Lexus IS250. From $45,367 (362,934 UAH)
Many automakers are in no hurry to abandon a scheduled model update before the release of a completely new generation. However, if earlier such interim facelifts could boast an impressive list of changes, now they are often limited to cosmetic tweaks. Manufacturers try to bring the car to perfection anyway, so adding or improving something without risking ruining everything is quite difficult. The "do no harm" principle works best here.
It is exactly this path that was taken with the Lexus IS250. The model is already in demand and sells well, so there was no point in radically changing it. External changes are noticeable only upon close inspection or after studying promotional brochures. The front and rear bumpers have slightly different contours, and the edges around the fog lights have become smoother. The most noticeable touches are the rear lights with a changed shape and new alloy wheels with a different pattern. Neat teardrop-shaped turn signal repeaters have appeared on the side mirrors.
Inside, the color palette remains the same, but the combinations of shades have changed, making the interior feel fresher. The center console has also been refined: the buttons remain in their places but have acquired a different shape. Overall, such changes have only benefited the interior — familiar details now play a bit differently. But on the move, everything remains almost unchanged. Although the IS250 is the junior member of the Lexus family, in terms of comfort it is quite comparable to the senior LS. At the same time, the softness of the ride has not harmed handling at all. The car willingly enters corners, confidently holds its trajectory, and even provokes you to drive faster, although the light steering wheel with mediocre feedback does not really contribute to this. The work on the update is complete, and now all that remains is to wait for the next generation.
Even faster
Under the hood of the base Lexus IS250 is a gasoline V6 producing 153 kW at 6400 rpm and 252 Nm of torque at 4800 rpm. With such figures, the small sedan accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds, and the top speed is 230 km/h. This is quite enough for the city and highway, but appetite comes with eating. For those who find the six-cylinder engine insufficient, the IS-F version with a V8 is intended. There, it is already 311 kW at 6600 rpm and 505 Nm at 5200 rpm. Acceleration is simply cannon-like — 4.8 seconds to 100 km/h. The specifications indicate a top speed of 270 km/h, but with a note "electronically limited." Such a car is not for everyone — it is more of a sports projectile than an ordinary civilian car.
Driving
The steering wheel still lacks feedback, but the suspension is tuned excellently — it is on the edge of comfort and sport.
Interior
There are no complaints about the quality of materials in the cabin, but there is not enough free space here.
Price
This is a Lexus, so the price is quite justified.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Comfortable suspension, excellent sound insulation, high-quality trim materials.
- Uninformative steering wheel, cramped cabin.
Specifications
Make and model — Lexus IS250
Dimensions — 4585x1800x1425 mm
Engine — gasoline, 2500 cm3, 208 hp/6400 rpm
Transmission — automatic, 6-speed
Dynamics — 230 km/h; 8.1 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Mercedes-Benz C-class, BMW 3-series, Audi A4