Steve

that is a big shame... I tell you what though.. the other day I had an IS300 for an afternoon and the IS250 had similar power! not sure what the manual version is like though

I am no Journo.. but here is a brief write up.. please feel free to ask me any questions. If you wanna see pics then see this gallery.. I will add more plus I shall be uploading VIDEO..yeeehaaah! Click Here to See IS250 Test Drive Gallery 2nd November 2005 Test drive he new Lexus IS250 by Steve Raining miserably all day was not going to put me off driving the new IS, afterall its another newborn baby to LOC and probably a car that has atracted more attention lately than any of the other line up, so rain or shine... we must get the info to those dying to see more info. On first thoughts I liked the look of the new IS although the colour was not to my best liking. But thats your choice when purchasing I guess. Upon approaching the car I was informed that the key fob had perimeter contolled locking. This means I can keep the keyfob in my pocket.. when i approach the car it detects the fob and all I do is simply open the door. No locks or fumbling with keys, just simply open the door and get in. First impression of the interior was how good the interior was on this car. Even though we had the basic audio system with no Sat nav the layout was well spaced out in my thoughts and quite easy to use after a few minutes. The non Sat Nav option has LCD displays which is not that bad. As I am tall and the seats is right back on the runners I still do not have to lean across to use the buttons and everything seems to be in reach. Even though you could not swing a cat inside the cabin area you certainly could swing a kitten. I felt there was more room than the previous IS. My gripe about the cabin area is the electric window console is placed at a strange angle and did not feel that comfortable to use. You certainly could not rest your hand in that area and could be a fumble point. The perimeter contolled fob still has its uses even while your sat in the car. Again no keys to fumble or no clanging keys whilst on rough ground or road, Simply press the START button on the dash and the car starts automatically... This is a very good feature to this car. The almost silent engine pulls very nicely and you know you are in an elegant car as you would expect, but Lexus really have done well with the cabin sound proofing. Road noise is apparent due to the low profile tyres as much to be expected but it was not that bad at all even at 70. Rear vision is restricted quite a bit on this car. I did feel the side window line was quite high leaving the back area quite hard to see out when reversing and that back pillar is much too wide. You will definatly need reverse parking sensors for this car as I just just could not estimate the rear end. Another bad point was that any light interior cloth on the back parcel shelf reflects on the back window making it hard to see out of the rear unless your looking through centre rear view mirror.. the reflection then disspears. I guess dark interiors would be a better option to eliminate this. Driving through country roads was great and the handling was good although I could not test that much due to bad weather road conditions. Braking was superb in the wet weather too. When powering up the engine had quite a bit of power and I felt happy with the power the car delivered. The high end engine notes were quite pleasing to the ear too. I liked the paddle change gear box alot and something to do when you are bored of driving an auto. Gearbox gave nice smooth transisitions. Audio For a basic audio system in this car it is not a bad one neither so goodness knows what the Mark Levinson system would sound like. Seating The drivers seats are very comfortable and supportive on the back of the legs and the back of the chair comfortable and supportive. Soft leather which doesnt creek or groan like the old Lexus Leather. All electric with Lumbar control as usual. Rear seating was as comfortbale but stingey for leg room and I found getting out the back doors were restricted by the rear wheel arch in your ribs, but then a plump guy like me has problems getting out of bed! its roll off and land on your feet. Rear Boot BIG!... certainly fit grandma on that vacation and even a couple of noisey kids too! Lexus have given a large boot unlike the old IS, So should be more family friendly with those prams etc. Features I liked Speedomter changes brightness when it gets dark outside Speedmoter displays a amber ring when you go over 70 Trip computer was someting i liked.. always nice to know how much fuel your using. Split temprature controls, so passenger can have different temprature to the driver. Strap brakcets and Pockets in the boot Perimeter controlled fob (good quality fob too) MP3 Compatable stereo unit I liked the whole blimmin car dammit!!!! Dislikes Anything to do with looking out the back, the rear view was not to my liking. Rear Window Reflection Electric Window Console positioning Would I buy one?? YOU BET I WOULD!!! Click Here to See IS250 Test Drive Gallery

spent all afternoon in one :) http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/ind...album&album=203