2010 Lexus IS 250C Review

A Cabriolet For All Seasons

A three-quarter front view of a red 2010 Lexus IS 250C with its hardtop down

In short: A sporty and luxe four-passenger convertible.

The all-new 2010 Lexus IS 250C is a curvaceously styled hardtop convertible that also doubles as a sports coupe, making it a versatile choice for fun in any kind of weather. Based on the IS sedan and sharing the same powertrain, this aerodynamic four-passenger cabriolet boasts a standard rear spoiler, LED brakelights, dual polished stainless steel exhaust pipes, and most notably, a lightweight aluminum three-piece hardtop, which retracts swiftly thanks to numerous built-in motors. Under its sporty visage is a 204-horsepower V6 engine that balances decent acceleration with reasonable fuel economy; the car can get up to 26 mpg on the highway.

A front interior view of a 2010 Lexus IS 250C

Our tester was equipped with a standard six-speed manual transmission, and a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available. A high-quality interior, enhanced by sound-dampening design features such as an acoustic glass windshield, includes easy-to-access rear seats, Bluetooth capability, power windows and locks, and a cruise control with an available dynamic radar cruise control. Audiophiles will like the IS 250C’s standard eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with a USB iPod connection, MP3/iPod/WMA audio input plug and Bluetooth streaming music direct from your iPhone. Motorists looking for a little more luxury in this car can get optional leather upholstery, heated/ventilated seats, adaptive headlights, a voice-activated navigation system, rear back-up camera and an intuitive park assist.

A three-quarter rear view of a red 2010 Lexus IS 250C with its hardtop up

Warranty/Service: 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty; 4-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance; 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain and restraint system coverage; 6-year/unlimited-mile corrosion perforation warranty.

QUICK SHEET

Base Price: $38,490 / As tested: $41,125

Technical Specifications

Vehicle type: front engine, rear-wheel drive, 4-passenger, 2-door convertible

Engine: 2.5-liter, 24-valve DOHC V6 with dual continuously variable valve timing with intelligence
Horsepower: 204 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 185 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual

Curb weight: 3,840 lbs
Wheelbase: 107.5 in
Length/Width/Height: 182.5/70.9/55.9 in
Turning circle: 33.5 ft

Brakes: all-wheel power-assisted ventilated disc with ABS, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution

Suspension: double-wishbone with high-mount upper arms in front; multi-link with high-mount arms in rear; coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bars in front and rear

Traction: vehicle dynamics integrated management; vehicle stability control; hill-start assist control

0-60 mph: 8.4 seconds
Top Speed: 134 mph

EPA City: 18 mpg
EPA Highway: 26 mpg

Safety: daytime running lights; impact-absorbing door and body construction; driver’s and front passenger’s airbag supplemental restraint system; tire pressure monitoring system; side-impact door beams; energy-managing crumple zones; collapsible steering column

Likes: drivability; look; hardtop; room for passengers

Dislikes: somewhat sluggish; lots of plastic; lack of trunk space when in convertible mode

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Photography: AlphaMedia

PSV062609

(URM43014)

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