2014 IS Moving Backwards
04-04-13, 04:38 AM
#31
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I wish Lexus had a couple 3ISs to sit in at the NY autoshow. The fact that they only had one on the stage, not to mention the borderline rude female model they had standing next to the car left me dissapointed. Perhaps they have a couple of interior issues to still work out?
04-04-13, 07:27 AM
#33
I've sat in the new IS, and seen it in person.
This was the 300h show car that was shipped around europe, so it was not the final version.
Form what I've seen in pictures, a few of the things that bothered me a bit is still the same, and probabaly won't change.
The whole finish of the bits and pieces in the center console was a bit disapointing.
Espesially the bit around the climate control and driving mode wheel. They where finished in a matte black plastic, and did look pretty cheap.
On these bits, I think lexus could have put in wood or aluminium finish, apprat from this, I can't say that I got any feeling of the car beeing "cheap"
This was the 300h show car that was shipped around europe, so it was not the final version.
Form what I've seen in pictures, a few of the things that bothered me a bit is still the same, and probabaly won't change.
The whole finish of the bits and pieces in the center console was a bit disapointing.
Espesially the bit around the climate control and driving mode wheel. They where finished in a matte black plastic, and did look pretty cheap.
On these bits, I think lexus could have put in wood or aluminium finish, apprat from this, I can't say that I got any feeling of the car beeing "cheap"
04-04-13, 07:44 AM
#34
I saw it yesterday (an F-Sport) and I seriousky don't know what all the complaining is about. The car is not perfect but for the class it's in I think it's fine. Remember we are talking about a car that is in the $30-$40 range not in the $70 range. Honestly the only thing I got something to complain about is the size of the nav screen, would have been happier if it were a bit bigger.
04-04-13, 11:25 AM
#37
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there were no pre-production notes on the car i sat in, as there tend to be. all indications are it was representative of final build. there might be minor assembly line tweaks, but i doubt they will start changing surface textures this late in the game. this will not go unnoticed, because as mentioned, a lot of the 'plastic bits' dont feel and/or look up to par. they scream ES quality/budget.
04-04-13, 01:25 PM
#38
Lexus Fanatic
04-05-13, 04:37 PM
#39
Would anyone know if there is any way to obtain the 2014 IS350 RWD without the staggered tire setup other than the 4 wheel drive?
04-07-13, 02:37 PM
#41
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I've sat in the new IS, and seen it in person.
This was the 300h show car that was shipped around europe, so it was not the final version.
Form what I've seen in pictures, a few of the things that bothered me a bit is still the same, and probabaly won't change.
The whole finish of the bits and pieces in the center console was a bit disapointing.
Espesially the bit around the climate control and driving mode wheel. They where finished in a matte black plastic, and did look pretty cheap.
On these bits, I think lexus could have put in wood or aluminium finish, apprat from this, I can't say that I got any feeling of the car beeing "cheap"
This was the 300h show car that was shipped around europe, so it was not the final version.
Form what I've seen in pictures, a few of the things that bothered me a bit is still the same, and probabaly won't change.
The whole finish of the bits and pieces in the center console was a bit disapointing.
Espesially the bit around the climate control and driving mode wheel. They where finished in a matte black plastic, and did look pretty cheap.
On these bits, I think lexus could have put in wood or aluminium finish, apprat from this, I can't say that I got any feeling of the car beeing "cheap"
I sat in the "mule" IS 350 (non F-sport) they are floating around florida today. My feelings were similar to the OP's, minus the rattle concern. The interior quality is lackluster at best. The steering wheel both looks and feels cheap. The base IS 350 gauges look like something from 2002, still; minus the small center LCD.
The "painted" appearance that the door switch panels have (if you call it that) is absolutely awful. THe center console/stack where the stereo is also looks and feels cheap. It now has two cupholders, and one useless storage bin. This trades us from 1.5 cupholders and a usable storage bin.
I asked if the vehicle I was looking at was likely to mimic the production quality and no one could give me answers, but the general assumption was "yes, it is production quality".
Not only is the car a step backwards in look, it's a step backwards in quality, in my opinion. Disappointed.
The "painted" appearance that the door switch panels have (if you call it that) is absolutely awful. THe center console/stack where the stereo is also looks and feels cheap. It now has two cupholders, and one useless storage bin. This trades us from 1.5 cupholders and a usable storage bin.
I asked if the vehicle I was looking at was likely to mimic the production quality and no one could give me answers, but the general assumption was "yes, it is production quality".
Not only is the car a step backwards in look, it's a step backwards in quality, in my opinion. Disappointed.
04-08-13, 07:03 AM
#43
Please read the last line of my comment.
I don't think the car felt cheap or below standards, but there was a few bits of plastic that suprised me a bit, since they stood out as something that didn't fit in with the rest of the interior.
So overall I think the IS looks very good. Better than other competitor brands.
But it lacked the last one procent when it comes to the finish.
Even the cheapest hyundais have piano lackered plastic that looks more exclusive than the plastic around the IS driving mode selector.
And this is a real shame, since the rest of the car and the rest of the interior looks very good.
But who knows, maybe lexus will do something about this. After all it just takes a little bit of paint.
I don't think the car felt cheap or below standards, but there was a few bits of plastic that suprised me a bit, since they stood out as something that didn't fit in with the rest of the interior.
So overall I think the IS looks very good. Better than other competitor brands.
But it lacked the last one procent when it comes to the finish.
Even the cheapest hyundais have piano lackered plastic that looks more exclusive than the plastic around the IS driving mode selector.
And this is a real shame, since the rest of the car and the rest of the interior looks very good.
But who knows, maybe lexus will do something about this. After all it just takes a little bit of paint.
04-08-13, 07:19 AM
#44
Lexus Fanatic
I guess magazines should pay you to review vehicles from just production photos. Think of the money they will save on production and testing facilities.
04-08-13, 09:32 AM
#45
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Nope, they shouldn't. Im a terrible writer and also wouldn't be able to tell you how the car drives beyond telling you not to expect much (if any) improvement in acceleration. I would not be able to comment on handling, brakes, comfort, wind/road noise how well the technology works or how good the audio system is.