For readers who still aren't too hybrid-savvy, the hybrid system combines a combustion engine and an electric motor, improving fuel efficiency and reducing dirty exhaust emissions.
The full hybrid drive system in the third-generation Lexus IS 300h combines a 143bhp electric motor with a newly developed 2.5, 181bhp, four-cylinder petrol engine.
On the other hand, seating five is really only at a squeeze and it has no spare wheel.
The Lexus IS 300h will, I believe, appeal mostly to males in their thirties or forties, and not necessarily just the woolley-pulley brigade.
Competitors here include the Audi A4 2.0 TDI, BMW 3 Series 318d and Mercedes Benz C200 CDI - stiff competition with all in or around the same price as the IS 300h S-Design automatic at €38,780, some slightly dearer. Some automatic versions in rivals can also cost extra over the base price. But the IS is the most powerful of these with 223bhp on tap and lowest C02 of 103g/km.Lexus people say that every aspect of the new IS has been engineered with a renewed focus on agile handling, and accurate response to the driver input. It's also longer and wider than its predecessor.
Lexus pride themselves on their safety features which include eight airbags, whiplash injury lessening front seats and active headrests, a tyre pressure warning system, hill start assist, along with the usual stability, steering and traction systems. Advanced safety features include a pre-emptive Pre-Collision System which includes Adaptive Cruise Control. Another feature is the new pop-up bonnet design which helps with pedestrian impact protection in case of an accident.
Grades are: Eco, S-Design, Executive, F SPORT and Premium. Being a Lexus, you expect high levels of quality and finish. You won't be disappointed as the IS 300h scores on every count. At a push, three will squeeze into the rear seats but the shape of those seats would be better suited for just two adults.
This is the first Lexus full hybrid to have the battery beneath the luggage deck board, offering a 450 litre boot volume capacity expandable with rear seats down. The extended wheelbase and new suspension allow this extra boot space - enough for three sets of golf clubs and two small sports bags, or for four medium sized suitcases. While there is an under floor area with lots of compartments, alas there is no spare, not even a temporary one in case of puncture. However, I found a sealant tyre repair kit hidden away in a side compartment in the boot. I had to check the car's manual to discover its whereabouts. And the door was very difficult to pull open. On the plus side, there is a removable and washable floor for dirty boots or sports stuff.The review car came with 17-inch alloy wheels, front fogs, Bluetooth, cruise control, parking sensors, heated front seats, and good storage areas.
The new drive mode select system has up to five driving modes, Eco, Snow, Normal, Sport/Sport S, and Sport S+ to let you choose which combination of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics you want at any certain time or depending on road conditions. The Eco mode reduces emissions and conserves fuel, but for the everyday driving that most of us do, Normal mode balances power, economy and ride comfort.
Most functions are operated by the rotary knob on the centre console but you use your fingertip to adjust the dual zone air conditioning. I found that swiping up or down was a bit of a hit and miss and often required taking my eyes off the road for that bit too long.
After you press 'Start' the car is ready to go in electric mode before the 2.5 petrol engine is needed. You don't feel the difference when the car shifts over to the petrol engine. Hybrids are great for city driving when you only move short distances in stop-go traffic, resulting in a very low fuel consumption, as well as C02 emissions.
On the road, the car is well balanced and comfortable to travel in. A very quiet and refined engine and driving it was actually quite a lot of fun especially on the motorway when you can make use of the 223hp available. The official combined fuel return is 4.3 L/100kms but I got 6.5 during my time with the car. It can do 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds. The steering gives an immediate response, which I like. You can use the F1 type paddles on the steering wheel for driving in certain conditions like hilly descents.
The parking brake is where the clutch would be. Press down to apply while depressing the brake pedal with your right foot. Depressing the pedal again releases it.
Lexus people point out the car's low cost of ownership through a combination of low maintenance and running costs, and tax incentives (€1,500 VRT Government rebate). All of which save around €1,500 euros - the component cost alone - over an ownership period of five years.
You can drive away in a brand new IS 300h from €395 per month with Lexus Connect PCP finance.
