MOST makers of the hard-top convertible love to say that their model is as versatile as a coupe.
Lexus makes the same claim but the Japanese luxury manufacturer goes one step further - it promises that the IS-Convertible is the perfect family car.
The IS-Convertible is only the second open-top model from Lexus after the SC roadster.
It is based on the rear-wheel-drive IS sedan and everything up to the A-pillar is identical.
So is the wheelbase.
Only the overall height is 10 mm higher while the rear overhang is slightly longer because the boot has been redesigned to swallow the three-piece roof, which is mostly made of aluminium.
Inside, the dashboard looks exactly like the one in an IS250 sedan but at the back, there are two individual rear seats instead of a bench, making the IS250C a strict four-seater.
But comfort is ensured.
Rear headroom is good and while rear legroom may be different, a newly developed, thinner front seat back limits it to only 25 mm less compared with the IS sedan.
The convertible is only "a little smaller" than the sedan, says Lexus, hence it is eminently suitable for four adults as well as for a young family of four.
The IS-C's packaging also promises convenience for more than just the driver.
The thoughtful features that Lexus is famed for are found here too.
At the touch of a button, the front seats slide electrically forwards or backwards to enable easy access to the rear.
And as is typical of a Lexus, all controls operate smoothly and efficiently.
Pull a small lever on the dashboard and 15 electric motors and 37 sensors swiftly and noiselessly fold the roof and stow it in the boot.
It takes 21 seconds and can be performed while the car is moving at up to about 20 kmh.
An interesting safety feature is that the roof will not open if someone or something is 35 mm or closer to the rear bumper in order to prevent the back-flipping boot lid from hitting it.
But best of all, the IS-Convertible doesn't shake, rattle or roll the way some open-top cars do.
Lexus is especially proud of this, saying it worked hard to banish the common weaknesses of a convertible, like vibration, squeaking, wind noise and water leaks.
On the move, the IS-C cabin is as quiet and refined as a saloon model.
Inadequate luggage space has also been addressed, with the car able to carry two golf bags when the roof is up.
However, the increased kerb weight seems to have blunted performance somewhat.
At slightly over 1.7 tonnes, the IS-C is 110 kg heavier than the sedan.
Using the same 2.5-litre engine, this means that acceleration from zero to 100 kmh is 0.6 seconds slower.
So step hard on the gas pedal and there is that same smooth, silent response even though the IS-C lacks some of the sedan's enthusiasm.
But with paddle shifts mounted on the steering wheel, it is possible to squeeze a little more out of the creamy V6 engine by changing gears manually.
There are two variants of the IS-Convertible, with a luxury version costing an additional $15,000 because of nicer leather, front memory seats, illuminated scuff plates and a rain sensor, among other things.
Whichever one you choose, though, it should provide the same kind of satisfaction you have come to expect from a Lexus.
Safety First | The roof will not open if someone or something is 35mm or closer to the
rear bumper so as to prevent the back-flipping boot lid from hitting the person or thing.
