Lexus keeps convertible hush hush

Jun 30 2009 Chris Russon

THE kings of quietness at Lexus have worked their magic to create what is possibly the most refined convertible in the world.

Roof up and the Lexus IS 250C is as eerily silent as any other model from Toyota's luxury brand.

Roof down - and with the windows open - there is only the slightest of wind buffet.

Such are the aerodynamics of this new premium coupe cabriolet that it's the blast from the air conditioning which actually makes the cockpit noisier with the windows up.

It is a remarkable achievement, akin to the original Lexus LS limousine which was found to be quieter inside than a Rolls-Royce.

The IS 250C is only the second convertible from Lexus following on from the heavily American flavoured SC430 launched back in 2001.

This year's open top is based on the IS saloon and aimed at a younger audience - the sort who go for BMW, Audi and Mercedes convertibles.

They cannot fail to be impressed. The new Lexus is exceptional in every way, even down to the folding metal roof which at 20 seconds makes it the fastest operator money can buy.

It also looks good open or closed - something which fails to happen with many a coupe convertible.

Priced from £34,550 to £43,250 it's on sale from July 3 just in time for summer.

Powered by the 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine found in other versions of the IS, the convertible can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in nine seconds, has a claimed top speed of 130mph and can average 30.4mpg with emissions of 219g/km.

A six speed auto box is standard with steering wheel mounted shifters for manual changes but it is not the quickest of the bunch.

It needs to be worked to deliver the sort of fun expected from such cars but where it scores is with handling.

Underbody strengthening and body reinforcements have had a marked effect on reducing body movement when driving enthusiastically.

Through corners the 250C is amazingly nimble for a large convertible.

Integrated sat nav is fitted on SE-I models priced from £36,750 while SE-L versions have the likes of ventilated and heated front seats, adaptive ultra-bright headlamps, parking cameras and a hard disc nav system for £39,450.

The top range 250C is made to order and comes with Lexus' advanced crash protection system and adaptive cruise control among its many extras.

Like for like Lexus claims the IS 250C is some £5,000 cheaper than a similarly equipped BMW convertible.

Cargo space with the roof up is a good saloon sized 583 litres. With the roof folded down into the boot the space drops to a supermini sized minimum of 235 litres with some additional room beneath the boot floor.

Such is the rework of the IS design to create the convertible only the bonnet, headlamps, door handles and mirrors are the same as on the saloon.

The two door 250C is a four seater which can genuinely accommodate four adults.

The front seats move and fold forward automatically at the touch of a button on the seat back to ease access while extra legroom has been created for rear passengers by sculpting out the front seat backs.

Although back seat passengers are not as protected from the elements as those in the front there is still minimal turbulence - and that has been achieved without the need for any wind deflectors.

Smart devices prevent the roof opening if anything is too close to the rear of the car, while the air conditioning system detects the strength of the sun's rays and adjusts accordingly.

Throw in the fact that this is the first time that a car has been fitted with a knee level airbag for the front seat passenger to enhance safety and it becomes a bit of an open and shut case for this new Lexus.