Lexus IS 250C launched for Malaysia
Lexus Malaysia today announced the immediate availability of the IS 250C hardtop convertible for the Malaysian market. Launched globally in 2009, this is Lexus Malaysia’s first convertible model, and will be sold alongside the IS 250 sedan.
An obvious rival to the BMW 325i Convertible, the IS 250C sells for RM443,468.20 on-the-road inclusive of insurance. In comparison, the BMW is quoted just shy of RM440k excluding insurance, with a 12-month policy set to bump its price tag to over RM450k.
President of Lexus Malaysia, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, Mr Kuah Kock Heng said, “The new IS 250C will add to the existing IS range. We believe there are customers who want to own a sophisticated yet stylish car with many impressive features. We are confident that the new IS 250C will be well received in the market.”
“The new IS 250C is emblematic of the Lexus ‘Pursuit of Perfection’ and will certainly raise the benchmark in the luxury market”, added Mr Kuah.
Whether the IS 250C will live up to Mr Kuah’s grand promise remains to be seen, though it carries over some pretty decent mechanics from its sedan sibling, including its powertrain setup – the 2.5-litre 4GR-FSE V6 engine with dual VVT-i and D-4 direct injection coupled with a six-speed rear-wheel drive automatic transmission.
Like the IS 250 sedan, the IS 250C is certified to meet Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV) standards. It’s output figures are rated at 205hp @ 6,400rpm, and 252Nm @ 4,800rpm. In comparison, its rival, the 325i, also with a six-speed auto and the sweet-spinning N52 straight-six motor, makes 218hp and 250Nm.
The structural compromises that convertible owners have to live with are well-known, and no decent convertible press release these days go without mentioning about structural reinforcements to help compensate for the reduced rigidity caused by removing the roof. According to Lexus, areas that received modifications or additions include the rocker area; A and B pillar under structure; side collision crossmember, and upper and rear-floor crossmembers. In addition, underfloor braces were added both in the front and the rear.
Besides structural rigidity, also compromised in the engineering of a convertible are noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Lexus claims that the IS 250C has nearly identical NVH characteristics to the IS 250 sedan, with improved insulation and damping materials plus redesigned rear-suspension-mount bushings seeing to that.
Addressing the final remaining engineering headache behind a convertible’s design, which is its roof mechanism, especially for a hardtop like the IS 250C, Lexus came up with a four-link aluminium-clad roof assembly with a single-switch operating mechanism. It allows the IS 250C to go topless in 21 seconds.
Safety electronics offered are comprehensive, with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) all standard equipment and centrally governed by the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System (VDIM).
In the event of a crash, front passengers are held in place by seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, while rear seaters get emergency locking retractor (ELR) seatbelts. Dual front airbags work in conjunction with front-seat-mounted head and torso side airbags, and knee airbags for both the driver and the front passenger.
Six colours common with the IS sedan are available on the convertible; in addition to the three IS-C exclusive colours. Blue Metallic is shared with the IS-F performance sedan, Silvery Blue Metallic shared with the RX and Cattleya Mica Metallic is an all-new colour exclusive to the IS-C. Like the sedans, additional wet sanding is applied in mid-coat application to provide a premium finish.
The IS 250C is available at Lexus Center Mutiara Damansara and the newly opened Lexus Penang starting today.
Pictures: Official Lexus release.
