2010 Lexus IS250c
Lexus Hard Top Convertible is a Mixed Bag
I guess that you would have to say that it was a no-brainer for Lexus to build a hardtop convertible version of its sporty IS model. The IS platform was made to order for this type of car, and an IS hardtop convertible enables Lexus to compete with the likes of BMW and Infiniti, who have similar type of sporty cars.
The IS C, as the convertible is called, shares a facial resemblance with its IS sedan sibling, but has different sheetmetal for the most part. The styling of the C is well balanced, but not really exciting. In top-up mode, it looks like a well-designed coupe. Top-down, the raised rear deck provides the IS with a slightly hunched-forward stance.
The top itself might hold the record for complexity. Lexus engineers used 15 motors and 37 sensors (if you can believe it) to get the aluminum roof to fold and retract into the trunk in 20 seconds. The motors are even “braked” so that the top does not land too hard onto the windshield header.
The styling of the interior is a mixed bag. The dash, in my IS250C looked plain and drab, more like one you would find in an economy car. The vinyl is soft to the touch, but the surfaces look hard. However, the leather-clad seats up front, while not flashy, were well bolstered and comfortable. The seats in back were also nicely contoured, but lacking legroom. Trunk space, with the top up, will handle baggage for a weekend getaway. With the top down, it’s only good for two small duffels.
Lexus gives buyers a choice of two V-6 engines, a 2.5-liter with 204 hp, and a 3.5-liter that pumps out 306. The smaller motor is offered with either a six-speed manual, or six-speed automatic transmission. The bigger V-6 comes only with the automatic.
My test car had the 2.5-liter, and this engine is no powerhouse. It is okay in the IS sedan that weighs 400 lbs less, but in the convertible, it doesn’t have much punch. However, it is a very quiet motor. In fact, you could drive this car in fourth gear at highway speeds and not notice any engine noise.
The manual transmission that came on my test car had a light feel, and shifted easily from gear to gear. Yet surprisingly, the manual gives you poorer gas mileage (18-26 mpg) than the optional automatic, which delivers 21-29 mpg.
On the road, the IS C is quiet. You might expect this with the top up, but it is also fairly quiet with the top down. You can converse without shouting with the windows lowered on two-lane roads, and likewise with the windows up out on the highway. Additionally, this car feels solid. There is very little cowl shake with the top down.
The ride quality is slightly choppy on surface streets, due in part to low-profile tires, but smoothes out on the freeway. The handling is nimble, thanks to a perfect 50/50 front to rear balance, and a short (33.5 ft) turning radius.
Pricing for the IS250C starts at $39,365.
Snapshot Review:
Tasteful Exterior Design
Underpowered Engine (2.5 V-6)
Quiet Top Up and Top Down
Good handling and Ride
