TEST DRIVE

LEXUS ISC a sun lover’s luxury entry-level convertible

This week, we’re driving the all-new 2010 Lexus IS series 350 Convertible Hardtop, which is ready for delivery at your area dealer. The ISC “C” being for convertible) is exactly what consumers expect from premium brand Lexus, but at a price some $30,000 less than sibling SC convertible.

Aside from its sporty good looks, the main attraction is the power-retractable folding hardtop, which quickly and seamlessly transforms from hardtop to convertible at the flip of a switch. Of course, hardtop convertibles have been around for a while now, and from this keypad, I can remember the excitement when Ford announced in 1957 the release of its hardtop convertible. Crude by today’s standards, Ford’s “humpback” design lasted until 1959 when it was finally shelved.

This isn’t the case with modern day hardtop convertibles, which come in many flavors from a host of manufacturers. In recent years, retractable hardtops were or still are offered by Mercedes, Audi/VW, Infiniti, Mazda, Volvo and domestics Chrysler, Chevy and Pontiac.

For Lexus, however, its ISC is worthy of extra praise in that it allows sun lovers the right to drive a Lexus convertible at an entry of $38,940 for its ISC 250 model with a manual transmission. The aforementioned high class SC starts at near $68,000 base, and is powered by a 4.3 liter V-8.

A closer look finds Lexis IS series built on a rear wheel drive platform in 2-door, 4-passenger luxury sports form. It’s available in three trims, the aforementioned 250 series 2.5 liter V-6 Manual, a 2.5 Automatic ($41,110) or the top line 350 3.5 V-6 automatic. The 250 produces 204-horsepower from its smaller V-6 engine and achieves 18-mpg city and 26-mpg highway with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 250 V-6 automatic, however, features the overdrive 6-speed automatic and delivers an extra three mpg in both city and highway driving (21/29), proving that a manual doesn’t always deliver better fuel mileage versus an automatic with steeper overdrive gears.

Our 350 series tester came with the 306 horsepower 3.5 V-6, which delivers excellent fuel economy and enough horsepower for any type of driving. The powerplant in an 11.8 to 1 compression ratio design, meaning unleaded premium is a necessity. As for the EPA rating, 350 delivers 18-mpg city and 25-mpg highway hooked to the 6-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Currently, the paddle shift automatic is the only transmission available on the 350 and works fine with firm shifts under full throttle.

Outside, Lexus designers present a winning combination of affluence, refinement and sporty aggression. It’s all sculptured in the finest of detail while not straying from that special “Lexus look” calling card.

Inside, creature comforts like leather 10-way power front seating with lumbar, six airbags, 8-speaker audio, 6-disc CD and integrated XM satellite present great sound in total comfort. A power tilt and telescopic wheel, power passenger front seat slide (for rear passenger entry) USB port, Bluetooth and mini plug are all standard fare. (Yes, it’s a bit tight in the rear seats for adults).

With all the good things said about Lexus aesthetics and comforts, it’s the performance of this car that really catches my attention. You’ll pull to 60-mph in 5.8 seconds, run the quarter mile is 14.1 and Lexus says it will top out at 141 computer governed.

Handling is superb, thanks to a full 4-wheel independent setup that features a front double-wishbone arrangement with coil springs, monotube gas-pressurized shock absorber and a hollow stabilizer bar. Out back, it’s a “multi-link design with coil springs, inverted monotube gas-pressurized shocks and another stabilizer bar.” When it comes to stopping, 4-wheel disc brakes kick into play, with a four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and four-piston front calipers. The standard tire is a 17-inch VR speed rated design with 225’s in front and 245s in the rear, all mated to beautiful 10-spoke alloy wheels.

Our tester came with a Luxury Package that adds heated and ventilated perforated semi-aniline leather seats, dual front seat memory, outer mirrors with tilt down and memory, steering wheel memory, illuminated scuff (side door panel) plates and wood trim. Outwardly, the option also adds Bi-Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps and rain sensing windshield wipers. The luxury option lists for $3,155, but would be on my “unnecessary” list if I were ordering. Destination is $875, which pushes the final tally to $48,420.

Important numbers include a wheelbase of 107.5 inches, 3,880 lb. curb weight, a surprising 10.8 cu. ft. of trunk space, and a 17.2 gallon fuel tank.

Regardless of choice, be it the 250 or 350 model, consumers now have several Lexus choices to enjoy a luxurious hardtop convertible with all of the noted Lexus advantages. The IS “C” series is a best buy recommendation from this scribe.

Likes: Pricing, performance, attention to detail, quality

Dislikes: Some blind spots, no 6-speed manual for V6 model.

Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist.