Lexus IS250

The Lexus IS250, smallest model in the Lexus range and is available in two versions, one more than before. The new version, the IS250 Luxury, comes with additional equipment as well as an extra-cost option of a tinted moonroof. Customers get two new colours to choose from (ten in total) and a selection of interior colours coordinated with the exterior colours.

While there are no changes to the 2.5-litre V6 engine with Dual VVT-I (variable timing for both intake and exhaust valves) which is mated to a 6-speed sequential automatic transmission, a notable new feature is the Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). This is a concept of vehicle kinematics control that integrates brake control, drive power control, steering control and coordinated control with the automatic transmission. A more advanced form of vehicle stability control, it helps the driver to retain control of the car in slippery conditions by automatically applying the brakes to counteract understeer or oversteer and at the same time, adjusting engine torque to match.

Unless a close look at the 2008 and 2009 models is done side by side, it would be hard to tell the difference as the changes are subtle. New for 2009 is the restyled grille – the vertical bars as well as the number of bars that make up the grille have been changed to present 'a more powerful, bolder appearance’. Also subtly changed is the front lip which is not integrated with the front bumper for a smoother appearance.

In keeping with its sports sedan identity, the IS250 has more clearly defined character lines along the sides. Extending the front bumper by 10 mm has given the profile a sharper, sleeker look which is complemented by the low-slung body that has a low drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd.
Also new are the redesigned door mirrors which incorporate turn indicators (previously on the front fender panels) and at the rear, there is strengthened contrast between light and dark in the character of the bumper. The bottom section of the bumper now has a blackout area which gives a more sporty look. The rear combination lamps have also been revised (in the layout of the various segments) and as before, bright LEDs are used to provide stronger illumination.
For the IS250 Luxury, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights are standard and Lexus Malaysia (which is a division of UMW Toyota Motor) assures that owners will not have problems because they are approved by JPJ for the model. Auto-levelling is also provided so that the lights are always correctly aimed and do not dazzle oncoming drivers. It is because of improperly aligned HID lights that has led to complaints and the JPJ action.

Though the exterior dimensions seem compact, the cabin of the IS250 has a spacious feeling, thanks to the large surfaces and long character lines around it. There are two trim types in the 2009 model: for the standard IS250, a combination of leather and aluminium is used while for the IS250 Luxury, it’s leather and wood. Depending on the interior colour (three choices, coordinated with the exterior colour), the Birdseye Maple wood trim will be either light brown or gray.

Other features that come standard with the Luxury version are automatic adjustment for the steering column (tilt/telescope) with memory, electrochromic rearview mirror that automatically reduces glare from the headlights of cars behind, illuminated scuff plates on the door sills, a rear window sunshade activated by a button on the dashboard, semi-aniline leather upholstery and a memory function for the seat position for the powered front seats (adjustable 8 ways).

The audio system for the IS250 Luxury is a Mark Levinson 14-speaker system with a 6-CD in-dash changer and mp3/WMA capable. For the standard IS250, the standard audio system is the Lexus Premium system with 13 speakers and a 6-CD in-dash changer.

Quietness has always been a strong point of Lexus automobiles and this is the result of not only the use of high-performance damping and sound insulation materials but also the strategy of eliminating noise and vibrations at their source. From the very first Lexus model 20 years ago, the engineers have not been contented 'hiding’ noise and vibrations and have tracked down the source of such unwanted irritants and then found solutions to eliminate them altogether.
For ease of entry at night, the IS250 has an Illuminated Entry System which provides soft lighting inside the cabin. There are also LED lights which shine downwards from the door mirrors so that water puddles or other hazards near the doors will be visible when stepping out of the car.

As with other Lexus models (and also in certain Toyota models), the IS250 has Optitron meters which are brighter than normal meters and have a 3-dimensional appearance to enhance clarity. The meters have a 30% tint to reduce glare and the driver can also adjust the illumination to a desired level. Rings around the meters can be set to illuminate in different colours at certain speeds to alert the driver visually, quite a cool feature!

As with the previous IS250, the 2009 version has, as standard, cruise control, a Multi-Information Display, Dual Zone Climate Control with ducts to the rear seats, audio switches on the steering wheel and Pushbutton starting/stopping of the engine. Smart Key Access makes it unnecessary to use a key to unlock the car; all the driver needs to do is press a small button on the handle and the doors will unlock (provided the compact Smart Key Access unit is on the person’s body).

For extra comfort, the front occupants’ seats in the IS250 Luxury have small fans in the seats which will blow cooling air upwards through the ventilated seat material. This feature can also be turned off if not required so things don’t get too cold 'down there’.

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