Volume 11 Issue 1 » 53
2014 Lexus IS 350 A
WD F-Sport
»
The second-generation Lexus IS series
had an impressive run. Introduced for the
2006 model year, it was still good looking,
comfortable, and rewarding to drive as it
entered its seventh model year in 2013.
But in the hard-fought compact executive
sedan segment it takes more than basic
competency to survive, and while the old
IS was good, it was in need of an update.
Lexus has fixed that for the 2014 model
year with the introduction of an all-new
third-generation IS. I tried out a loaded
IS 350 AWD F-Sport and was happy to
discover that while the new car gets a big
helping of updated style, technology and
refinement, it doesn’t lose the essential
goodness of the old IS.
Outside, the most striking detail of the
new IS is the big, bold spindle grille
that Lexus has adopted as its signature
look. Inside, the car gets an entirely new
interior style that eschews the current
trend towards organic curves and flowing
lines, opting instead for a blocky, linear
look. It distinguishes itself from the pack,
and there’s no arguing with the interior
comfort, ergonomics, features or materials
— everything is properly accounted for.
The 3.5-litre V6 in the 2014 IS 350
carries over essentially unchanged from
the previous-generation car, but rearwheel drive models get a new eight-speed
automatic transmission with paddle
shifters. My test car had the optional
all-wheel drive, and in this application
a six-speed automatic is used. With 306
horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque on tap
the rear-drive IS 350 will accelerate 0-100
km/h in about 5.8 seconds, and the AWD
version is almost as quick. My test car was
outfitted with Lexus’ F-Sport Executive
package, which provides adaptive variable
suspension, and I found the ride to be taut
and composed, but never harsh, even in
Sport mode.
The Lexus may not be the most sporting
contender in the field, or the most
luxurious, or the roomiest. What it does
offer is a particularly nice balance of
characteristics and a wide array of features
even in base trim, and this makes it well
worth a look.
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