By Tony Ng

Lexus' latest convertible, the IS-C was launched here yesterday. With a price of $188k for the standard variant and $208k for the luxury, the IS-C targets the entry-level luxury segment.

According to Mr William Choo, commercial director for Lexus, 61 units have already been pre-ordered and five units are already on the road.

The lifestyle car has undeniably attractive looks and retains Lexus' L-finesse design schematics. Lexus claims that the hard top drops in one of the world's fastest times of under 21 seconds, with no elements remaining in view.

With over 15 electric motors and sensors at 37 locations to monitor the hard top, it is Lexus' most visible piece of technology.

The feel of the cabin is irrevocably premium. A four-seat configuration provides each passenger with their comfort space and the rear seat console enhances the rear-passenger amenities with cup holders and storage.

The gauge cluster is similar to that of the IS sedan. A higher contrast multi-information LCD, dial-colour change for more contrast, and decreased surface-glass transmittance enhance visibility when the top is down.

Chopping off roofs from sedans to transform them into coupes usually present problems on noise and vibration.

But Lexus says all body and chassis revisions have undergone extensive testing to ensure that the IS-C have nearly identical characteristics as the IS sedan.

Driving performance

The IS-C shares a common double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension system with the IS sport sedan model. The lowered multi-link rear suspension was also lowered to provide improved trunk space. Lexus says the trunk is large enough to accomodate one nine-inch golf bag with the top down or two when it's up.

The IS-C also shares the same powertrain as the IS sedan. Its 2.5-litre V6 producese 205bhp at 6,400rpm and 252Nm of peak torque at 4,800rpm.

The engine utilises aluminum cylinder blocks and heads while employing dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts.

The convertible also features a smart keyless entry with start/stop button, Lexus Park Assist system, a hill-start assist control and a premium six-cd audio system.

The luxury variant comes with HID headlights with cleaners, rain sensors, sports accelerator pedal, brake pedal and foot rest, leather seats with woodgrain finish, and a seating memory system.

tonyng@sph.com.sg