A quick review on IS300h
06-07-13, 06:20 AM
#16
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Thread Starter
But then that will reduce the efficiency which goes against the point of hybrids in the first place. I guess ill wait for an IS300h F Sport to arrive at the dealer and then test drive it thoroughly. It may be ok for what my wife needs it for and 220hp and torque from the engine + electric motors will be enough I think. My previous RX only had 201hp and took longer to hit 60mph than the IS300h but it was perfectly adequate.
If the car is for your wife, than it should be more than enough. I still suggest that you go for the executive trim level which suits the car much better. It looks better too.
06-07-13, 06:31 AM
#17
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Thread Starter
I guess we have to wait for the 2.0T to get a more sporty and more fun to drive car in Europe. IS 250 may be more fun than the IS 300h, but still , that engine is a crusier in every way. I really can´t see them use another than the 8 speed auto or som kind of "DSG" gearbox with 2.0T. And above all, a turbo is very easy to modify 
06-07-13, 06:31 AM
#18
Then you will have the both. Sport mode with engine always on for sporty driving and normal/eco mode with engine auto shutdown for saving fuel.
If the car is for your wife, than it should be more than enough. I still suggest that you go for the executive trim level which suits the car much better. It looks better too.
If the car is for your wife, than it should be more than enough. I still suggest that you go for the executive trim level which suits the car much better. It looks better too.
To me F-Sport looks a lot better and with AVS it still goes well over the bumps, so there is no reason not to get F-Sport.
It is like M Sport and S-Line "full" packages that everyone gets for their BMW and Audi's. I say full, because there you can only get parts of the package as well... so you get 120hp diesel with big wheels and outside spoiler, and all crap stock on the inside, if you want.
06-07-13, 06:48 AM
#19
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Thread Starter
why would it suite the car better? I dont get it... you didnt even drive the F-Sport.
To me F-Sport looks a lot better and with AVS it still goes well over the bumps, so there is no reason not to get F-Sport.
It is like M Sport and S-Line "full" packages that everyone gets for their BMW and Audi's. I say full, because there you can only get parts of the package as well... so you get 120hp diesel with big wheels and outside spoiler, and all crap stock on the inside, if you want.
To me F-Sport looks a lot better and with AVS it still goes well over the bumps, so there is no reason not to get F-Sport.
It is like M Sport and S-Line "full" packages that everyone gets for their BMW and Audi's. I say full, because there you can only get parts of the package as well... so you get 120hp diesel with big wheels and outside spoiler, and all crap stock on the inside, if you want.
06-07-13, 08:18 AM
#21
Lexus Test Driver
I guess we have to wait for the 2.0T to get a more sporty and more fun to drive car in Europe. IS 250 may be more fun than the IS 300h, but still , that engine is a crusier in every way. I really can´t see them use another than the 8 speed auto or som kind of "DSG" gearbox with 2.0T. And above all, a turbo is very easy to modify
06-07-13, 08:25 AM
#22
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Thread Starter
06-07-13, 05:13 PM
#23
Lexus Test Driver
Made a deal with her. Said id buy it closer to december. Definitely an F Sport with red leather and id let her choose between stargazer black, matador red, ultra blue and ultra white. 
Down side is, need to do more shifts so no holiday hahaha!
Down side is, need to do more shifts so no holiday hahaha!
06-07-13, 07:37 PM
#24
06-08-13, 04:24 AM
#25
Lexus Test Driver
I live in Europe and I demand the IS350! I dont see why they cant atleast have it as an option. The people who buy Lexus in europe dont care about the price of fuel. The 2nd gen RX did 20mpg but still sold pretty well over here.
06-08-13, 10:39 AM
#26
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Incorrect. Sport mode in the 2is is activated by the ECT power toggle button on the dash.
06-08-13, 12:01 PM
#27
Lexus Test Driver
Not sure if it is still the case for 07'-13' IS, though.
Now, for the 2014' IS or any newer Lexus models that has the push/dial button, the Sport mode becomes much more useful. I tried the Sport mode in 13' ES loaner car and I can find the steering wheel more stiff and the car seems to shift more aggressively. So I like the new implementation by Lexus.
06-08-13, 03:47 PM
#28
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An IS 200 T would be a perfect replacement for the IS 250. Just testdrive a BMW 328i or Audi A4 2.0T and you will realize that it beats the 250 engine everywhere exept the noise. But I do agree that we should have the IS 350 too. A 4 cyl turbo can not compete with BMW 335, Mercedes C 350 or Audis 3.0T.
06-08-13, 04:24 PM
#29
Lexus Test Driver
Its not that. Lexus buyers in the UK seriously do NOT care about the efficiency if the engine OR the running costs. The only Lexus customers who care about efficiency go for the CT200h.
Why do I say this? Simply because, the Lexus IS250 is the best seller for Lexus after the CT200h in the UK even though it has a £280 a year road tax, which is the same as a BMW 335i and does 32MPG which is pretty low.
When a Lexus buyer in the UK pays £54,000 for an RX450h F Sport compared to a £46,000 Audi Q7 S LINE or a £48,000 BMW X5 M SPORT, you can be pretty sure that he doesnt care about the running costs.
Also, Lexus has a trick in the UK that the BMW's, Audi's and Mercs dont. EXCLUSIVITY. The Germans are everywhere, Lexus is one of the rarer brands in the UK. Ive previously had a Q7 before the facelift and an RX300 gen 2. MY RX F sport is the one that gets the most looks on the street and random people compliment on the new styling. The German brands dont get that kind of attention because theyre mainstream. Lexus over here is Indie.
Why do I say this? Simply because, the Lexus IS250 is the best seller for Lexus after the CT200h in the UK even though it has a £280 a year road tax, which is the same as a BMW 335i and does 32MPG which is pretty low.
When a Lexus buyer in the UK pays £54,000 for an RX450h F Sport compared to a £46,000 Audi Q7 S LINE or a £48,000 BMW X5 M SPORT, you can be pretty sure that he doesnt care about the running costs.
Also, Lexus has a trick in the UK that the BMW's, Audi's and Mercs dont. EXCLUSIVITY. The Germans are everywhere, Lexus is one of the rarer brands in the UK. Ive previously had a Q7 before the facelift and an RX300 gen 2. MY RX F sport is the one that gets the most looks on the street and random people compliment on the new styling. The German brands dont get that kind of attention because theyre mainstream. Lexus over here is Indie.
Last edited by rayaans; 06-08-13 at 04:30 PM.
06-09-13, 04:10 PM
#30
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To add one more detail. The ECT/Sport mode only works when the car is in D mode. It means if you are in "S" mode and has the ECT/Sport enabled, the car won't make the shifting points more aggressive. So for myself, I seldom use it as I stick with "S" mode 100% of driving time. This is the case for my 06' IS and it was written in some Lexus technical publication for IS.
Not sure if it is still the case for 07'-13' IS, though.
Now, for the 2014' IS or any newer Lexus models that has the push/dial button, the Sport mode becomes much more useful. I tried the Sport mode in 13' ES loaner car and I can find the steering wheel more stiff and the car seems to shift more aggressively. So I like the new implementation by Lexus.
Not sure if it is still the case for 07'-13' IS, though.
Now, for the 2014' IS or any newer Lexus models that has the push/dial button, the Sport mode becomes much more useful. I tried the Sport mode in 13' ES loaner car and I can find the steering wheel more stiff and the car seems to shift more aggressively. So I like the new implementation by Lexus.
I like the implementation of S mode on my Volvo. Moving the shifter to the side activates S mode with a more aggressive shift pattern. Popping it up or down goes in to manual mode and allows direct control of the gear. But when you stop, it drops back to 1st gear. Steering wheel force is controlled separately via car config menu.