Lexus LF Reviews

And there is likely to be more of it so with all the top resorts reporting big falls of crisp fresh white stuff, enthusiasts are dusting of their ski gear and talking snow talk.Carsguide this week takes a look at some of the newer off-roaders and others we think are some of the more desirable partners in snow.NISSAN DUALIS Price: From $28,990IT is a big seller overseas, but the compact Dualis has been slow to take off with buyers here.But it is a competent snow companion. It's not too big, nor too small, has composed on road manners and reasonable soft-road ability.In keeping with the current crop of smaller off-roaders, the Dualis has a wagon-style design, upright driving position and cabin that will swallow a decent amount of gear.The rear seats split fold 60/40 and the four-wheel drive system has a lock function that splits drive 50/50 front and rear when the going gets tough at lower speeds.The Dualis is powered by a 102kW/198Nm 2.0-litre four that delivers acceptable, but not outstanding performance.The Ti gets standard stability control, six airbags and heated leather front seats.Tick: Compact styling.Cross: Still relatively unknown. VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Price: From $33,990THE Tiguan is essentially a grown up Golf and takes on all the attributes of its smaller brother, adding all-wheel drive into the mix with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or turbo-diesel engines.It's slightly longer than the Golf and comes with the 4Motion Haldex all-wheel drive system.There is no low range but the Tig will get you out of most trouble in the snow.One of the impressive things about this off-roader is its handling. Anyone familiar with the Golf will be perfectly at home.Like all VW's the Tiguan is well equipped and gets standard stability control, six airbags and optional hill-descent system.Roof rails are standard and you will need them for a luggage pod because boot space is limited. However, the rear seats do fold almost flat. If you specify leather, the front seats are heated.Tick: Badge and handling.Cross: Luggage space and firm ride. SUBARU FORESTER Price: From $30,990LIKE the previous model, the Forester is a top seller and popular among skiers.The new-generation wagon answers the criticism of limited luggage and rear seat legroom by being bigger and even more practical.However, by growing 90mm in wheelbase and up in overall size the Forester has lost some of that on-road precision that marked the previous model as a standout. Some aspects of the cabin, like the dashboard execution, are not of the quality we expect from Subaru either.Pluses are its size and 2.5-litre boxer four cylinder engines. Subaru build quality is generally good too, as is the constant all-wheel drive system.The Forester has a five-star crash rating and raft of safety features that includes anti-skid brakes, stability control and brace of airbags. Manual Foresters get hill-start assist, which stops the car rolling backwards while first gear is engaged.Tick: It's a Subbie.Cross: Soggy SUV feel. RENAULT KOLEOS Price: From $29,990TO dismiss the Koleos as just a French car over the top of Nissan mechanicals is missing the point.The Koleos is well executed, solid and safe. It has six airbags, stability control and hazard lights that come on after an emergency stop.The "All-Mode 4x4i" all-wheel drive versions also get hill-start assist and hill-descent control.In auto mode, the torque split between the front and rear is automatically determined by the amount of available grip.Entry models are two-wheel drive while all-wheel drive buyers get a choice of the smooth Renault-sourced 2.0-litre dCi turbo diesel or 2.5-litre Nissan-sourced petrol four cylinder.There's plenty of room. The rear centre armrest is removable to allow skis to be pushed through and there are storage bins under the front seats and rear floor.Like the Tiguan, the range topping models with leather get heated front seats.Tick: Better looking than an X-Trail.Cross: Renault badge. AUDI Q5 Price: From: $59,900IT seems that just about any vehicle Audi launches at the moment is a sellout.The Q5 is one of them.Smaller than a Q7, the Q5 has the same off-road attributes in a smaller sharply styled package with good luggage space via the 40/20/40 split rear seats and optional cargo barrier that separates luggage.Two petrol and two turbo diesels are available and the S-tronic seven-speed gearbox contributes to good fuel figures.Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel drive system splits torque 40/60 front and rear, which gives the car relatively neutral handling.For those looking for something bigger, there's the A6 Allroad and the Q7.Unfortunately Audi is becoming just like its German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz when it comes to equipment.Tick: Space and diesel.Cross: Expensive options. FORD TERRITORY Price: From $39,490THE Territory has just undergone a recent update to bring it into line with the rest of the Ford range.However, the cabin remains largely the same, and that's not a bad thing. It's good for a family and has seven-seater capacity.The Territory's cabin is well thought out and there is lots of storage space.Buyers have a choice of four AWD models or three rear-drive models.Stability control is standard, as are four airbags and anti-skid brakes.The TS and Ghia four-wheel drive models get seven seats as standard. Mum and Dad will also appreciate the standard DVD player in the Ghia.The reversible rear-load floor and compartment for storing wet items is handy.Tick: Practical and good looking.Cross: Getting on despite update. VOLVO XC60 Price: From $57,950THE XC60 is one of the best handling Volvo wagons around and one of the most attractive.The new City Safety feature is more than just a gimmick. The system applies the brakes if you are about to rear-end another car in low-speed situations up to 30km/h.Other Volvo strengths are the lane change warning system and blind-spot warning system. Volvo seats are renown for their comfort. 40/20/40 split rear seat is practical.There is a choice of either the 2.4-litre D5 turbo-diesel, which is about to be upgraded to a twin-turbo for better economy and efficiency, or the 3.0-litre turbo petrol six.Tick: Styling and equipment.Cross: Rattly diesel. LEXUS RX350 Price: From $81,900.THE RX350 has grown slightly, which translates into more interior room.This wagon, like all Lexus models, is packed with equipment that is optional on its rivals like satellite navigation, power rear hatch and rear reversing camera.The Sports Luxury gets active headlights that follow the curve of the road, plus a heads-up display.The safety package consists of stability control with cooperative steering function (VSC+), traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.There is also, hill-start assist, 10 airbags and a first-aid kit.The rear seats split 40/20/40 and there is a wet-storage area in the luggage load floor. Thule luggage pods are also available.Tick: Standard equipment.Cross: Looks bloated. MAZDA CX9 Price: From $51,990It looks big and feels big but once under way, the CX9 shrink-wraps around you.It's well sorted on the road, has a host of safety gear and with seven seats, has plenty of room for the family.The cabin quality is better than the CX9 too.The 204kW/366Nm 3.7-litre V6 has plenty of poke but slurps petrol like a celebrity lining up for a free drink during Melbourne Cup week.The 60/40 split fold rear seats can be released from the luggage area.Tick: Rear seating, quality.Cross: Fuel economy. TOYOTA PRADOPrice: From $48,600THE Prado is the ideal family load-lugger if you need serious space and room for the family.It comes with eight seats and long-range fuel tank of 180 litres.The full-time 4WD system has a low-range setting for heavy off-roading.However only the higher spec Prados get standard stability control, anti-skid brakes, hill-descent control and six airbags as standard so it pays to check the fineprint.GXL, VX and Grande buyers get foglights and roof rails with satellite navigation and height-adjustable air suspension standard only on the top-of-the-range Grande.Tick: Standard and GX lack standard safety gear.Cross: Clunky styling. NISSAN MURANO Price: From $45,990THE previous-generation Murano was a sleeper.In a lineup dominated by the Navara and Patrol, it never really stood out other than a competent family wagon and its soft curves alienated many potential buyers.But Nissan hopes to change that with the new-generation Murano.The styling is sharper, the 191kW/336Nm 3.5-litre V6 a sweet engine that delivers good fuel economy. The packaging is good. The automatic All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive system can distribute torque on demand to where its needed.The luxury Ti gets all the fruit, from navigation system to heated front seats, reversing camera, automatic rear hatch and Bose sound system. The 60/40 split rear seats on both the ST and Ti can be flipped forward from the back of the car.Tick: Engine, equipment.Cross: Cheese-cutter grille. RANGE ROVER SPORT Price: From $90,900THE Range Rover brand has a strong following and is the preferred luxury chariot for seriously well-heeled snowgoers.Like the bigger Range Rover the Sport gets the nifty "Terrain Response" off-road system which means you just have to twist the switch to get the required off-road mode.The Range Rover Sport has real off-road capability but we don't think too many owners would ever go bush bashing in the leather-line luxury off-roader, particularly with the stylish 20-inch wheels available some models.The 65/35 split rear seats also have folding cushions and the full-size spare is easily accessible under the car. However, some of the bigger wheel/tyre options make do with a spacesaver.Tick: Luxury.Cross: Reliability.

The third-generation RX (and second-generation hybrid SUV) will be launched in Australia in June.The RX 450h features a 10 per cent increase in engine power, a 28 per cent reduction in combined cycle fuel consumption, a 30 per cent improvement in cold weather fuel efficiency and a 23 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.RX 450h's new 2GR-FXE petrol engine employs the Atkinson, or high-expansion, cycle for improved efficiency. It has a higher compression ratio than a conventional Otto Cycle engine and keeps the exhaust valves closed until the end of the expansion stroke for maximum combustion effect.The expansion stroke is extended, converting more of the combustion energy into torque on the crankshaft.Lexus has combined the Atkinson Cycle with direct ignition, Quad-Cam Multi-valves and dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to optimise efficiency.Fuel economy and emissions are further improved by cooled exhaust gas recirculation, exhaust heat recovery, reduced hybrid transmission friction losses and a new power control unit.The V6 is combined with two electric motors to produce a total power output of 220kW and push the vehicle to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.Fuel consumption is 6.3 litres per 100km, while CO2 emissions are down from 192g/km to 148g/km, which is less than a Toyota Corolla (175g/km).Lexus Australia chief executive John Roca said demand for Lexus hybrids had risen steadily since the introduction of the RX 400h SUV in 2006."The proportion of total Lexus sales captured by hybrid is now 12 per cent," he said."Lexus expects hybrid sales, as a proportion of total sales, to continue to grow steadily as we launch new product, the first of which is the new RX 450h in July."Total RX sales are down 14 per cent to 880 so far this year, which is better than most in the luxury SUV category which is down 24.3 per cent.The new RX 450h is bigger all round at 15mm longer, 40mm wider, 10mm higher and 25mm longer in the wheelbase while retaining its 5.7m turning circle.It rides on new double wishbone rear suspension replacing the struts used in the RX 400h.Allied to the increase in wheelbase length and track width, this is claimed to reduce body roll and pitch by up to 40 per cent.The front suspension has also been extensively re-engineered, with new shock absorbers, optimised springs, anti-roll bar and component geometry. Electronically Controlled Air Suspension gives the driver a choice of four vehicle height settings over a 60mm range and automatically lowers when travelling at speed to optimise aerodynamic performance, stability and fuel economy.Inside, there is a new remote touch control navigation system which operates like a computer mouse. It operates the vehicle's audio, navigation, ventilation, phone and set-up systems. The new RX also features head-up display which screens key driving data in the driver's line of sight at the base of the windscreen.The information presented includes vehicle speed, turn-by-turn navigation instructions, audio information and Adaptive Cruise Control and Pre-Crash Safety system status. The navigation system has a 40Gb HDD capacity.

The man credited with leading development of the breakthrough Lexus IS-F - which was built to challenge the benchmark BMW M3 - is also pushing hard to get the Lexus LF-A into production.Toyoda is even doing testing on the 300km/h supercar himself.But the 52-year-old grandson of Toyota's founder, who will become the CEO and president of the world's largest car company later this year, is not just grinding around a proving ground.Toyoda is racing an LF-A.The entry list for this year's classic Nurburgring 24-Hour race includes a driver called 'Morizo' in one of the two LF-As to be fielded by the Japanese GAZOO Racing team on May 23-24.But Morizo is actually Toyoda.That means the Nurburgring entry is a very big deal, right down to the bodyguards who will accompany Morizo-Toyoda through the event.Toyoda has used the fake name twice before to race on the full Nurburgring north course, although last year his stealth fighter-black LF-A was one of the first cars to strike trouble in the 24-hour race.This time around the LF-A entry is bigger and official, and there will also be an IS-F in the GAZOO team.Toyoda is one of four drivers in his car and will share with Andre Lotterer, a one-time Jaguar F1 test driver who also leads Toyota's effort in the Japanese SuperGT championship.Morizo's official profile gives a Japlish twist on what Toyoda is doing, and why:"He is a well-known driver at GAZOO Racing. He grips the steering with the great wish to increase car fan and inform fun of run. He participate in Nurburgring continue Year 2007 and Year 2008." 

Although reported claims by the carmaker that it’s a triumph over the BMW M3 may be a bit optimistic.Based on the IS platform, the IS-F – the ‘F’ stands for Japan’s Fuji Speedway - delivers power, speed and agility in a smart looking package and may just give those staunch Bavarian auto fans something else to think about.EngineThe IS-F is powered by a DOHC 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces 311kW at 6600rpm and 505Nm of torque at 5200rpm.Power is transferred to the wheels via an eight speed Sports Direct Shift automatic (with paddle-shifters), electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter (2nd - 8th speeds).On the way to a top speed of around 270km/h, the IS-F rockets to the 100km/h mark in 4.8 seconds.Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving style but the press kit claims 11.4litres/100km. Combined CO2 emissions come in at 270gm/km.ExteriorThe IS-F retains the sporty shape and aggressive stance of the IS 250 on which it is based but the F is clearly a gym junkie – a sinewy ball of muscle.Wheel arches have flared further to house big 19 inch wheels. The wheels are lighter than conventional alloys and are made by the official supplier to Formula 1 – BBS.The radiator grille and lower cooling ducts are larger to allow more air to be sucked through to the engine and brakes, which gives the car an intimidating look head on.To accommodate the big V8, there is unmistakable bonnet bulge and the front overhang is slightly larger than on IS 250.High Intensity Discharge(HID) headlights with Lexus’ Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting System improves the IS-F’s guidance through corners.Interior IS-F badges throughout the cabin are a constant reminder of this car’s sporty nature.Supportive leather sports seats hold you in place round tight corners and the wrap around dash - with back-lit instrument cluster - provides a cockpit feel.A seven inch colour touch-screen display is the primary information resource, controllable also by the leather sports steering wheel.To make things more comfortable a satnav and a six-disc Mark Levinson audio system are standard, as is Bluetooth and MP3 capability.SafetyAlongside the comprehensive airbag package, the Lexus IS-F safety list features anti-skid brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control and vehicle stability control.PricingThe Lexus IS-F starts at $129,000.DrivingWigley saysThis car goes a long way in shaking the ‘boring, prettied-up Toyota’ tag that has attached itself to Lexus for a good while now. Adding a true performer to the line-up is a positive move to attract a whole new type of buyer and adding one this good lifts it another notch again.For a start the IS-F looks the part, with a chunky exterior and big, gunmetal alloys.Inside is equally as impressive. The soft leather seats lock you into a perfect, stable driving position and the smart-looking dash is easy enough to work out without fumbling through the manual.But on the road is where the beast comes alive. The throaty gargle on start up rumbles up through the floor and into your feet and legs, bullying you to squeeze the throttle.Lexus have done well to create a healthy combination of firmness and comfort in the IS-F. Potholes and ruts are swallowed up at all speeds and the multilink front and rear suspension allows the car to be thrown into corners with minimal body roll. The great cornering can also be attributed to the big Brembo brakes, made specifically for Lexus.The paddle shifters were fast and smooth – 0.1 second upshifts – but not using them exploited the somewhat random gear selection in full automatic mode. Not surprising really given the eight gears to choose from.There really weren’t too many downsides to this car, although we did find the B pillars made for massive blind spots, and it does feel a touch on the heavy side.And the constant hum inside the cabin of the V8 could get a little grating. Actually scratch that last point – what am I saying??But it was the acceleration in this car that really sold it for us. At 4.8 seconds it’s no slouch and when that second induction opens up just past 3000rpm, the noise is exquisite. Nice one Lexus.Verdict - 8.8/10Halligan saysThe IS-F is somewhat of a watershed car because we have to begrudgingly stop calling all Lexus vehicle boring.And we’ll have to stop because the IS-F is not boring. Its styling is not boring, its performance is not boring and there is certainly nothing at all boring about the way it sounds. When the second stage intake ports open just above 3500rpm , there is little else that can beat it for aural pleasure.The IS-F was designed to compete with the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 in the global four-door family sports sedan market. It doesn't do too bad a job. But while this is a great car and anyone who buys one based on their personal preference is making a good choice, it is still the least car of the three.That also includes having the least price, which – depending on what you are looking for – may be a benefit or not. At this price point I don't think it is much of a factor in the decision making process.There is nothing much to criticise about this car, and its easy to love, but its easier to love the Merc C63 more. The IS-F is not as quick, not as entertaining and not the Q-ship that the C63 is.But you hear there are a considerable amount of people who won’t be seen in the C63 or M3 as they fear being stereotyped.Luckily we live in a fabulous time where we have a choice of three performance sedans with four doors, a boot to fill with family luggage, a high output V8 with more than 300kW on tap and superb handling.... hang on a minute, aren't we missing something here. Aren't there two more badges that fit that criteria – HSV and FPV. So it's not really a choice of three, it's actually five. Great days.There’s a big argument for the Lexus on performance and price, and the main argument against is that it’s still a Lexus.Rating - 8.8/10

But no more. In the latest 2009 quality survey, it has lost its top ranking to Buick and Jaguar. Both the US and British brands tied for number one spot, pushing Lexus into third spot. In the 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study, Buick improves from a sixth-place ranking in 2008, while Jaguar improves from 10th spot. Following in the top five rankings this year are Lexus, Toyota and Mercury. Despite losing out on number one overall, Toyota garners five segment awards-more than any other nameplate in 2009 for the Prius and Highlander SUV, Sequoia SUV, Solara (a Camry model) and Tundra pickup. Lexus follows with four segment awards for the ES330 (in a tie with the Acura RL), GX470, LS430 and SC430. Lincoln captures two awards for the Mark LT and Zephyr. Various models by Acura (Honda's luxury brand), Buick, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan and Scion each rank highest in one segment. “Buick has ranked among the top 10 nameplates each year since the study was last redesigned in 2003, while Jaguar has moved rapidly up the rankings,” according to David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. “Lexus remains a very strong competitor in long-term quality. “In particular, the Lexus LS 430 sets the industry standard for dependability, with fewer problems reported than any other model in the study.” The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2006 model year) vehicles, has been redesigned to include 202 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The study is used extensively by vehicle manufacturers worldwide to help design and build better vehicles-which typically retain higher resale values-and by consumers to help them make more-informed choices for both new and used vehicles. Sargent says that in the current economic climate, consumers are delaying new-vehicle purchases and keeping their vehicles longer. The average age of a vehicle at trade-in in the US has increased to 73 months in 2009 from 65 months in 2006. “This makes vehicle dependability even more critical,” he says. “Automakers have improved long-term dependability by an average of 10 per cent each year since the inception of the study, which is a testament to the industry's commitment to continuously improve and sustain quality, especially long-term quality. “Making improvements in long-term quality not only satisfies customers who are holding onto their vehicles longer, but it will also influence their decisions when they return to the new-vehicle market or are seeking to purchase a pre-owned vehicle.” The study finds that the frequency and severity of component replacement has a particularly strong impact on customer loyalty intentions. Component areas for which the impact is greatest include engine and transmission. When engine components are replaced or rebuilt, just 11 per cent of customers state that they definitely intend to purchase or lease another vehicle of the same make, compared with almost 40 per cent among owners who report replacing no components. The study also finds that Buick, Lincoln, Mercury and Jaguar owners are less likely to replace components than owners of other vehicle brands. While component replacement rates are similar for premium and non-premium makes, there are notable differences between segments. Owners of models in the premium sporty vehicle segment are least likely to replace components, while owners of models in the van segment are most likely to replace components. The 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from more than 46,000 original owners of 2006 model-year vehicles. The study was fielded in October 2008.

The Lexus LF-A roadster could be the car of the future, or a car with no future.The LF supercar program has been running for close to three years and is a headliner for the whole Toyota group, but has yet to produce a production car.There have been coupe and convertible show cars, and a hardtop LF-A painted in flat-black camouflage competed at the Nurburgring 24-Hour race in Germany last year, but there is still nothing concrete for showrooms.But that has not stopped Lexus Australia from landing the signal red LF-A roadster as it show star for Melbourne."This car shows us what we are capable of doing, as a brand," says John Roca, head of Lexus Australia."It shows we are not boxed into a vanilla future that only has hybrid cars as a point of difference. It shows we can be, and will be, a lot more diverse than we are today."The LF-A roadster is familiar but different to anyone who knows the coupe.The lightweight body uses a combination of aluminium and carbon fibre, and the car rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels.It has the same 5-litre V10 engine, tucked just ahead of the two passenger seats but well behind the front axle line, and rear-wheel drive.Lexus has given few details of the convertible roof, except that the basic body is just as rigid as the coupe.And that it will have the same 320 km/h top speed.There is no chance for anyone at the Melbourne Show to buy the roadster, or even put down a serious deposit, but Roca believes the LF- A project will produce a genuine production car sometime in 2010."I think the car has a future. I think we're getting closer to 'when', ahead of 'if'. But we still don't know when that time will be," he says."The million-dollar question is when. And, frankly, I cannot answer that."But the car for the show is real. It has a real V10 engine that actually works and makes all the right noises."The stats we're getting show that the car will hit 300km/h and that was one of the targets. The engine always had the right power but the Japanese wanted 200 miles-an-hour and there have been some improvements to the aerodynamics to get it to 300 kays."Roca says the global economic meltdown will not affect plans for the LF-A, despite its potential impact on high-priced luxury cars."I think there is a market, even in this environment, for that car.And also for our brand," he says."Having it here was too good an opportunity to showcase what Lexus can do. We had to get it. As a brand, we are expanding. It began with the IS-F performance model, and the LF-A will follow it."And there is other new stuff on the Lexus stand in Melbourne.The latest RX makes its first public appearance in Australia, and the luxury SUV will be displayed as both a regular petrol model and a hybrid."The real story for us ion Melbourne is the RX. And the reaction to that car has been very strong," Roca says."We have the regular 350 and the 450 hybrid. The hybrid is only a pre- production car, but that will be available this year so we have the choice of the 350 and 450 by the beginning of the second half of the year."The important thing about the RX is that it's a second-generation hybrid for us. It will eventually be followed by the HS hybrid, which was just displayed at the Detroit Motor Show."We were originally told the HS was only going to be left-hand drive, but it's now confirmed with right-hand drive so we have put our hand up. We are definitely going to request the car for Australia and it's a car that will slot right between the IS250 and the GS." The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show... 

...but that has not stopped Lexus from shipping the great-looking machine to Melbourne.The LF-A is the latest in a string of future cars that the Toyota group has shown at the Exhibition Centre.“We always try to either show prototype vehicles or something which illustrates future potential — we believe it gives an insight into the direction the brand is heading,” says the company’s sales and marketing chief in Australia, Dave Buttner.“It gives some credibility to what we are trying to do as a manufacturer.”Buttner has no update on final production plans for the LF-A, either as a supercar coupe or roadster, despite the car competing last year as a prototype at the classic Nurburgring 24-hour race.But Lexus has released details of the vehicle, starting with a carbon-fibre and aluminium body fitted with a 5-litre V10 engine.The powerplant is installed ahead of the cockpit to give a 50:50 weight distribution, which Lexus says is essential with 360kW to feed to the rear wheels and a top speed of more than 330km/h.The engine is connected by a torque tube and propeller shaft to a rear-mounted transaxle gearbox controlled by paddle shifters.The car’s styling draws from the Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy, with a compact, low-profile and aerodynamic front end. Like its coupe counterpart, the Roadster is just 1220mm high.While the LF-A will star under lights, Lexus is also expecting plenty of interest in the all-new RX350 SUV which will share its stand with the concept car.It is a clear evolution of the previous RX, which has done well in Australia as a regular petrol-powered car and also as a petrol-electric hybrid, but with some important upgrades.It continues with all-wheel drive and gets a 3.5-litre V6 with 220kW, as well as all the usual Lexus luxury stuff. The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show... 

It is a fast, well made, prestigious vehicle, and a smooth ride. But is it enough to convince people they can have both prestige and a `green’ tinge.Its economy numbers are modest but a car this large – a six litre V8 - can only be so frugal, even if it is a hybrid.But in the end, it is a hybrid, so people can cruise around proclaiming they they’re saving the planet, while ironically sitting behind a mammoth V8 engine in a cabin stuffed with dead tree and dead cow.DrivetrainA 6.0 litre DOHC V8 engine combines with a high output electric motor to power the 600h.The petrol engine alone produces 290kW at 6400rpm and 520Nm at 4000rpm. As a hybrid unit another 37kW are produced to take it to 327kW max output.To transfer power to the wheels, the 4WD uses electronically-controlled, continually-variable transmission with an eight-step sequential shiftmatic system.For such a large car, combined fuel economy is respectable at 9.3l/100km and it outputs 219gm of CO2/100km.ExteriorAt over five metres long, just under two metres wide and with a wheelbase of over three meters, it’s hard not to notice the LS 600hL on the road.Lexus suggest the extended cabin length and long bonnet are the ultimate expression of their `L-Finesse’ design language, claiming it not only creates a feeling of prestige and elegance but also contributes to the impressive fuel economy and quiet cabin.Unique low beam headlamps using the Adaptive Front Lighting system, use less power and redirect themselves according to driving conditions.Big 19-inch wheels and self-closing doors and boot lid, plus rain-sensing wipers and a clever reversing camera are all standard on the luxury sedan.InteriorFinished in polished wood and leather trim, the LS 600hL has everything you expect to come across in a prestige car.Importantly because it’s a hybrid, there are two displays to keep you informed of your energy expenditure, be it electric power, the V8 engine, or both. You can also see when the Regenerative Braking System is recharging the battery.Front and rear seats are extremely comfortable and supportive with an ottoman footrest as an extra pleasure for passengers in the back.Rear passengers are also treated to Rear Seat Relaxation and Entertainment systems which allow them to enjoy a massage, listen to music or watch DVDs all via remote control.Driver and passenger don’t miss out, with glare resistant instrumentation, four-seat climate control, a heated steering wheel and a hand-stitched leather instrument panel.SafetyThe list of safety equipment and technology in the LS 600hL includes a comprehensive airbag package and a Pre-Collision Safety System that uses a radar in the front grill to determine the distance to the car in front and pre-tensions the seatbelts and controls braking to avoid a crash.It also includes Active Cruise Control, Brake Assist, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Vehicle Stability Control.PricingThe Lexus LS 600hL starts at $252,900.DrivingInitially there were two things that struck us about the 600hL when it arrived.First was its size. This car is immense - longer than a Toyota LandCruiser at over five metres – and it proved a real challenge navigating in and out of small parking lots.The second is how quiet it is when you push the start button. Only the electric motor is activated on start-up and it really takes a while to get used to not hearing an engine note.The interior has been given the traditional Japanese luxury treatment with garish perforated white leather seats, two tone doors and too much overly polished timber. A colleague questioned how ‘green’ owners could possibly feel sitting on dead cows and staring at what looked to be two thirds of the Daintree. I couldn’t help but agree.After dismounting our moral high horses we also agreed the cabin of the 600hL is a very comfortable place to be. How can it not be with a heated steering wheel, four seat climate control and your own personal games room and masseur.But driving the car was the most pleasant surprise.Throttle response was immediate and jerk free, and there was a satisfying amount of poke right across the rev range.The combination of multilink front and five link type independent rear suspension swooshed over pot holes and bumps easily.Steering is light and responsive, there was little body roll and the ventilated disc brakes were superb.Visibility was quite poor out the rear window given the car’s high waistline, so it was just as well there was a reversing camera.If you’re after a driver’s car this probably isn’t the one for you because the ride is much too soft to feel you’re in total control. It’s Japanese over-the-top luxury but it’s well made and fast, so if prestige is your bag and you enjoy the odd rubdown, go for it.Verdict: 7/10

...but they haven’t forgotten that people are looking for safety and comfort as well.Lexus claims credit for having pioneered the luxury SUV category with the first RX, which arrived here in 2003 and became a best-seller.“RX is the core of the Lexus family and has not only defined the segment but established what a luxury SUV should be,” says the vehicle’s chief assistant engineer Takeaki Kato.Going on sale in March, this is the first all-new RX in five years, but even in that relatively short time the market has changed hugely and other brands are clawing at the pie.To fight back, Lexus has given the new vehicle a better body, more space and comfort, and crammed it with a host of high-tech features.Exterior Built of 42 per cent high-tensile steel, the RX 350’s stronger, more rigid body sits lower, longer and wider, with 55mm added to the front track and 65mm to the rear, on a wheelbase that has grown 25mm – giving it a larger footprint and lower centre of gravity to make it more stable, helped by the undertray channelling air for downforce. However all this strength comes with a weight penalty of about 130kg, bringing the total to around two tonnes.The body design — which reduces drag to a low 0.33COD to improve economy – streamlines the Lexus face into sharpened lines that fold along the bonnet and flanks to the fastbacked rear, with flared arches, chiselled doors and pronounced character lines along the sides adding impact.Chrome accents, slanted three-dimensional light clusters and spoked alloys – 18” on the Prestige model and 19” on the Sports and Sports Luxury – complete the look.Even the odd little signature black touch button has vanished from the door handles, and now just the lightest touch anywhere on the handles themselves unlocks the vehicle.Interior and equipmentDividing the redesigned cabin into what Lexus refers to as a `crossover cockpit’, with its strong swoop line across the dash, is a large centre console for storage and the `remote touch’ controls, the relocating of which has allowed the nav screen to be deeper recessed away from light for a clearer image.This works a bit like the `knob’ systems seen in the German prestige brands, but uses a central control more similar to a mouse — plus menu and map buttons – that apparently reduces the time your eyes are off the road by up to 30 per cent. In addition to the usual nav and other controls, the system allows you to change things like the exterior light unlock sequence, and height of the heads-up display system.Furthering the safety aspect on the Sports Luxury grade are adaptive high-intensity headlights that twist around corners, and the standard reversing camera being joined by a wide-view side one.All levels get hill-start assist and parking sensors and the Sports and Sports Luxury levels also get the pre-crash system that prepares you and the car for impact.And to guide more economical driving, an `eco’ indicator reads your speed, revs, pedal angle, shift position and range, coupled with the selected mode, and lets you know when you’re in the `zone’ ... although on the test drive this curiously proved to be anything up to 30l/100km.There are three memory settings for the driver’s seat and steering column, and a range of settings on the programmable smart cardThe 12-speaker in-dash six-stacker CD/DVD system seems to be compatible with every format available, but also has a jack for auxiliary music players, and the Sports Luxury level gets the brilliant 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system with optional 7.1 channel Dolby digital ability.There are storage nooks all through the cabin, including some confidence-building sturdy cupholders, large bottle spaces and a hollow under the centre console for handbags and the like. Luggage capacity is 446 litres but taking up the full-size spare wheel option eats about 22 litres of that.To improve road manners the underpinnings have been redesigned and recalibrated, with a 30mm lower floor and a new trailing-arm double-wishbone independent rear suspension, coupled with a redesigned MacPherson strut independent front with improved geometry and damper rates.A torque sensor feeds data to the speed-sensitive steering for better response, while the new Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) includes integration of the anti-skid brake system plus brake-force distribution and brake assist, plus the usual traction control.Safety Lexus expects to get a crash rating of five stars here, after getting that result in US, Japan and Europe testing. And to this end they spent about $US30million on passive safety development, and on top of that crashed 233 cars in the testing phase.The fit-out includes ten airbags as standard, including first-in-class dual SRS front-seat knee airbags and new rear-seat SRS side (torso) airbags, plus new active front-seat head restraints, seat pre-tensioning seatbelts with force limiters.Pricing and salesThe price tags start at $81,900 for the Prestige – a new addition to the range – with the Sports level costing $88,900 and the top-spec Sports Luxury coming in at $97,900. Lexus expects to move about 230 a month. But where the previous model sales were 95 per cent top spec, they expect the extra features of the new entry level to see it claim 30 per cent of sales, with 45 per cent going to Sports and just 25 for the Sports Luxury.Drivetrain and economyAll levels get the same improved 3.5-litre dual VVT-i petrol V6 engine, with slightly increased outputs and improved economy. The engine now develops 204kW (up one kW) of power at 6200rpm and 346Nm (up four Nm) of torque at 4700rpm, with 90 per cent of that being available in a flatter curve between 2300-6100rpm.Lexus claims a 3.5 per cent improvement in economy with an official figure of 10.8L/100km, compared with 11.2 for the outgoing model. At the end of our run we were up into the 14l area, but we’d admittedly been pushing the limit a little.The RX 350 gets a new six-speed sequential transmission – gaining an extra slot over the previous one. It’s shorter (and also six kilograms lighter) which has allowed the engine to be set lower for a better centre of gravity.The box drives the front wheels under normal circumstances, with the on-demand all-wheel drive system – controlled by an electromagnetic coupling in the rear differential housing — cutting in when needed, but disengaging from the rear wheels when you’re braking so it doesn’t hinder the ant-skid and stability features. The all-wheel function can be locked in manually at speeds up to 40km/h, but over this level will automatically revert to the front axle only.Driving From most angles, the RX 350 is now a fairly good looking vehicle from inside and out. There’s still a bit of boxiness from the square-on view at the back, but the fastback rear has been calmed down and the folds of metal around the nose and creases down the sides give it a handsome presence.The cabin is spacious and well-fitted out, with the high console divider’s `double cockpit’ effect amplified by the smart layout of the centre stack. And where we’ve loathed most of the other knob-controlled nav systems, the mouse-driven remote touch was easy to use. You can adjust the settings to give more `feedback feel’ when it hits on a function, so that once your brain imprints the order they’re in, there’ll be almost no need to take your eyes off the road to adjust the nav, audio or any of the features.With the acoustic windscreen and the wiper mountings being optimised, there’s almost nothing in the way of wind rush from those areas, but you’ll still get quite a bit from the big wing mirrors. However apart from that the cabin is very quiet.At least, that is, until you stand on the pedal. When you push it hard, the engine is surprisingly vocal. And there were times we wanted to push it very hard indeed. There’s no doubt it’s well up to the job of hauling the SUV around once you get it going – even with the extra weight – but there’s no sense of urgency off the line.And despite the 90 per cent of torque being on tap at 2300rpm, and you really need to spur another 500 out of it to get the best response. The sequential shifter is easy to use, but with the focus on having so many other controls on the steering wheel, it’s a shame they couldn’t be joined by paddle shifters. However Lexus Australia says they asked the same question, and were told by Japan that research indicated that family buyers didn’t want them. Pity.The RX 350’s road manners are excellent, and most of the time it behaved similarly to a well-sorted big sedan. On damp mountain roads, at challenging speeds, it hung on well. But although it sat reasonably flat through the corners, this was where it reminded you that you were in a much larger lump of metal than the normal family car.However, that’s not the normal habitat of this SUV, which is likely to be relegated mostly to `leafy suburb’ treks with a load of kids lounging on the leather and bickering about what’s on the audio system. And for this kind of duty, if the price tag is no problem, the RX 350 is the right tool for the job.Engine: 3.5-litre V6Power: 204kW@6200rpmTorque: 346Nm@4700rpmTransmission: Six speed sequential automatic, low speed flex lock-up torque converterDrive: Active torque control all-wheel drive, electronic rear diff couplingEconomy: (official) 10.8l/100km (tested) 14.3l/100km

And Toyota’s luxury brand would like to see that keep happening in its bid to position the badge more firmly in the premium traffic. But it has struggled against the perception that the European marques are the ones to aspire to in the higher price ranges.DrivetrainThe IS 250 is powered by a 2.5 litre DOHC V6 petrol engine that puts out 153kW at 6400rpm and 252Nm at 4800rpm. A six speed automatic sequential shift transmission with lock-up torque converter gets power to the wheels.Economically, the IS 250 burns a little less fuel than the average for its size at 9.1 litres/100km.ExteriorStarting with the newly styled front bumper and grill arrangement, it’s clear Lexus have made more than a token effort to improve the IS 250 aesthetically.Long flowing lines from front to back and short front and rear overhangs show that when designing the new 250, Toyotas luxury cousin has aerodynamics and sport in mind.Sixteen inch alloys, plus twin exhausts, high intensity Discharge headlamps and optional rain sensing wipers and parking sensors, ensures the car is given every chance at competing with others in its class.InteriorInside, the IS 250 matches its exterior for design quality.Leather bucket seats, a sports steering wheel, pushbutton start and an elegant instrument cluster, compliment the sleek, tactile dash and intuitive, centred control panel.As expected for a car in this category, you also get a trip computer, power windows and mirrors, cruise control and the option to include a reversing monitor camera.There are plenty of storage areas with map holders, cup holders and a large centre console bin, throughout the cabin.SafetyA five star ANCAP crashworthiness rating heads up an impressive safety list for the IS 250, including a substantial airbag package, ABS, EBD, brake assist, vehicle stability control and traction control.PricingThe Lexus IS 250 starts at $54,490 for the Prestige manual, up to $79,500 for the Sports Luxury automatic.DrivingGenerally we feel that Toyota’s luxury brand falls short when compared to its competitors in terms of build quality and performance. This is still the case with the IS250 but to a lesser extent. It’s the best looking car Lexus makes and has been for years. This latest edition is an agreeable combination of sport and prestige with its aerodynamic lines, short overhangs and spoked alloys.The interior is refreshingly simple too with the multi-function steering wheel taking care of unnecessary clutter on the dash, making room for a good sat nav and a great MP3/WMA compatible stereo system.The supple pale leather seats – climate controlled - felt a little flat and could have been a little more supportive but they were still very comfortable.We made good use of the reversing camera, inching our way out of the frustratingly tight car park at work, and onto the open road.The IS250 was an easy drive around the city. The quad cam V6 engine delivered immediate and jerk-free throttle which came in handy merging in peak hour.On stretches of freeway the engine performed well but we did find there wind noise off the side mirrors, and the tyres tended to follow long gouges and ruts which was a little unsettling at high speed. Conversely the multi-link rear suspension ate up bumps and potholes.The driving position was the best we’ve had and the light steering and fuel economy – true to what the spec sheet reads – had us fairly close to climbing out of the car to make sure the badge actually did say ‘Lexus’.This iteration of the IS250 is a great example of what Lexus can do if they don’t try too hard and may give Mercedes, BMW and Audi a little nudge, but its still a way off from making them nervous.