from $52,700 plus on-road costs); BMW 3 Series (from $50,900 plus ORCs); Infiniti M37 (from $76,400 plus ORCs) Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $59,900 plus ORCs)

The Lexus IS 350 F Sport is road-car turned rock-star -- talented and not afraid to flaunt it. There’s a risky nonchalance to its design, which gives the IS 350 an edgy attraction. But can the on-road prowess of the Lexus match its bling and bravado? Many a German rival is ready to argue otherwise.

The IS 350 F Sport shines among a three-model IS line-up: The IS 250, IS 300h and IS 350, each offered in Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury specifications. In the case of the IS 350, pricing starts at $65,000 for the entry-level Luxury, $73,000 for the F Sport (as tested) and $84,000 for the range-topping Sports Luxury. Two enhancement packs offer a moonroof ($2500) or, moonroof, auto high-beam, lane departure warning, pre-collision system and active cruise control ($7000).

Our IS 350 F Sport is powered by 3.5-litre V6 engine, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It generates a useful 233kW and 378Nm of torque. That’s a hefty dose more than both the Mercedes Benz C 250 with 150kW/310Nm and the BMW 328i’s 180kW/350Nm. Lexus claims it is enough to move the IS 350 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

Standard equipment on the IS 350 F Sport is of a high level, with smart technology and luxury finishes throughout. These include a seven-inch multimedia screen, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated electric leather seats, adaptive cruise control, multi-function leather steering wheel, a reversing camera, remote keyless entry with push-button start, daytime running lights, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and a 14-speaker audio system.

Boasting a cunning display of cool technology, the Lexus brings a fresh dose of fun to in-car gadgetry -- without losing the plot. The instrumentation display is gadgetry fantasy. With the touch of a button, the centre dial slides ride to reveal a digital information display for a variety of information and in-car settings -- it’s very Bond-like. The centre stack and dash is execution perfection, with a beautiful cohesiveness to its materials and overall design flow. Unlike the more stately -- dare I say dowdy -- interior of the GS range, the IS presents as fresh, modern and affluent ambience.

The IS 350 runs 18-inch alloys across a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension arrangement. It’s beautifully tuned for everyday driving, without everyday boredom -- firm enough to maintain its athleticism, but not so tight that it becomes a tedious reminder of muffin-tops and love-handles.

If I could use the word aroused in a road test, I would. Instead, I’ll use engaged and besotted -- like a rock-star crush.

Behind the wheel, the sporting vibe of the IS 350 F Sport is unashamed. Power delivery from the eight-speed auto is smooth and decisive, and seriously engaging under heavy acceleration. This even spread over eight ratios also allows the engine to more easily find its sweet spot, and stay in it. However, with regular wheel-spin from the get-go, the traction control revealed itself as a little bolshie, making its presence well-known.

Use the paddle-shifts for more control through the gears proved the transmission was quick to respond, but in reality, the transmission was happy to do the thinking for me.

The crisp and weighty steering invokes an instinctive connection that makes driving the IS 350 effortless and fun -- while, generally speaking, the grip and balance is brilliant. Four drive modes -- Normal, Eco, Sports S and Sport S+ -- change the drive as desired, from efficient through to performance-enhancing.

Comfort inside the IS 350 is of a high standard, while ergonomics were spot on. There’s a lounge-like feel amidst a sporting character. The second-row seats do offer a little less glamour, but are comfortable nonetheless, and include directional ventilation outlets and a pair of cupholders in the centre armrest.

The cargo load will manage 480 litres, and features 60:40 split fold seats.

Standard safety for the Lexus includes anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, hill-start assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, dual front, side and curtain airbags, seatbelt pretensions and load limiters in the front. Three-point seatbelts are fitted for all occupants, as are anti-whiplash head restraints

We clocked a fuel consumption average as low as 12.0L/100km, against a claimed consumption of 9.7L/100km. It’s not as good as the Germans listed earlier, but considering most of the kays were clocked up in town things could be worse.

The usual German suspects continue to haunt Lexus for market presence -- in a more refined and mainstream persona, perhaps. But to this end, it’s the on-road attitude and style of the IS 350 F Sport -- both inside and out -- that I find enticing. Different can be very good.

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