The first generation Lexus IS, debuted in 1998, could be the answer to those who did not want to believe that Lexus cars can create an original design and with the sporting nature. An indirect, but tangible proof of the recognition models were taillights, moved in one form or another for half tuning machines worldwide. Yes, and part of interior decoration other competitors were, by envy. Not without IS 200, and appeared later IS 300 enjoy huge popularity in the secondary market.

To the advantage of these machines include a good way of quality, bright design and Japanese reliability. It is therefore not surprising that the second generation model, cost the dealers declare to him the price was to enjoy high demand. And not in vain. Summarizing the impression in the mind of 48-hour test-drive, I can state with confidence - IS 250 is even better predecessor, it can complicate the work of the dealers of BMW, Audi and Mercedes.

Grace does not take away

Lexus IS 250 is the second after the GS embodiment of L-finesse (L-refinement, which in Russian sounds sloppy, but literally) - a new design philosophy of the Japanese brand. His appearance is capable zavorozhit, and let those who say that IS neoriginalen or ugly, first cast a stone at me. Exterior combination intrigues «sharp» detail with convex and concave surfaces. The result is a rapid and elegant, like a molded shape that highlights the smallest gaps: for example, the distance between the bumpers and the surrounding Anel body just 0.35 mm (!).

In front IS perceived as a real sports car. His character issue grille with vertical ribs, relief wheel arches, wide track and short overhangs. Arrow shape of the body as a whole, has become, by the way, the key element is the philosophy of Lexus; wide angle windshield glass, beveled rear wheel arches and LED taillights do IS, in my opinion, in general, very bright, memorable car.

By the way, and the coefficient of drag - one of the best in the class (0.27). Here are just tuning masters will have to look for inspiration in other models: to withdraw any part of the exterior is not possible, so stylistically looks complete IS 250. In addition to test inherited modification Sport, which includes lining on thresholds, lowered sports suspension with 15 mm clearance and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The philosophy of L-finesse, of course, was continued in the interior. Hardly usevshis, I immediately noticed that the space above the head of IS, even more than in standing above the rank of GS. However, the width of novelty, of course, a little narrower, but in this car is not a pet peeve, but rather pleased: there is a feeling that you are at an expensive sports - fast and comfortable. On the one side as if the driver presses the door, with another - a massive central tunnel.

Yes, and excellent seats, which have a complete set of electric adjustments, have developed a lateral support. Just can not draw attention to the material, which they finished. He called Ecsai, and feelings similar to the chamois, but it is more flat and does not slippery. It was like a stick. In addition, it practical: mud stains easily removed by wet cloth.

The pedals are made of aluminum, as well as inserts on door panels, center console and tunnel. Comfortable seating and promotes electric barankas. And in general, the ergonomics are not pridereshsya.

The European version of IS have a great color monitor, in Russia, he has to anything, so in his place in the console system, separate control units, climate control and music center. Audio system, incidentally, has very good sound, because its designed by an American company Mark & Levinson. They take into account the internal space so that the audio turned out a powerful and rich.

Within the IS found 13 columns, and built in the central console CD-changer for 6 CDs and is capable of playing mp3-files. In addition, the system can be managed, not removing his hands from barankas - for that it put the Button. And on the back of the petals nestle aluminum manual gearshift, which is quite convenient to use. The very same wheel skinned excellent and, again, not slippery skin, has a convenient tabs.

In general, the quality of materials and precision assembly - is beyond praise. Great looks and shield devices Optitron. First, he black, but is sure to click the engine is started (IS did not have the usual ignition) as the first needle to make a full circle, then the «fall» down and the scales begin to emit a nice blue and white light. This instrument panel is rather brief. Here, two large round «window» tachometer and speedometer, under which - fuel level sensor and the temperature of the power unit. In the upper part - a small monitor on-board computer and the position indicator arm ACTs.

Before turning to the running qualities of IS 250, I will say a few words about that in the rear seats are spacious enough not to be, but enough space for legs, that they do not zatekli on the road. Is worth mentioning that the Lexus IS was the first car, a series of two-equip front passenger airbag. When it expands its edges inflate stronger middle of creating a zone of low pressure that a person is not too affected. And the «knee pads» for the driver and a passenger - no extra pieces.

The product is a reasonable compromise

Personally, I have recently created a feeling that if Lexus has decided to take an intermediate position between the BMW and Mercedes. The level of comfort in the cabin a little lower than the Mercedes, but the way of quality as close as possible to the Bavarian machines. The result turned out, it should be recognized, very nice car, where you can and roll valyazhno and «lit», when the want. For these purposes, IS 250 is equipped with a 6-cylinder petrol power unit volume of 2.5 liter direct-injection. In addition, it has the variable valve timing system, Dual VVT-i, which provides the necessary thrust reserve practically the entire range of revolutions.

But - still, maximizing engine shows after 3500 rpm, when the cabin filled with a pleasant tone customized exhaust system and the acceleration reaches its climax. Some compromise is felt in the algorithm of the 6-speed automatic (a box is not available), which allows not only to manually change the transmission, but also has a sports mode. This is more than compensated for some «standard muse», and allows you to fully realize the potential of the engine. Acceleration is very strong, while not leaving the impression that there is always a leg thrust reserve.

In addition, the new IS, some details of the suspension and a hood made of aluminum. Thus engineers managed to not only reduce the weight of the car, but also lower the center of gravity, and make almost ideal for the axes. As a result, controllability simply abolished. Of course, IS 250 bit lacking passion BMW 3-series, but without the car enough sports facilities. Reactions to barankas turns clear and swift, and on the steering wheel is always a clear picture of the wheels. Wheel traffic makes 2.9 «from edge to edge», that is, it is not too «urgent», nor «Tupa». Sports suspension and 18-inch wheels with Low rubber achieves both directly, and superelevation. In doing so, Banks are minimal bodywork, a high lateral acceleration.

Although the couple, from my point of view - the shortcomings, I did mention. First, it is too engulfed back fat cheek. They certainly inspire confidence in the strength of body, but also reduces the fine review, and therefore have to twist his head turns, looking in the windshield, the side. Secondly, the VSC system stabilization can not be disabled. You can only disable Traction Control, and then the electronics will not interfere with the rear wheels skid. Moreover, in such a stabilization system allows for drifts and activated only when the angle of the body is definitely great, that is, he is clearly moving in the wrong direction, at which point the front wheels.

To check the running qualities of IS 250, I, as usual, chose a decent size area, with fresh snow fallen asleep. At provocation and gas driving the car reacted quite fun, and even allowed «povilyat tail». However netnet, but takes effect VSC, immediately stabilizing the body. However, pleased that if the driver turns the wheel himself to drift, trying to stabilize the vehicle, the system does not interfere. Clearly unprofessional action stopped immediately. First, reduced fuel supply, and electronics will begin selectively podtormazhivat one or more wheels. In doing so, the body will follow the given trajectory.

In any case, a reservation: no electronic system including VSC, not the ability to protect the driver of trouble, especially on a slippery surface, what you should know. However, a couple of times creating a sense that the power a bit «snack», that is, of course, is bad, but I can not argue that it does not feature a specific car. But the brakes just great. The slowdown is very efficient, which contributes not only ABS, but also of assistance in emergency braking Brake Assist and brake force distribution EBD.

With the same pleasure in the Lexus IS 250 can slowly move around the city, enjoying the sounds of the audio system and an excellent noise-protecting. Here is the first parking lot made me think about the incomprehensible algorithm system Parktronic. The car is equipped with sensors as the rear or front. On the back of the transfer is automatically activated, and in a small ekranchike, to shield devices, highlight the contour machines with small strips, disappearing as we approach the obstacles. This is accompanied by a barely audible sound. But in order to earn the front sensors, you must first enable the transfer of the rear by activating a system of care for parking, and then slowly go forward.

Just why the engineers did not set the button in the cabin forced activation system, as in most cars, and laid everything on the electronics, which, in turn, not too «bright». For example, the same contour of the car, even if you go in reverse, appears only when the barriers to remain very small distance. In general, do not always understand - works at the moment Parktronic, or not. But on the whole Lexus IS 250, in my opinion, deserves the highest praise for all parameters.

Demand is

As I mentioned at the beginning of the material cost to dealers to get the first cars came in Russia, as customers are not forced to wait. Of course, Lexus IS 250 competitors in more than serious - BMW 3rd series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class. However, when compared to similar features and equipment vehicles, it IS cheaper cost.

Prices for this car started with a mark of $ 41 600 for «basic» version Comfort. It will be the buyer cast 16-inch discs of cruise control, climate control and stabilization, leather steering wheel, alarm, fog lamps, mirrors electric and heating, sound system Mark & Levinson, onboard computer, and heated front seats. The next version - Executive - would require $ 46 200, but added to the above 17-inch discs, leather interior with ventilated seats, equipped with electric drive. Tested the same version of Sport costs $ 47 700.

It already has a rain sensor, bi-xenon headlights with adaptive lighting system (I-AFS) and washers, complete set of power adjustment, 18-inch discs, aluminum pedals and sports suspension. Top Equipment - Luxury - worth $ 49 700 and sport a salon decorated with natural wood, leather interior, rear electric curtains and an array of useful and convenient things.

In short, Lexus IS 250 is able to create serious competition for the German car cars premium class, and if our market will be changed and the wheel, which is already available in the United States, the chances of success in the model will be even greater. Remained only to add that the warranty on the car is 3 years or 100 thousand kilometers.