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 ROAD
TEST
LEXUS IS300
A super yellow Lexus. Yellow like a school bus. Can you
imagine it? Don't have to. It's a reality.
The car is the $40,830 Lexus IS300 and it's arguably the first
serious response from a Japanese automaker to the astonishingly
successful BMW 328i. Serious car buffs will know the IS300 has
been on sale under the name Altezza in Japan since 1998. The
Europeans got the same car in 1999 under the name IS200.
Note the name because it signals a major difference between their
car and ours. The Japanese and European versions are powered by a
2.0-litre straight six engine mated to a six-speed manual
transmission. That pairing is okay overseas, but North Americans
want more spice under the hood. Thus, the rear-drive 2001 IS300
gets its muscle from the same 3.0-litre inline six driving the
bigger, more expensive Lexus GS300.
And that motor, with roots to the old Toyota Supra, churns up a
very healthy 215 horsepower and 218 pound-feet of torque. The
transmission is a five-speed automatic transmission capable of
operating in semi-manual mode via Formula One-like pushbuttons on
the steering wheel. Lexus calls it E-shift.
If you're starting get the picture of a racy, compact sports
sedan, that's exactly what Lexus wants. This is the car aimed at
aggressive, 35-ish professionals making a hundred grand a year.
They work in high tech, high finance or they're the lawyers who
get the paperwork done for entrepreneurial types in emerging
industries. Dan Borg, Lexus division sales boss says they have a
"youthful" mind set and they want performance from their
cars.
They are, in fact, not at all unlike the typical BMW 328i buyer -
although the difference is they are even more out
"there," on the edge, so to speak. Thus, the super
yellow IS300. And the spectra blue IS300. And the silver metallic
IS300. And the black onyx IS300. And the auburn sky IS300. You
want wild? Try those paint colours on for size. All available for
the IS300, along with several more.
Lexus officials concede they're entering new territory with the
IS300. Up to now, buyers looking for this type of car drove right
past the local Lexus dealer, straight to the BMW store or over to
Audi to test drive the A4. Lexus wasn't on the map at all.
So I'm sure you're not surprised to learn the IS300's hard numbers
are almost a mirror image of the 328i's. The proportions are
nearly identical, though the BMW's rear seating is roomier because
the Lexus has a shorter wheelbase. Both have a rear-drive layout
and 0-100 km/h times fall in a tad more than seven seconds, even
though the Lexus has a horsepower edge (215 versus 193). The
performance of four-wheel disc brakes the size of Frisbees (with
anti-lock) is a wash.
I would, however, give the German car an edge is aggressive
driving and overall road feel. Why? More understeer in the Lexus -
understeer as in the car tends to plow to a greater extent in hard
cornering. And there's no manual transmission available with the
IS, though one is expected for the 2002 model due late next year.
BMW builds arguably the best manual on the planet - the smoothest
and more precise shifter you can buy.
On the other hand, the IS300 starts from an astonishingly good
base. Lexus quality, reliability and customer service are
unsurpassed in the car biz and we can expect the IS300 to stay
that course.
Then we have the sexy IS looks. The silver alloy wheels are an
eye-grabber, as is the short front overhang, transparent taillight
covers and the whole wind-cheating profile. Nicely done. For paint
colours, I'd go for the blue.
 The
cockpit, though, is where Lexus has really done something
different. Current Lexus advertising focuses on the overlapping
instrument cluster (ammeter, coolant, and trip meters blended into
the middle of the speedo) that seems inspired by the best of Swiss
chronographs. Interesting, but it takes some time to get used to
it. That said, the design theme remains true to the sorts of
industrial cues and metallic touches that have won the Audi TT
awards. To whit, aluminum covers on the pedals, graphite-look
trim, snug front bucket seats and a three-spoke steering wheel.
Cloth seating is standard.
No question, the IS300 drives like a sports sedan, albeit one with
Lexus-like smooth side. There's more road noise than I would have
expected from a Lexus, which is in keeping with the car's racy
theme.
I'll say this, the IS is a very composed sedan when driven
quickly, very safe-feeling, balanced and utterly predictable. The
optional 17-inch performance tires really grip, although the
standard 16-inchers are very good. Overall, there's nothing here
to jump out and bite you unexpectedly. But if something else does,
there are front and side airbags to protect you.
And the power is excellent, available just about everywhere you
put the throttle. Give major credit to the VVT-i continuously
variable valve-timing system. If you've not heard of variable
valve timing before, suffice to say it's a high-tech system
designed to make an engine breath more efficiently and more
effectively. Better breathing equals better performance.
Clearly, the Lexus folks have done their homework, hitting the
mark with a sports sedan sure to broaden the brand's appeal.
What's the next step? Rumours are swirling of a high-performance
version of the IS300, something along the lines of the BMW M3 and
Audi S4. Oh, and that's really something to look forward to.
2001 LEXUS IS300
4-dr sports/luxury sedan
 Engine: (front-engine/rear wheel drive) 3.0-litre I6, 24
valves operated by double overhead camshafts; electronic engine
management; 215 hp at 5,800 rpm; torque rated at 215 lbs-ft at
3,800.
Transmission: five-speed electronic automatic w/E-shift.
Steering: power rack and pinion.
Brakes: power-assisted front disc/rear disc w/four-channel
ABS.
Tires: P205/55R16 all-season radials.
Wheelbase: 2,670 mm (105.1 in).
Curb weight: 1,485 kg (3,273 lbs).
Fuel economy (litres/100 km.): NA.
Price (MSRP base): $40,830; freight: $500.
 Key
standard features: alloy wheels, power side
mirrors/windows/door locks, cruise control, E-shift, AM/FM
cassette/CD w/8 speakers, leather steering wheel, auto AC,
illuminated vanity mirrors, accessary power outlet, retained
accessory power, sport seats, carpet mats, rear pass-thru.
Key Options: package 1 ($2,970) includes 17-inch alloy
wheels w/P215/45R17 tires, Torsen limited slip differential, fog
lights, integrated garage door opener, moon roof, heated front
seats.
J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Study (number of
owner-reported problems in first 90 days; lower number is better)
average 154:
Lexus line: 103
IS300: NA
Performance in 0-100 km/h: 7.1 seconds
Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability: New.
Safety/security: dual front airbags; side airbags; no
rating for headrest effectiveness; no rating for driver/passenger
front crash protection; no rating for front/rear side crash
protection; no rating for collision claims; no rating for
comprehensive claims; no rating for theft claims; anti-theft
device.
Warranty:
Basic: 4 years/80,000 km
Major components: 6 yrs./110,000 km.
Rust perforation: 6 years\unl. km.
Roadside assistance: 4 yrs./unl. km.
 Pros
* Excellent road manners - very stable and responsive
* Daring styling for Lexus
* Superb quality reputation of Lexus
Cons
* No manual transmission available - yet
* Tight back seat
* A bit more understeer than we'd like in a sports sedan
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