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Lexus Netherlands have decided to only put this version on sale.
This one, the IS 300h, the hybrid.
This one is so clean that the other engines are out of the question, fiscally.
99 grams per kilometer CO2 is extremely little for a car of this size.
To give you an idea: the Kia Optima hybrid, about the same size and weight, does 123 grams with 150 HP.
This car does 223 HP with 99 grams only. Incredible.
223 HP plus the torque at low revs from the electric engine makes it quite fast.
Unfortunately, it has that CVT transmission.
It slows the powertrain down. Like an elastic connection between accellerator and engine.
The suspension is rather sporty, a but hard even.
The steering is very sharp. It is rear driven.
The battery in the back makes the weight 50/50.
All that makes this Lexus big fun to drive.
Like the other hybrids by Toyota you can set the systems to your taste. Eco or Sport.
This F-Sport has a Sport Plus setting.
Is has this synthesized engine noise.
Since it is synthesized, why not make that noise nice?
Although, that's a question of taste.
The interiour looks great, with fine materials.
There are loads of gadgets, like this clock.
It slides sidewards. Like in the LFA.
Great detail. Utterly useless, but great.
Another gadget: the temperature controller. It's a touch strip.
Looks great, but hard to control. But it is fun.
For the infotainment there's this joystick-thing. It's hard to control as well.
Even if you lower the sensitivity. And the system is a labyrinth on itself.
Lexus claim more interiour space.
8,5 cm more legspace they say. That says more about the old model. It still is very small.
This car is supposed to compete with the likes of the Mondeo and Passat. Not by its interiour space.
Thanks to low emission, the price will be reasonable.
Lexus expect to sell 500 in my country, this year only.
I hope they will, this car makes hybrid driving great.
The lane departure warning drives me crazy.
When it only smells a line, there's an alarm as if the Russians are nuking us.
Of course you can switch it off, but that's not what it was meant for.
AutoWeek Verdict: + Drivability + Low emission, high power - CVT too slow - Small interiour in rear