Lexus IS 250 F Sport 2010 Review
Limited edition value adds IS offer and fills a nicheLexus IS250 F Sport
Road Test
Price (recommended price before dealer and registration charges): $68,400
Crash rating: five star Euro NCAP
Fuel: 95 RON petrol
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 9.1
CO2 emissions (g/km): 214
Also consider: Audi A4 1.8T, BMW 325i, Subaru Liberty 3.6R Premium.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0
Engine and Drivetrain: 3.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.0/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.0/5.0
X-factor: 3.5/5.0
Lexus has filled a crucial price gap in its IS250 line-up with a more affordable sports version of its luxury sedan.
The IS250 range starts with the $55,900 Prestige model and jumps to the $77,400 Luxury model before another steep climb to the V8-powered IS F which tops the range at $126,900. The recently released IS250 F Sport fills a niche with a price of $68,400. Based on the Prestige model, it adds a small dose of the IS F sports sedan flavour. That small dose includes the IS F's subtle bootlid lip spoiler, the IS F's grille and the IS F's huggy front seats (although finished in a different type of leather).
It also gets black roof lining (instead of grey) to make it feel more sporty, alloy scuff plates on the door sills, alloy pedals -- and the IS F's 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system. Navigation and reversing camera are also part of the special package; the only option is a sunroof ($2500) which Lexus calls a moonroof.
The 250 F Sport rides on sports suspension and gains unique 18-inch wheels (bigger than the 17-inch wheels on the Prestige model and smaller than the 19-inch wheels on the IS F).
It's been a while since I had been behind the wheel of a Lexus IS250 -- and I'm glad I got reacquainted. My recollection was that the IS250 had firmer suspension than was necessary in a luxury car. The IS250 F Sport is on the firm side but it's not unbearable.
One of the most impressive things about the IS250 is the steering and braking. Indeed, the IS250 steering is the closest yet Japan has got to a BMW feel. And though some may find the brakes a touch sensitive at first, I think Lexus has got it right. Once you're accustomed, they work with millimetre precision and feel strong in all conditions.
Because it's rear-drive, the IS250's front end has less weight to contend with, and less drivetrain paraphernalia -- this means the IS250 has the bonus of a relatively tight turning circle.
In spite of its sporty looks and chassis, the the IS250 isn't exactly a ball of fire, however. The power output from its 2.5-litre V6 is comparable with other luxury cars in this price range (and it's silky smooth and loves to rev) but it delivers relatively modest performance.
Some may tut-tut at the F Sport moniker, but the 2.5-litre V6 and six-speed auto is a sweet package that would suit most people's needs. One day, it would be nice to have the option of the 3.5-litre V6 version that's offered overseas. The chassis can certainly handle more power.
The other things that impressed me about the Lexus were the quality of materials, and the functionality of the cabin, from the simple buttons and touch-screen controls, to the clever storage compartments.
Some detractors draw attention to Lexus' Toyota link as a negative, to me, it's a positive. Over the past 10 years I've received a steady flow of feedback and complaints from owners of European luxury cars (some brands more than others) with quality and reliability issues. I've not had one call or email from an upset Lexus customer. Perhaps that's because the company and its dealers are still trying harder to wrestle business away from the European brands.
Downsides? I wish the IS250 had a digital speedometer (there's a nice digital display where it could live but it doesn't display vehicle speed) and, on a more personal note, I wish the budget extended to doing a unique mesh grille for the lower section of the bumper -- to match the IS F grille above the bumper. It's a small thing, but to me it looks odd as it is.
And, ideally, I'd like it to be a little cheaper. That said, I'm sure if you went to a dealership they'd be happy to negotiate. The prices of cars at this end of the market are very much open to interpretation these days.
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