CAR REVIEW: Lexus IS350

THE SOLUTION: Lexus IS350

One litre. It may not sound like much, but it’s enough to give the imperious German trio of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz reason for concern. Specifically, it’s the difference in engine capacity between the sluggish, if capable, Lexus IS250 and the new, very entertaining IS350. It’s a difference that turns a placid cruiser into a sporty, razor-sharp exec express that'll get you to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds . . . and all for an asking price that’s $30k cheaper than the German competition of comparable performance and specifications.

So what’s standard? Aside from that silky smooth 3.5-litre V6, on all three variants, from entry-level Prestige ($64,800), to F Sport ($71,800), to top-of-the-line Sports Luxury ($81,300), you get touch-screen sat nav, rear-reversing camera, Bluetooth, leather and a long list of active and passive safety acronyms.

A sunroof is optional on the former two. But if you’re much over six foot, don’t tick this box, as it reduces headroom in what’s already a pretty snug cabin.

The IS350’s one of our top picks if you like playing on fast, winding roads. The rear-wheel drive chassis is a delight, with very high limits and nice, if slightly light, steering. The six-speed auto is a smooth, well-spaced gearbox, but you also get paddles on the steering wheel to override it for even more fun. Through rough and smooth the ride is impeccable, even on the 18-inch rims of the top spec models.

Not a hoon at heart? The IS350’s equally at home doing suburban running around as it is sitting alongside the above-mentioned three in the corporate carpark. Now, how to spend that spare $30k?

– Bruce Ritchie