Alternative review of Lexus IS250C range

You will have read reviews of Lexus cars which are mostly positive but pick holes in the driving experience. Lexus is often criticised for the way its products are set-up more softly than models from premium brand rivals. As a result, they often don't drive with the same sharpness and aren't as exciting. This isn't an accident. Lexus makes its vehicles this way, putting more emphasis on comfort and refinement than the ability to lap a race circuit in the fastest time possible. It means that some roadtesters and car buyers aren't impressed but I like the softly, softly approach and in an elegant cabriolet like the IS250C, there really is no other way. The IS250C is the Lexus IS with a retractable hard-top roof and a 2.5-litre V6 engine. The standard IS is the Lexus alternative to compact executive saloons like the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 which makes the IS250C the Lexus alternative to the likes of BMW's 3-Series Convertible and the Audi A5 Cabriolet. These are tough acts to follow but on paper, the things Lexus usually does well should translate very well into this marketplace.

Fitting a folding metal roof to a car isn't easy and neither is including somewhere to store it when it's folded. To achieve the necessary exercise in origami, the IS250C's rear overhang is 50mm longer than the saloon's but unlike some of its rivals, the IS 250C doesn't appear overly chubby around the hindquarters. Indeed, the slick looks that make the IS one of the most handsome compact executive saloons on sale are carried over reasonably successfully. The roof itself folds into three and can lower in a mere 20 seconds. Its compact design, together with the elongated rear, means there's still a usable amount of boot space - enough, claims Lexus, for a golf bag to be squeezed in alongside the folded roof. It might have to be a mini golf bag. Lexus interiors tend to be slick affairs and the basic design of the IS cabin has been altered so it functions more effectively in a convertible car. The instruments have been revised so they can be more easily seen when the roof is down and the sun is out, while access to the rear seats has been simplified in this two-door car by elongated door openings. Build quality is strong, as is the Lexus norm but the cabin doesn't feel as special as it could. The classy design touches you'd get with an Audi aren't really in evidence. The interior doesn't feel particularly spacious and the driver's seat is small and mounted quite close to the door meaning there isn't much elbow room. Space in the rear is better than many so called four-seat convertibles.

How you view the Lexus driving experience will depend on what you want from your convertible. The Lexus isn't great at being hurried along and performance isn't as urgent as you might expect from a 2.5-litre six-cylinder engine with 204bhp. What you do get is a very comfortable ride and languid cruising ability. The engine is superbly hushed at cruising speeds and only breaks into a distant growl when get frisky with the throttle. If you want a convertible for relaxing, cruising around and being seen (and why else would you want a convertible?), I think the IS250C has got the driving experience just about right.

There's no doubt that Lexus does certain things very well and others less so. It just happens that the areas in which the brand usually excels come together to make a highly desirable four-seater convertible. The IS250C is no radical departure for this manufacturer. It has the comfort, refinement and build quality that makes most people buy a Lexus. Then there's the well-engineered roof and a reasonable level of practicality. I can think of few better ways of soaking up some rays with three friends. Not at this price anyway.

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