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Lexus' IS250C is arguably its most stylish number yet and the convertible arrives in South Africa this week.
The IS250C is the second coupe-convertible in the Lexus stable (alongside the aged SC430). But while it shares a moniker and a few styling details with the IS250 sedan, it is also very different, mostly thanks to its three-part folding hardtop.
Although this four-seater shares only its headlights, bonnet door handles and exterior mirrors with the sedan, it also echoes the four door's graceful styling and elegant lines.
However, to aid aerodynamics, the car's front overhang has been increased by 15mm and the roof's aluminium structure helps to keep the mass down. Using thirteen motors and 33 sensors, the IS250C goes from cosseting coupe to fabulous convertible in 21 seconds.
If you are one to enjoy a cold snap while blitzing about in your cabriolet, you may be pleased to note that the front seats are heated and there are additional heating pads at shoulder height to keep the chill at bay. The climate control system has a speed sensitive control to automatically adjust the temperature and the air flow when the roof is down.
Keep it cool
Access to the two (full-sized) rear seats are via oversized doors and front seats with a one-touch button to automatically fold and slide the seat forward.
The rear overhang has been increased by 50 mm over the IS250 sedan, allowing for decent luggage space - whether the roof is up (553 litres) or down (205 litres).
Further features and enhancements include the improved seven-inch LCD touch screen, provision for a USB and auxiliary jack, Bluetooth connectivity and a 40Gb hard drive for the satnav.
Mechanically, the drop-top shares its 2.5-litre V6 mated with the six-speed automatic transmission with the IS250 sedan. It produces 153 kW at 6 400 r/min and 252 Nm at 4 800 r/min. IS250C rolls on bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels.
Despite losing its roof, Lexus maintains this car has impeccable safety credentials listing stability control, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) and new, larger side airbags among the safety kit.
The IS250C costs R550 200 and is available immediately at Lexus dealers. The price includes a four-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and a four-year/100 000 warranty.
The IS250C is the second coupe-convertible in the Lexus stable (alongside the aged SC430). But while it shares a moniker and a few styling details with the IS250 sedan, it is also very different, mostly thanks to its three-part folding hardtop.
Although this four-seater shares only its headlights, bonnet door handles and exterior mirrors with the sedan, it also echoes the four door's graceful styling and elegant lines.
However, to aid aerodynamics, the car's front overhang has been increased by 15mm and the roof's aluminium structure helps to keep the mass down. Using thirteen motors and 33 sensors, the IS250C goes from cosseting coupe to fabulous convertible in 21 seconds.
If you are one to enjoy a cold snap while blitzing about in your cabriolet, you may be pleased to note that the front seats are heated and there are additional heating pads at shoulder height to keep the chill at bay. The climate control system has a speed sensitive control to automatically adjust the temperature and the air flow when the roof is down.
Keep it cool
Access to the two (full-sized) rear seats are via oversized doors and front seats with a one-touch button to automatically fold and slide the seat forward.
The rear overhang has been increased by 50 mm over the IS250 sedan, allowing for decent luggage space - whether the roof is up (553 litres) or down (205 litres).
Further features and enhancements include the improved seven-inch LCD touch screen, provision for a USB and auxiliary jack, Bluetooth connectivity and a 40Gb hard drive for the satnav.
Mechanically, the drop-top shares its 2.5-litre V6 mated with the six-speed automatic transmission with the IS250 sedan. It produces 153 kW at 6 400 r/min and 252 Nm at 4 800 r/min. IS250C rolls on bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels.
Despite losing its roof, Lexus maintains this car has impeccable safety credentials listing stability control, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) and new, larger side airbags among the safety kit.
The IS250C costs R550 200 and is available immediately at Lexus dealers. The price includes a four-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and a four-year/100 000 warranty.
