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• Lexus IS range goes full hybrid.
• First-ever F Sport derivative for IS hybrid.
• SE and F Sport upgraded with advanced safety package.
• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za
The local line-up for the re-imagined new 2021 Lexus IS sports sedan has been unveiled, and for the first time, the IS will only be available as a hybrid model. The hybrid market has shown immense growth on a global scale in the past five years, and the shift from diesel to alternative-propulsion vehicles is expected to keep growing at a matching rate.
With this information in mind, Lexus South Africa plans to leverage its existing dominance in the hybrid-electric market, positioning hybrids as performance and technology-rich vehicles.
The IS range features three model grades: IS 300h EX, IS 300h SE and IS 300 F Sport.
Upping the standard
Standard features on the IS include 18-inch alloy wheels for the EX and SE (19-inch for the F Sport), an electric park brake (replacing the previous foot-operated one), a 10.3-inch touch-display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a pre-collision system for the SE grade and F Sport featuring daytime/night-time pedestrian detection plus daytime cyclist detection, all-speed active cruise control (SE and F Sport), lane tracing assist (SE and F Sport), blind-spot monitor (SE and F Sport), rear cross-traffic alert+brake, as well as a panoramic view monitor for the SE and F Sport when reversing.
This is an addition to smart entry and start, heated- and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, 10-speaker audio for the EX grade and 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound for SE and F Sport grades. Top-spec models also come standard with satellite navigation, voice control and LED headlamps with automatic high-beam assist.
One engine
All IS models are powered by a petrol-hybrid 2.5-litre engine that produces maximum power of 133kW @ 6000rpm and maximum torque of 221Nm @ 4200-5400rpm. Mated to a CVT transmission and combined with the electric motor, the total power output is 164kW. The IS consumes a combined 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The 0-100 km/h sprint is dispatched in 8.7 seconds, and its top speed is 200 km/h.
The IS F Sport is alluring and assertive - the grille features the iconic mesh pattern that has been used on all F Sport models, complementing the brand's athletic image. The lower grille construction incorporates RC-F inspired air intakes, also strengthening its sporty feel.
The Automatic High Beam (AHB) Headlamps on the F Sport grade features a new slim design and three newly-designed high-beam projector lamps, and integrated L-shaped DRLs.
F Sport exclusive items heighten the sporty driving image, which includes the F Sport emblem on the front fender, piano-black garnish on the front grille and lower bumper, and exclusive 19-inch aluminium wheels (previously 18-inch) treated with a premium dark-metallic coating.
But many talents
Befitting the new IS status as a driver's car, the IS F Sport and SE grades offer more advanced specifications; and the F Sport model offers dynamic hybrid vehicle performance to boot.
For the first time on an IS F Sport, 19-inch alloy wheels are standard, in addition to an F Sport body kit and spoiler, F Sport scuff plates and ornamentation, high-grade LED headlamps, five-mode Drive Select (Eco, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom), Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), F Sport leather-accented trim, sports pedals and seats with driver memory settings.
Pricing
EX grade models retail from R841 300, R899 800 for the SE grade and R916 100 for the F Sport. The IS300h range is covered by a seven-year/105 000km warranty and full maintenance plan.
