Vehicle: 2010 Lexus IS350C with Navigation Package
Price as tested: CDN$64300

Performance: When the SC430 convertible first came out, it was considered as too pricey and doesn’t provide the right handling/ride compromise for what you got. Lexus promises the new IS convertible to be more to the mainstream market, which ideal handling and ride compromise. They have high hope for this hardtop convertible as there are many competitive rivals are launching at the same time.

The ragtop version of the IS is powered by the same powertrains as its sedate sedan silibings. That means both the 2.5 and 3.5 liters of V6, 24-valve with VVT-i and DOHC, altogether. Our tester happens to be the better 3.5 liter V6 with 305hp and 277 lb/ft of torque. Why we said its better is because IS convertible has to carry over 3800 pounds of Lexus leather-lined luxury with heavy retractable roof that is able to open in 20 seconds. The lesser IS250 with automatic has to carry 3814 lb with 204 hp and 185 lb/ft torque, which is enough for ragtop purpose. If you are in need for more power, 3.5 liter is the way to go even if it has to carry a heart-pounding 3880 lb. While you aren’t going to expect IS350 performs like a 911 Turbo cabriolet, it has got its job done relatively well. The throttle response is decently responsive, while the 6-speed manumatic has shifted accordingly. That means the shifts are coordinated, smooth and with proper gear ratios; something we all expect from a Lexus. As for engine refinement, no doubt, both of the 2.5 and 3.5 liters are up to Lexus’s usual standards when it comes to quietness and flexability.

Handling: Lexus engineers have stiffened IS’s chassis to withstand its convertibility. In IS convertible’s case, its 15% stiffer. They also have stiffened the springs and shocks are sportier work-out. The result is a convertible that is both solid and sound, without any cowl shakes that are usually associated with lesser build convertibles. The IS convertible comes with rear-wheel-drive only, which means it continues its 50/50 weight distribution for balanced handling. Despite that, this IS350 feels more like a blvd cruiser than an all-out capable handler when pushed through corners. While the ride quality is simply outstanding, when driven through patholes and washboard pavements. The driving experience needs a-lot-to-be-desired, as with its sedan silibings. The steering response is good but the feel and feedback are dead, as with all the Lexus we have driven in the past. VDIM continues to be instrusive whenever a driver starts to get a bit out of the line. There is quite amount of understeer for a rear-driver and you can’t oversteer unless you really pushed the IS-C extremely hard. Then again, VDIM would step in like its no tomorrow. Its a real blvd cruiser, nevertheless. .

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, IS-C’s pedal feel and modulation are excellent consider how much weight it has to carry. The stopping distance is short, while the pedal modulation is top-notch. ABS also acts at the right time at the right place.

Interior: When the roof is up, it got 10.8 cubin inch of cargo space. When its down, it got about 2.36 cubin inch which is enough for 2 persons on a weekend trip. That’s because this is a convertible that has 4 seats by only for 2. Why?

Because IS sedan’s rear seat already cramped to begin with, make it 2 fewer doors and harder to access in the same amount of space. IS-C’s rear seats are better leave for those who want to have a short trip. When the roof up, plus anyone over 5″10 sits in the front, Is-C’s rear seats can be considered as anything but punishment. As for the front, everything is typical IS right from instrumentation gauges to switchgears.

Conclusion: The SC430 convertible has proven that Lexus’s brand cachet isn’t enough to catch the more exclusive segment on the top, along with its poor ride and handling balance. With the IS250 and IS350C, Lexus is being more realistic on chasing the most mainstream of the convertible class. Although its styling remains as debatable as SC when it first came out, IS-C has done what most needed in a convertible. That means its comfortable, as long as you have 2 persons. It got lots of features and 20 seconds to open a retractable hardtop surely will impress your neighbors. The ride and handling compromise is what it should be. That said, if you aren’t looking for convertible with supreme performance prowess, IS-C is worthy of consideration.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Lexus IS350 Cabriolet
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5