DriveTech

The 2007 Lexus IS 250 has style and grace like no other

A few years back, Lexus sent me to Pikes Peak International Raceway for the introduction of the 2002 SportCross model of the IS300 sedan. Along with the sedans and sport models, Lexus also brought along the Lexus race team, which consisted of four race-prepared Lexus IS300 sedans.

Journalists had a choice of driving the racecars or the stock IS300s. Guess which ones I drove? If you guessed racecars, you win the first prize!

Driving a racecar first and a production car second actually enhanced my feeling towards the IS300. That feeling has stayed with me to this day, when I slipped behind the wheel of this 2007 IS250 four-door sedan for a test drive. The IS250's power has dropped a little from 2002 when the SportCross was introduced. But going from a straight six-cylinder engine to a V6 not only creates more interior room but the handling has improved as well.

Carlsbad Lexus was nice enough to let me take this 2007 Lexus IS250 out for a spin. There is something about a Lexus because it has style and grace like no other. When you sit in a Lexus, you know you're in a Lexus.

My test car came with the 2.5-liter V6, producing 204 horsepower and 185 pound foot of torque backed by a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission that has paddles on the steering wheel for that F1 experience. The paddle-shift mode does get a little racy. With this engine and transmission combination, the IS250 gets up to 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the open road.

The 2007 Lexus IS250 has more electronic gadgets than I have room to describe but I will mention a few. You can always stop by Lexus Carlsbad to talk with any one of the very qualified sales representatives, such as Dick Kashey. I worked with him at a different dealership when I was a service manager and he is truly customer oriented.

Ask Kashey about the many features found on the IS250, such as electronic throttle control systems with intelligence, electronic brake force distribution and smart access with push button start/stop. The later is a pretty cool feature but you still have to carry a remote device so the car will start and unlock. I can't wait until your car recognizes you by your fingerprint.

While the outside comes closer to the LS body style, the IS still has its own look. My test vehicle even came in my color, "smokey granite mica" with black interior and a touch of beautiful wood accenting. The leather driver and passenger seats are very comfortable and can be electronically adjusted 10 ways. Lexus of Carlsbad added the optional heated and cooling feature to the front seats (I have really become fond of that feature). For even more comfort, the steering wheel adjusts up or down and in or out.

The audio and cruise controls are embedded in the leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel. The gauges in the dash look like gauges of old, which is very classy. The big tachometer, speedometer and information center in the center keep you on top of the IS250's workings. The audio, climate controls and navigation are all easy to operate. It has a great sound system that can incorporate the optional XM radio. Standard is the AM/FM/six in-dash CD player with 13 speakers and a hook up for a mini plug or MP3. The sound is as superb as the drive.

Other options worth mentioning include the 18-inch tire and wheel package with G-Spyder alloy wheels, high intensity headlights, a color back up camera integrated into the navigation screen, Bluetooth and voice activation with destination input.

The Lexus is at the top of the safety list with features such as vehicle stability control, advanced front airbags, driver and front passenger knee and side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags plus crumple zones.

I know there is an IS350 but I was pretty happy with the IS250. I loved the IS on the track and on the street. It's a fun car to drive and we need more "fun cars to drive" on the street. Call Carlsbad Lexus at (760) 438-2300 for a drive in my tester.

Next week, an Acura from Escondido Acura.

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