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  Lexus has priced the IS 250C about $20,000 above the Eos, and that puts the Japanese car squarely into the luxury end of the market. Photo Gallery

We?re going to be waving the Lexus convertible goodbye with mixed feelings.

We’re going to be waving the Lexus convertible goodbye with mixed feelings. We’ve rarely enjoyed spending so much time with a convertible – or at least one in any sort of a sensible price range.

The last time we can remember a similar affection was with the Volkswagen Eos. And what the Eos particularly offers is a wider range of engines and transmissions -- including some great turbo units and now their twin-clutch gearboxes.

Lexus has priced the IS 250C about $20,000 above the Eos, and that puts the Japanese car squarely into the luxury end of the market.  But it does offer some advantages over the Eos… more space for legs, for a start. And a more usable back seat and boot – as long as the roof is up.

Which brings us back to the main problem. And it’s a purely personal one. We really like the ISC convertible – except for it being a convertible.

The question you always ask after spending time with a car… would I buy it? Frankly, no. But change the question to: would I buy it if it was a coupe?  Absolutely.

Lexus IS 250C

Price: from $79,900 to $99,900
Engine: 2.5-litre V6
Power: 153kW/6400revs
Torque: 252Nm/4800revs
Transmission: six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Performance: top speed 210km/h, 0-100km/h 9.0s
Economy: 9.3L/100km
Emissions: 219grams/km