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Lexus IS 350C News & Reviews

   2010 Lexus IS C Road Test Review

The second generation IS was a breakthrough car for Lexus, one that earned the brand respect from driving enthusiasts as well

Looks like a coupe with the top up... (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

as improved sales in North America, and Europe where it has long struggled to make a dent against luxury rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz. So it only makes sense to expand the IS range into coupe and convertible models. 

Rather than incur the expense of two separate cars, however, Lexus follows a trend that combines coupe and convertible into one "best of both worlds" solution, and it's a solution that should cause luxury buyers to look up and take notice. Even more attractive than the four-door, which to many is the best-looking sport sedan in its class, the new hardtop convertible is downright gorgeous. Still, it's not only elegant but offers enough assertive presence to appeal to both sexes.

It <Read More>

   2011 Lexus RX 350 Road Test Review

When it comes to the RX, Lexus has a lot of "firsts" and "bests" under its belt. It has the distinction of being the first luxury crossover

The Lexus RX 350 looks right at home leaving the better driveways of the best neighbourhoods. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

SUV ever, which might have something to do with why it's consistently been the best-selling vehicle in its class since inception and one of the best-selling luxury vehicles all-round in North America. It's also the best-selling Lexus and, RX hybrid aside, the only Lexus model to be produced outside of Japan, in Canada's own Cambridge, Ontario assembly plant. Furthermore, the RX hybrid was the first ever crossover HEV, but I wasn't able to get my hands on one of those so we'll cover the conventionally powered RX 350 that Lexus gave me for a weeklong test.
    
If you've read about the 2010 RX 350 you've pretty well read about the 2011 too, as very little has changed. New this year is a set of standard all-weather floor mats and a new optional Touring Package that replaces the wood steering wheel with one that's wrapped in leather. Yep, that's about it. Just the same, I'm guessing if you're reading this now you're either currently in the market for a luxury crossover and therefore probably didn't read last year's review, or just gloating over your ultra-wise purchasing decision while looking at your RX through your kitchen window. <Read More>

   2011 Lexus CT 200h priced below $31,000

You can't get into a BMW 1 Series for less than $31,000. It costs $35,800. Or an Audi A3 at $32,300. The new Lexus CT 200h

The CT 200h might be an unexpected new model for those not yet aware that Lexus is targeting a younger audience than it used to. (Photo: Lexus)

is even priced lower than the $30,995 Volvo C30, and Volvo is only considered an entry-level luxury brand. At $30,950 the new Lexus CT 200h's sticker price is only undercut by Mercedes-Benz's B-Class for about a thousand less at $29,900, and the B200 doesn't get the best overall combined fuel economy in the entire luxury segment thanks the new CT 200h's standard hybrid powertrain.

"Lexus continues to offer the industry's most extensive selection of luxury hybrid vehicles," said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Lexus in Canada. "The CT 200h proves Lexus guests can have it all: a fun-to-drive vehicle that delivers bold performance and sporty design in a luxury compact hybrid that offers class leading combined fuel efficiency – all at a truly attractive price point."

The CT 200h's overall combined fuel economy figure is an astounding 4.6 L/100km based on Canadian estimated standards, derived from a city rating of an estimated 4.5 L/100km and highway mileage at an estimated 4.8<Read More>

   2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport Road Test Review

When I think of a full-size luxury sport sedan I don't think of Lexus… at least I never used to. But something the premium Japanese

The 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport is something very special indeed. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

brand tossed my way recently has altered my point of view forever.

Call the LS 460 Sport a paradigm shift. Sport grille, front chin spoiler, rear lip spoiler, paddle shifters, leather sport seats, an adaptive variable front suspension that's sport tuned all-round, 245/45R19 performance summer tires wrapped around 19-inch aluminum rims, and la pièce de résistance -- high friction Brembo brakes. Yes, the IS F isn't the only Lexus designed to carve corners. And the LS truly does.

BMW might own the sport sedan limelight and Mercedes gets respect for top-tier luxury, but Lexus now delivers a flagship that combines both attributes rather nicely, and even more appealingly when value is pulled into the equation. Try this on for size: <Read More>

   2010 Lexus IS 250 F-Sport Road Test Review

Lexus introduced its first IS as a competitor to BMW's 3 and Mercedes' C, and while it was a credible sport sedan its Toyota roots

Lexus' IS still looks fabulous, especially in special F-Sport trim. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

showed through too strongly to pull in many of the upwardly mobile. Lexus made sure that when its second generation IS hit the streets it wouldn't suffer the same fate by endowing it with the one thing its predecessor lacked, killer styling.

Even in its fourth year of production the IS looks crisp and edgy, and while sales are up significantly from the previous generation, Lexus' smallest hardly suffers from ubiquity. It just might wear the L-finesse design language better than any other Lexus, well proportioned and assertive in its stance. And with the new F-Sport alloy wheels and modified grille and spoilers it looks ready for the track.

More than just enhancing appearances, the larger diameter 18-inch rims and 225/40R18 all-season <Read More>

   2010 Lexus LS 600h L Road Test Review

Very rarely do I say I would rather be the passenger in a vehicle than the driver, after all, I like to be the one in control.  It's my job. 

The visual upgrades with the 2010 LS 600h L are minute but noticeable to the trained Lexus aficionado. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

But the 2010 Lexus LS 600h L is one of those vehicles that I would have no problem sitting in the back of, relaxing and enjoying the experience of this particularly unique luxury sedan. 

Granted, this is one phenomenal vehicle to be behind the wheel of.  It is luxury with a capital "L."  From the look of the polished wood trim juxtaposed with the leather covered upper instrument panel, to the feel of the premium leather seats against my derriere, to the touch of the suede-lined roof against my fingers, it's just divine.  Even the touch-screen and new-for-2010 HDD based Navigation System is incredibly easy to use and friendly to the eyes.  Yes, it's a luxury vehicle yet it's also a driver-friendly vehicle.

Some <Read More>

   2010 Lexus GS 450h Road Test Review

As it enters its third model year, the Lexus GS 450h remains the only hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan in the midsize luxury

Clean, elegant styling and a clean, efficient and very quick drivetrain, the GS 450h is the only midsize luxury hybrid. (Photo: Lexus)

market segment, featuring advanced technology content, high performance capability and high end luxury appointments. 

The GS 450h is a full hybrid that is capable of operating in either gas-only or electric-only mode – or, a combination of both.  Power comes from a version of Lexus' Hybrid Drive System that, in this iteration, combines a 3.5-litre V6 with electric drive propulsion.  The hybrid system powertrain collectively produces 340 horsepower from the gas engine and two motor/generators.  The first motor/generator is a permanent magnet, water-cooled unit that serves as primary generator and engine starter, while also controlling engine speed.  The second motor/generator is also a permanent magnet, water-cooled motor with a maximum voltage of 650V (DC) and maximum output of 197 hp (147 kilowatts) that <Read More>

   2010 Lexus GX 460 Road Test Review

   Lexus LFA Priced at $375,000 USD

   2010 Lexus ES 350 Road Test Review

Lexus' ES was once the most popular luxury car in Canada, but things have changed since this midsize model reinvented

Pleasantville on wheels, the ES 350 typifies Lexus concept of luxury. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

its segment decades ago. Now, entry-level brands are offering up competitors that are as good and in some cases better than the once-vaunted Japanese sedan, some even for less money.

For instance, Hyundai's Genesis offers more power as well as rear-wheel drive in a larger package with more amenities for less money, go figure. Of course, it comes with a Hyundai badge, a negative to some, but then again the Genesis has garnered so much respect over the last year that it's almost a brand unto itself, and for the first three quarters of this year it placed fifth most popular amongst luxury nameplates in Canada. What were four through one? Infiniti's G, Audi's A4, Mercedes-Benz' C-Class and BMW's 3-Series, respectively. Yes, the ES didn't even place.

Of course,

The ES 350 has nice lines that exude class and sophistication. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

if luxury were about popularity everyone would be driving a Rolls-Royce… other than that darned price of entry. But you get my point. The ES does some things better than any other car, and because of this it still garners its fair share of sales by diehard loyalists who come back generation after generation. And a week spent in a 2010 model recently helped me understand the draw.

It's a good looking car, featuring Lexus' L-Finesse design language now used across the entire lineup, other than the soon-to-be-replaced SC sports convertible. Graceful lines capped off by a classic chrome horizontally ribbed grille give the ES the look of luxury, hardly revolutionary but nevertheless an appearance

Lexus went to great lengths to separate the ES 350 from its Camry cousin, and the interior shows differentiation, especially in the teardrop shaped centre stack. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

that shows you've arrived when pulling up to the valet for dinner or at the country club.

Inside it's a nice mixture of high quality materials and fine workmanship, not at the level of the LS, of course, but still well executed for the $41,900 being requested. The wood is real, and Lexus has done a good job differentiating its Camry based roots by giving it a truly unique ovoid centre stack that I particularly like, plus as is the same with all Lexi the switchgear is very good and cabin ergonomics, overall, excellent. Overall the ES doesn't offer the kind of sense of occasion found in the C-Class, A4 or G, but if it's understated quality you're looking for, you should be well pleased.

That grace and composure transfers into the ES' overall driving dynamics too. If you want a sport sedan, Lexus will be happy to sell you a very competent IS <Read More>