2010 Lexus IS-C Car Review

Drive Time drives and gives a full review to the 2010 Lexus IS-C

2010 Lexus IS-C Car Review Belong in the SC 430, gets a less expensive hipper sibling this year, the kind that makes that older Lexus virtually obsolete. This is the all new Lexus IS-C, C for Convertible, available with the same engine options as the compact sedan for which it is based. Not only as the V-6 powered IS 350 C about $20,000 less than the SC, this car packs more horsepower, and that’s better gas mileage, has more passenger and cargo room and is faster and far sportier to drive, so that’s that. The latest GNIS is a solid car with very different personalities depending on the trim level you choose. This hard top convertible version carries a texture of 353 pounds and added inches in length, with the same V-6 engines as in the fixed top IS. So the Base 250 C with its very modest 204 horsepower is going to feel even more challenged that it already does. While the 306 horsepower 350 C goes about business with just about the same confidence as before. The 250 C comes with a stick shift if you like, while the 350 C is driven by a 6-speed auto with paddle shifters. All models are rear-drive, no all wheel drive options here. Gas mileage from the 2.5 liter engine is 21 mpg city and 29 highway, while the 3.5 liter V-6 nets 18 city and 25 highway. Competing with the all new Infinity G37 convertible, Lexus wins when it comes to styling and interior richness. Both strong points of this car. But if you are in search of high levels or performance from the 350 C, you are looking at the wrong car. Lexus has dialed up the relaxed feel of this top down four-seater, so that the driving experience is punctuated by comfort first and excitement, a distant second. And that’s okay. The interior is gorgeous, the rear seats, unlike in the SC can actually be used by adults and there’s enough strength in the body and powertrain to support when called for. In the 350 C, acceleration to 60 miles per hour is accomplished in a quick 5.8 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.1. But it’s the kind of glazed athleticism you keep in your back pocket, it’s nice to know it’s there if you need it, but more often than not, you’re comfortably cruising along, feel entitled in taking the scenery. Body rigidity has been enhanced by studier suspension components and the steering gear has been revised for better control. It’s a sweet car and with the top up, it’s a solid and as quiet as you would expect from Lexus. So, when fitted with proper snows, the IS-C can be your year-round companion. The IS 250 C starts at about $33,000 while the 350 C at around $45,000. A well-equipped model will top out at over $50,000. The IS-C brings a modern entry level luxury convertible to the Lexus line up, with a wide spreading trim levels sure to satisfy both the frugal and the extravagant. And if you want more athletic swagger, Lexus offers up a host of F Sport performance accessories to do just that. For Drive Time on Yahoo! Autos, I’m Steve Hammes.