New Lexus range loaded with smart features
WELLINGTON’S Lexus dealership has plenty of shine in its showroom after the arrival of the new IS range last month.
The mid-size sedan is Lexus’s most popular car and the new lineup includes three models, the IS250, the hybrid IS300h and the IS350.
Sales manager Mike Maitland says they are great looking cars, and feature a spindle-style grill to bring the exterior styling in line with the rest of the Lexus range.
‘‘The handling and ride comfort has been taken to the next level and they start with a very high level of specification.’’
That base level specification includes front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, satellite navigation, leather interior, heated and cooled front seats, Bluetooth, keyless entry and smart start.
‘‘A new feature for us is the fold down rear seats, which adds to the load carrying capacity. It is surprising the number of people that look at it and say: ‘Oh, I love that feature’.’’
The cars are also longer, the new models boasting an extra would feel like going over a cattle stop, now it is very, very smooth. (That) ability to still maintain control while braking and going around a corner has come a long way.’’
It is the first time Lexus has had a hybrid in the IS range and Mr Maitland says its introduction aligns with Lexus and Toyota’s strategy of having a hybrid option across its range of vehicles.
Customers at a recent launch of the IS models were impressed by the hybrid’s ability around the track at Boomrock on the Ohariu Valley coastline.
‘‘We had a professional driver taking our customers around and his tag line of the day was ‘there is no downside to this car, you get fantastic performance, wonderful handling and you get really good fuel economy as well’.’’
The IS cars will be joined in the showroom later this year by the ES range, which is being returned to New Zealand later this year. The medium sized sedan fits neatly into the Lexus lineup, between the small to medium IS sedans and the larger GS sedans.