REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

The Wannabe BMW?

The IS300 may have the word New stamped on its forehead, but it has been making tracks on Japanese roadways for several years, where it ’ s known as the Altezza.It ’ s quite a restrained design (as well as an aerodynamic one, with a coefficient of drag of just 0,29). In fact, perhaps the only way to turn heads with the IS300 is to slather its exterior with Lexus ’ Super Yellow paint. Still, its apparent lack of originality is no cause for lament (we ’ ve seen worse from Japanese stylists), as it ensures that passing design fads will have little impact on its appeal.

The exterior may be as sober as a judge, but the party begins as soon you see the interior. Picture a sparkling chrome gear shift handle, a la Ferrari, coupled with crinkled, horribly ugly plastic upholstery that mimics the padded leather of old-fashioned sports cars. The instrument panel is also something to behold. A passionate clock-maker, the designer created an set of original chronographs that recall his favourite timepieces. Inside the immense speedometer are affixed three gauges (measuring temperature, battery and fuel consumption), and on either side are found the tachometer and fuel gauge. To further add to the ambience, the drilled aluminium pedals are covered with rubber pads for reliable grip, even with wet soles.

Settling deeply into a seat that feels as if it ’ s moulded to your body, you ’ re at an optimal visual and physical distance from the commands and feel ready to hit the road if you cannot find a comfortable seating position, you ’ re overdue for an appointment with your chiropractor.

This Lexus offers less satisfaction to the rear passengers, however, whose comfort level is merely adequate. The trunk is also somewhat less than spacious, and it ’ s not possible to fold down the rear seat backs to increase trunk space.The IS300 has a six-cylinder, 3,0 litre engine, hmmm, just like the BMW 330, has already acquired a solid reputation under the hood of other Toyota vehicles, such as the Supra and the GS300. In the IS300, the engine delivers 215 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and enjoys a variable electronic distribution that gives it a smooth, responsive ride. While it may be politically incorrect to mention it, one should note that IS300 is reputed to have a maximum speed of 230 km/h. You can, of course, legally verify the time it takes to reach 100 km/h. While we were not able to put the IS300 to the test due to poor road conditions, Lexus states that his machine clocks in at a little more than seven seconds. If the actual performance measures up, the IS300 will be playing in the same league as the BMW 3 Series in this aspect as well.

For its first year on the market, the IS300 was only offered with a semi-automatic, five-speed transmission (E- Matic). A five-speed, manual gearbox is added to the 2002 line-up, and Lexus management anticipates selling 40% of its IS300s with this type of transmission. In the meantime, the IS300 is also available with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual selection (E-shift), which allows you to shift gears manually by pushing buttons mounted on horizontal parts of the steering wheel. This clever system is unlike almost all others of its type, offering an unquestionable efficacy for sport driving. Like all other semi-automatic transmissions, however, it grows tiresome to operate , we wound up leaving the controls in D. Its power is supplied by a rear-wheel-drive system and standard 16-inch all-season tires. A higher-performance tire (the 215/45R17) is available as an option, for optimal contact with the road and reduced chance of skidding. In fact, all models come equipped with antiskid technology that can be turned off with a dashboard control.
To really stretch the legs of the IS300, nothing less than a road as twisted as a slalom ski track will do. As in the BMW, the weight of the chassis is almost perfectly distributed between the front and back ends, which grants this sport sedan an acrobatic agility and an almost inordinate amount of driving pleasure.

Behind the wheel of the IS300, clad with 17-inch tires, you feel in perfect control. The steering is of a firm, rigorous precision and the remarkable suspension keeps both roll and pitch in perfect check. Together, these superior features allow you to control the IS300 to the nearest millimetre. There ’ s only one problem. When really put to the test, the rear suspension can lock up, causing a sudden, powerful jolt. What ’ s more, when fitted with 17- inch tires, the IS300 did not adequately block out the decibels nor the irregularities in the road surface. Therefore, the 16-inch tires are clearly the most dependable, comfortable and economical choice.

Assisted by two pairs of front-ventilated discs and an antilock system, the brakes are the very model of balance and endurance , definitely one of this vehicle ’ s strong points. While the IS300 does not inspire quite the same feeling of robust refinement that strikes everyone who slips behind the wheel of a BMW for the first time, its advantages are undeniable. If you ask me, it poses a serious threat to you know who…

PROS
Sporty handling
Superb braking
Effective, quick transmission

CONS
Disappointing interior
Jolt in suspension
Confined rear seats