Individuality, not brand snobbery
Got a lazy 50 grand sitting around? Maybe the Lexus IS250 is what you need. Sqn-Ldr Bernie Nebenfuhr gets it on the road.
Volume 11, No. 53, October 05, 2006

FAST FACTS Lexus IS250 Sports Max power: 153kW @ 6400rpm Transmission: Six-speed auto Max torque: 252Nm @ 4800rpm Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km RRP: $53,890 prestige manual

THE Lexus IS250 re-introduced buyers to the luxury sports compact last year with a three-model line up with common mechanical underpinnings.

I drove the mid-spec offering sports model, with 19” wheels (up from the stock 18”) and one which actually had a few kilometres on board. Strutting its intrinsic quality and engineering, time and distance hadn’t altered this Lexus; it drove like new.

Packing direct-injection, quad cams and dual VVTi, the all-alloy 2.5 litre V6 produces 153kW and a nice performance jump over its IS200 predecessor.

The engine is smooth and near silent, but give it a nudge and it produces strong mid-range and high-end urge with a nice tone to show it’s working.

Choose between six-speed manual or auto driving the rear wheels for a refined performer that rewards energetic driving with poise and panache. The six-speed auto is adaptive, but select the sports shift and use the great steering wheel paddles for more fun and total control. Fast cornering on smooth or broken surfaces was dispatched without fuss, which underscores well-sorted damping control and excellent balance.

The car hosts a raft of features including three powered memory positions for the heated seating, reversing camera with parking sensors, satellite navigation, rain-sensing wipers, self-levelling xenon headlights and sunroof. Comfort levels are high, unwanted noise is low and you get a handy 378-litre boot.

A question mark hangs over its interior packaging as it may not suit people used to a more open cabin. A lot is crammed into this vehicle and it’s still way cheaper than its competitors.