Lexus IS 350 F Sport 2011 long-term test - 2

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $71,800
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Moonroof $2500
Crash rating: Five-star (ANCAP)
Fuel: 95-98 RON Unleaded
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 9.4L/100km
CO2 emissions (g/km): 223
Also consider: Audi S4, BMW 335i, Mercedes-Benz C 300

"No ifs or buts... This is the best car Lexus currently sells Down Under – and arguably the best value car in the prestige medium segment."

Well, that was the pronouncement of our Editor in Chief, Mike Sinclair, when asked to provide a succinct summary of our extended time with the Lexus IS 350 F Sport. And it was fair that he write at least a few words, considering it took a crow bar to get him out of it during the last two months of its stay at Carsales HQ!

He wasn't the only one praising Lexus' efforts, either. From desk to desk the IS 350 F Sport returned a glowing report card, most complimenting the car's value, performance and drivability while at the same time recognising the car's appealing 'Doctor Jekyll' side.

Ken Gratton, who previously tested another IS 350 F Sport over seven days, felt our long-term test vehicle steered better than the car he originally drove. For some reason the long-termer provided better feedback through the wheel -- one of the lesser points of criticism in his original review.

Whether Lexus tweaked the steering as a production running change or it was just a minor difference in preparation between the two cars, we shall never know, but KG is now more convinced than ever that the IS 350 F Sport is a fun car to drive once you uncloak its 'Jekyll' character. Perhaps he's getting more in touch with his Lexus side...

As for me, my thoughts haven't changed too much since writing the introduction to the Lexus IS 350 F Sport long-termer back in March. I still admire the cabin's glove-like fit, brassy exhaust note and also its ability to operate with two distinct personalities.

I continue to appreciate the compromise made between ride and handling, the car's response to even subtle inputs, and its cohesive braking ability. In fact, over the course of the past few months, the only irksome issues I noted were the old-school infotainment technology and familiar styling which is now long overdue for a significant freshen up.

Our resident hot hatch aficionado, Feann Torr, was impressed with the Lexus' direct steering and impressively tuned chassis. While the steering isn't the most communicative in class, Torr felt the Lexus had real 'point-and-shoot' ability in the way it navigated corners, with precise turn-in and steadfast  grip.

FT also thought the sporty Lexus handled nicely but without the spine-shattering, rigid ride quality of the range-topping Lexus IS F. He liked the way the 3.5-litre Toyota donk produced excellent throttle response combined with a sonorous exhaust note and strong top end. And he appreciated some of the little things, too, like the way the dials radiate orange as redline is approached.

And it wasn't only the EIC that liked the 350 F Sport. Senior Staff Journalist Melissa McCormick even went so far as to consult the family bank manager!

The IS350 was a welcome addition to the McCormick garage for its usability as transport for four, with a good dose of luxury.

According to MM, Lexus makes some of the best seats in the biz: passengers front and rear commented on the support and comfort in all places, and she liked how easy it was to adjust seating up front…

It's worth mentioning that not one member of the Carsales drive crew complained they couldn't get a good driving position, despite the variations in size (from 5'5" to 6'4").

She also thought the F Sports perforated leather trim and thick carpeting were signature 'luxury' items; the cabin well-insulated against road noise and climate control working to great effect. Having access to heating/aircon/demist via the touch screen multimedia interface rather than plain old dials was annoying, however.

The IS350 also looked great, especially as 'ours' was with the black wheels. It's definitely a sports-oriented sedan, MM reckoned, with sharp steering and composed handling in cornering. Ride could be unnerved at times, however, over variations in road surfaces such as expansion joints in freeways.

But most telling was that our senior journo contemplated taking over the sedan after our test was done. We'll let her have the final say:

"It would be a liveable purchase, and one with some luxury our household had surely earned by now. But no, said the Better Half; we have to save more.

"So, good bye lovely Lexus. Your duties are suited to owners more ready to relax..."

Related reading:
- Lexus IS 350 F Sport long-term test
- Lexus IS 350 road test
- Lexus IS 350 video
- Lexus IS 350 local launch

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