2000 Lexus IS Reviews

Lexus Australia has announced drive-away pricing for its volume selling SUVs and IS sedan in a bid to pump up sales before the end of the financial year.First cab off the rank is the UX200 Luxury small SUV, which is priced from $49,888 drive-away (a saving of $1173). The UX200 has a 126kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a CVT auto, as well as AEB, radar cruise control, heated and electrically-adjustable front seats, satellite navigation and a power-adjustable steering column.The NX300 Luxury is now available for $59,888 drive-away (a saving of $2073). Powered by a 175kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, the NX300 Luxury also includes a 10.3-inch multimedia screen, heated and powered front seats and DAB+ digital radio.Above the NX sits the RX SUV at $69,888 drive-away which offers the biggest saving to consumers of $12,685. The RX300 is powered by the same 175kW 2.0L turbo-petrol engine as the NX, and includes kit such as wireless phone charging, full leather upholstery and a 12-speaker sound system.The brand’s IS300 Luxury sedan is also on sale for $57,888 drive-away, which is a saving of $8809. The IS300 is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol as the NX and RX, though it develops more power at 180kW and features heated/cooled front seats, leather upholstery and a 10.3-inch multimedia screen.Lexus sales in 2019 so far are down by 1.6 per cent to 2978 units, though some models are enjoying healthy increases including the LX SUV (163 units, up 55.2 per cent on 2018) and the ES sedan (219 units, up 242.2 per cent). The new UX is also selling well in its first year on sale, with 584 units sold in 2019 so far.The EOFY campaign runs until June 30. 

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Lexus has unveiled the LC500h Matte Prototype at the 2019 Barcelona motor show, which was created to show off the company’s efforts in using unique colours and textures. Painted in an eye-catching colour called ‘Space Orange’, the matte colour of the LC500h was reportedly inspired by the orange tones that can be seen when looking towards the sun. The look is further enhanced by black 21-inch alloy wheels and a carbon-fibre roof.Inside the LC500h Matte Prototype, the orange theme is continued where it’s used on the instrument, the steering wheel and the door inserts.Mechanically, the Matte Prototype is identical to the regular LC500h and uses the same 3.5-litre petrol V6, lithium-ion battery pack and a four-speed CVT gearbox.The LC500h Matte Prototype is not yet confirmed for production, though could reach showrooms as a special edition version of the big Lexus coupe.

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Lexus Australia has released pricing and specifications for the new RC F Track Edition, as well as the updated RC F, which will be in Lexus dealers in May.Based on the standard RC facelift, which is already on sale in Australia, the RC F is priced from $134,129 plus on-road costs (-$3,600), while the RC F Track Edition is priced from $165,690. The RC F has faced a number of revisions to make it more comfortable, yet sharper to drive according to Lexus. Improved aerodynamics with greater downforce aids handling, while lighter suspension components, firmer steering control, a freer-breathing and lighter engine, as well as a more intuitive transmission and grippier tyres make the RC F even quicker than before.Like the pre-update RC F, the 2019 model uses the company’s 351kW/530Nm 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine has been revised for 2019 with a lighter intake and new intake piping and meets Euro 6 emissions standards. As before, power is sent to the rear wheels.The car’s revised styling helps its aerodynamics, while new LED headlights and a wider grille “further emphasise the car’s wide stance”, according to Lexus.New for the 2019 model year is the track-honed RC F Track Edition, which includes a number of parts to provide superior agility and most importantly for the company, superior track driving handling and lower lap times. The RC F Track Edition includes Brembo carbon-ceramic disc brakes (380mm front and rear) with 19-inch BBS alloy wheels to reduce weight by 25kg. A titanium exhaust further reduces the weight of the car by 6.0kg, while increasing the engine’s noise as well.A carbon-fibre roof, rear diffuser, lower rocker panel, front spoiler, rear wing and rear-seat brace help shed another 65kg of weight, with a kerb weight of 1,715kg. Lexus claims the RC F Track Edition hits 100km/h in 4.3 seconds, and points out that it is the quickest Lexus since the LF-A.2019 Lexus RC pricing (MSRP): RC F: $134,129RC F Track Edition: $165,690Options (RC F):Enhancement Pack 1 (19-inch polished alloy wheels, sunroof): $5,000Enhancement Pack 2 (19-inch dark alloy wheels, sunroof): $5,000Enhancement Pack 3 (19-inch BBS alloy wheels, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, titanium exhaust, carbon fibre cabin ornamentation, sunroof): $29,161

I remember a Lexus RX commercial that used to run on television when I lived in Washington. The RX is perched on the glass bed of this industrial-sized photocopier and as the light line passes under it indicating copies being made out comes a Mercedes, Audi and BMW, I think.

There are many ways to meet the demands of buyers, but paying a lot of money for a compact car isn't necessarily the best way about it. That isn't stopping luxury car brands from producing new, smaller SUVs that still have plenty of plushness, not to mention price tags that can be double that of equivalent mainstream models. These three models are some of the most intriguing examples of the breed.

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