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to the side to reveal an assortment of
information from fuel consumption
to gear position to junction views for
navigation. But due to the changing
positions of the information, it takes
some time to learn where everything is.
The IS also comes with a remote
touch controller knob and while it
has been fine-tuned, still has room for
improvement especially when using
the navigation system, which like a
cab driver with attitude, never quite
agreed to my requests. But there are
saving graces; the very supportive and
comfortable leather bucket seats for
one, especially in rose red skin. So too
is that fat steering wheel and its spot-on
weighting and responsiveness.
The 2.5 liter V6 engine and 6-speed
gearbox stayed on from the previous
generation. Fortunately, the smoothness
and refinement is undeniable; the
sporty roar of the F Sport comes
courtesy of a LFA-inspired sound
generator. Unfortunately, its power
output of 205hp and efficiency has been
matched if not surpassed by newer
engines from its rivals. Nevertheless,
keeping this car revved up will still
provide some thrills for the upper end
of the torque range is where this car
feels meaningful.
The gearbox though smooth,
didn’t quite keep up with the sporty
character of the car. Even when drive
mode was set to Sport S+, we still
had constant quarrels especially on
downshifts. But the suspension and
road-holding is where Lexus has made
respectable improvements. With the
Adaptive Variable Suspension system,
the car’s driving dynamics has taken
a leap forward. Body roll at corners is
kept to a minimum. However, there’s a
compromise to good handling. You will
feel more of the road, imperfections and
all. And your passengers might not like
you so much if you decide to drive in
S+ mode, unless they’re unconscious.
The new F Sport is a marked
improvement and it’s getting closer to its
class rivals. But it’s no cigar just yet. A
better powertrain could’ve changed the
story but until then, there’s that well-
built, sturdy reliability to appreciate.
And of course, the LFA-style meter.
Specs
ENGINE
2,499cc 24VDOHCV6withDual
VVT-i
OUTPUT
205hp@6,400rpm, 252Nm@
4,800rpm
TRANSMISSION
6-speed super ECTautomatic, rear
wheel drive
BRAKESANDSUSPENSION
Ventilateddisc (front&rear); VSC;
TRC; HAC; ABS; EBD; BA; VCIM; double
wishbone (front), multi-link (rear);
adjustablevariable suspension system
TYRESIZE
225/40R18 (front); 255/35R18 (rear)
WHEELBASE (mm)
2,800
DIMENSIONS (mm)
4,665(L) x 1,810 (W) x 1,430(H)
KERBWEIGHT (kg)
1,555
FUELTANK (l)
66
PRICE (ONTHEROADWITHOUT
INSURANCE)
RM333,000