The term 'four-season convertible,' once considered an oxymoron, is alive and well in an assortment of fun-to-drive products including the high fun factor Lexus IS 250C
The mid-size, entry-luxury, low volume IS, introduced in 1998, is part of the Lexus two-sedan strategy in the mid-size sedan segment. Want an elegant, pampered ride? Lexus has the popular GS sedan (revamping in the 2013 model year but scheduled for dealer arrival in February of 2012). For those desiring a more spirited, sporty ride, the IS sedan is the click to pick. The IS convertible variant (with two side doors), introduced in the 2010 model year, changes little from its freshman debut.
Chicagoland is ideal territory for hard-top convertibles with its many seasonal variations. At first glance, it's difficult to detect if the two-door IS is a convertible at all. At highway speeds, rattles and shakes are virtually undetectable, a notable advancement from yesteryear soft rag tops. Even wind noise is nicely muted when tooling down I 355.
Both IS sedans and two-door convertibles offer two V-6 choices. The IS 250 and IS 250Cs (the C indicates convertible) are powered by a 2.5-liter, 204 horsepower engine while IS 350 and 350Cs provide 306 horsepower output. Both require premium 91-octane unleaded fuel for the rather large 17.1-gallon tank. The IS 250C registers 21 miles per gallon city and 30 mpg highway when mated with six-speed automatic transmission. The IS 350C estimates economy at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with six-speed automatic. The IS 350C travels from zero to 60 miles an hour in an impressive 5.8 seconds while the IS 250 C registers 8.4 seconds in the same race. Six-speed automatic transmission comes solely in the IS 250 C. While sedans offer the option of all-wheel-drive, convertibles are solely rear drive.
Convertible models sport longer doors that swing out with three stop points (rather than the conventional two). Seating positions are low to the ground for sporty positioning. Leather seats with high backrests are supportive and comforting even during longer treks. As one would expect from a luxury automaker, the subtle interior has controls within easy reach.
No rings or prongs need twisting or unlatching to separate the aluminum alloy convertible roof from the windshield frame. A constant push of a dashboard switch left of the steering column commands the three-piece top to motor down in less than 21 seconds. The smartly-designed dual action trunk lid (double hinged to open from both front and back) lifts up to accommodate the roof and back window frame after which the lid snaps back into place. This Lexus looks awesome with the top up or down.
Before sending the top into the trunk, a cargo area sash must be pulled back and hooked into place. This provides a cradle-like home for the hard-top cover. Cargo volume changes depending on whether the convertible roof is stowed or not. When down, the trunk holds several plastic grocery bags of food from Jewel or Domincks and measures in at 2.4 cubic feet of space. Volume increases to 10.8 cubic feet with the top in place, enough room for a golf bag. The trunk design still leaves room for a temporary spare tire under the flat floor.
Our 2011 IS 250C tester started at $41,060. The only factory option was a recommended in-dash navigation system with premium Mark Levinson stereo ($4,015) brining the bottom line to $46,087 after factoring in a $64 cargo net, $73 trunk mat and $875 destination charge. The 2011 IS 350C counterpart starts at $46,640. A four-door IS 250 lists at $33,295. Just about all popular power features and safety equipment comes standard in convertible options with scant few options.
Of the 20 or so hard-top convertibles available in the U.S. market in 2011, IS pricing is actually at the low-to-mid-point of the spectrum.
The instrument panel includes two large analog gauges with small type, a left-side speedometer with fuel-gauge insert and right-side tachometer. Push-button start brings the IS to life as long as the brake pedal is pushed. The power-tilt steering column motors up and away from the driver's lap for convenient exit once the ignition is pushed to a stop. A USB port is found inside the arm rest/storage bin between front buckets. Three interior color palettes are available: grey, tan or our test black. Some ventilation functions, such as fan speed, need to be summoned through the touch screen/audio/navigation screen.
Latches unlocking the fuel door and trunk are conveniently located on the lower dash left side, not on the floor left of the driver's bucket seat. The three-spoke, leather trimmed steering wheel is home to secondary audio controls and a cruise control appendage at 5 o'clock.
The IS convertible is a four seater. That said, adults should limit back seat travel time. Short trips are fine but if traveling beyond the cheddar curtain for a fall trip to Door County Wisconsin, take the Lexus IS 250 sedan parked in your driveway. Fido may curl up in back anytime. Still, with an overall length of 182.5 inches, back leg room is superior to than of the Ford Mustang convertible. High side seat levers on front buckets help tilt seatbacks forward when exiting row two.
A high side belt line reduces the size of door windows. As with many convertibles with the top up, drivers must pay special attention to blind spots. Side mirrors smartly include secondary blinker bands allowing others on the road to ready for your next lane maneuver. Side doors sport strap-like handles. Dual exhausts come with both engine sizes.
With a perfect 50/50 front-rear weight distribution, the rear-drive IS convertible handles admirably with very little body sway experienced during spirited cornering maneuvers. For optimal acceleration, opt for the larger 3.5-liter engine, otherwise, the 2.5-liter is more than serviceable around suburbia.
Lexus IS 250 C
Price as tested: $46,087
Engine: 2.5-liter, DOHC V-6
Horsepower: 204
Length: 182.5 inches
Wheelbase: 107.5 inches
Fuel economy: 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway
Curb Weight: 3,814 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 72 months or 70,000 miles
Built: Japan
Destination charge: $875
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