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CAP Blog > CAP Blog > Martin's Blog
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Jun
17
Written by:
Martin Ward
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
 I think it is a fair statement to say that the IS250C is not the prettiest car in the world, nor is it the worst Coupe Cabriolet, but the back end does look out of proportion. Like all manufacturers, Lexus had to make the decision to either have a folding hard top or have a cloth folding roof, like the Audi A4 and A5. By using cloth it reduces weight and can be folded into a much smaller area and doesn’t need a complicated boot opening system. To have a multi-piece metal roof does have its advantages such as security, safety and reduced noise levels but the design has to be compromised to make it all work and fold away into the boot.
 The main competitors for the Lexus IS250C are the BMW 3 Series Cabriolet, Volvo C70, Mercedes-Benz CLK, its forthcoming replacement, the E Class Coupe Convertible and the Audi A5. All of these offer a diesel engine but the Lexus does not; just a 2.5 litre petrol engine is available. This could cause a problem for Lexus as diesel engines that are on offer in Convertible models are proving to be very popular with buyers. The V6 engine fitted to the 250C produces 208ps, goes from 0-62mph in 9 seconds and has a top speed of 130mph. It has a combined fuel consumption figure of 30.4 mpg and the Co2 emissions figure is 219g/km so it is not top of the list for having green credentials.
 The IS250C is not a sports car but more a luxury cruiser; it is not outstanding in the power or handling department but it is first rate for comfort. The cabin is high in quality with fit and finish being excellent but for the price you would pay for the car it is nothing less than you would expect.
The boot is enormous when the roof is up but once the roof is retracted and all that metal is tucked away, it is tiny with only just enough room for a few bags of supermarket shopping. A suitcase could be a problem to get in it but then there’s always the back seat. There are two models available: the SE-I which costs £34,550 and the SE-L at £39,350.
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