2000 Lexus LS Reviews

  

NEW - The rise of the SUV has been remarkable. It's not that long ago that families were given little choice in what they drove, it basically came down to a large sedan or an even larger station wagon.Today there is an amazing choice with every carmaker jumping on the SUV bandwagon. The SUV craze started with an idea that you could have a station wagon that would be handy around town, but come into its own when the black top ran out. That idea soon faded, but the appeal of the SUV has boomed. Instead of beating around the bush, the vast majority of SUVs stay within the city limits, and that's just fine with their owners.They never really wanted to see the Outback anyway. What they did want was a wagon that afforded them a view of the road they got with an off-roader, and the safety they perceived they had with a large wagon. Enter the SUV. Today's SUV, such as the Lexus RX350, come with all the bells and whistles. There's nothing you can't have with them.The RX350 was a heavily revamped version of the RX launched back in 2003, and was conceived to rival the likes of the BMW X5, Mercedes-  Benz ML350, and the Audi Q7. It begins with a reasonably attractive wagon with slick lines and smooth shapes, with the choice of three levels of equipment starting with the Prestige and climbing through the Sports to the ultimate Sports Luxury.The 3.5-litre V6 engine was improved and now put out 204 kW and 346 Nm, and was linked to a new six-speed auto with sequential shifting. Overall the RX350 used a little less fuel, a good thing because it used the more expensive Premium Unleaded.Final drive was an on-demand all-wheel drive system, which means it was a front-driver most of the time, until it felt the front wheels slipping when drive was dispatched rearward to correct the situation. While all that's comforting SUVs are more about comfort and convenience, and the level of clever gear they pack is as important to buyers as anything else.Comfort is well taken care of with power seats, a folding rear seat, and a power tailgate takes care of the convenience. As for equipment there isn't much that the RX350 doesn't have, if there's anything at all. On the road the RX350 drives much like a car, it handles well, rides comfortably and boasts plenty of zip when the right pedal is depressed.NOWWith the RX350 being launched just three years ago the earliest will be showing around 50,000 km on the odometer, which makes it an ideal choice for those buyers who are happy to buy second hand and avoid the depreciation that comes with a new car. Those early RX350s will be coming off lease around now, which adds to the attraction of buying now.We have had virtually no reports from owners with any complaints about the car, which suggests they are a contented lot. That's good news for those about to step into RX ownership. Look for a service record, which shouldn't be an issue on such a new car.Also make the usual visual checks of the bodywork looking for any signs of a crunch that might detract from a car's appeal. Be aware that the RX350 requires Premium unleaded petrol, which will bump up running costs.SMITHY SAYSWell built, solid SUV with all the bells and whistles. Should be on your shopping list.Lexus RX350 2009-2010Price new: from $82,990Engine: 3.5-litre 6-cylinder, 204kW/346NmTransmission: 6-speed auto AWDEconomy: 10.8 L/100 km, CO2 254 g/kmBody: 5-door Variants: Prestige, Sport, Sport LuxurySafety: 4-star ANCAP

Cairns auto chief Greg Eastment has joined forces with Townsville car dealer John Doolan to buy the Parry Nissan, Suzuki and Renault dealership in Townsville.The two men's family trust companies, as major shareholders in a new venture, have formed NQ Auto Group to acquire Parry Nissan in a multimillion-dollar deal. The purchase of the business's Sturt St property formed part of the deal.Mr Eastment is a shareholder and the managing director and dealer principal of Pacific Toyota Cairns and Lexus of Cairns. Mr Doolan is a long-time employee of Parry Nissan, including as general manager of the business for the past four years.Mr Eastment has become managing director of Parry Nissan, with Mr Doolan taking the position of dealer principal. The sale settled on August 31. The Parry family, led by Alan and brother John, founded the business in 1979. Mr Eastment said he was very pleased to have secured such a well-respected business in a vibrant city such as Townsville.“I believe that Townsville is probably the strongest and most stable provincial centre north of Brisbane,” he said. “With significant investment happening in and around the centre, this trend is set to continue. “Under the control of a very experienced dealer principal in John Doolan and with the support of Parry Nissan's long-serving staff, we feel optimistic that the business will continue to thrive as it has under the Parry family.”Mr Doolan, born in the Burdekin district and having lived much of his life in Townsville, said he started his sales career with Parry Nissan about 17 years ago. “Alan and John Parry were ready to go and I have been actively trying to get involved in the ownership of the business,” he said. “I think Townsville is a great place. This is where I want to be.” Both men did not reveal a sale price but it was obviously considerable involving the Sturt St site, which comprises an entire block of prime commercial land leading into the CBD.Mr Eastment said the deal was private, involving the family trust companies of both men and did not include the Pacific Toyota group. He said Mr Doolan would be in charge of the day-to-day running of Parry Nissan, while he would provide a strategic role. Mr Eastment said the dealership was one of the biggest Nissan franchises in the state, with Navara dual cab utes the largest seller. 

Sports and hybrid are words not usually seen together. And while the F Sport version of the second-generation Lexus GS 450h is not exactly stimulating and involving to drive in a sporty sense, it does live up to its claim of performance without penalty.VALUEAt $111,900, the F Sport is $10,000 less than the Luxury Sport version, which comes with features such as a heads-up display, a tyre pressure monitor and eight parking sensors, even polyurethane-coated paint that repairs scratches when exposed to sunlight. The F Sport adds all-wheel-steer hybrid, sports suspension settings, bigger brakes, automatic high-beam, 19-inch wheels, an 18-setting driver's seat, pre-collision and cruise control systems.DESIGNYou expect Lexus quality inside and you get it. The materials, the finish, the layout and even the stitching are flawless. Not so attractive is the angular and aggressive lower lip spoiler included in the sports body kit.TECHNOLOGYPowered by a 254kW hybrid drivetrain, it accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds yet has a combined fuel use of 6.3l/100km, a 20 per cent improvement over its predecessor at 7.9l/100km. Emissions of CO2 have fallen to a class-leading 147g/km.And the benefits continue. A more compact hybrid battery helps expand boot space by 45 per cent to 465 litres and the redesigned chassis provides more interior space. The chassis is also stiffer and with the battery mounted lower the weight distribution is close to an ideal 50:50, which improves handling. The 3.5-litre V6 engine is now an Atkinson cycle, which has improved efficiency by 20 per cent while retaining the previous engine's 254kW output and lifting torque from 317Nm to 352Nm. An Atkinson Cycle engine has a higher compression ratio than a conventional Otto Cycle.DRIVINGMost of the time it feels as if you are guiding the F Sport rather than driving it. The first thing you notice is the lack of starter-motor noise. Push the start-stop button and the dash lights up and signals “Ready''. Flick the gear selector into drive, press the accelerator and off you go, the petrol engine kicking in only when needed and shutting itself down when coasting or stationary. There is no noise on idle and just a slight shudder when the petrol engine kicks in. A low whine when slowing indicates regenerative braking. Driven sedately it potters around without fuss, switching at will between electric and petrol. Bury the right foot and it launches itself with enough thrust to chirp the wheels on a damp surface and delivers enough seamless punch to keep you pinned back in the seat. Power application is silky smooth and linear. Acceleration is strong, even on light throttle, such is the electric motor's high torque at low revs. But the driving experience is all a bit remote; the engine note is so well muted it's barely audible, the steering feels lifeless on the straight and then there is the quirky nature of the switching between petrol and electric. Despite myriad micro-second decisions going on internally, there is no need for the driver to intervene. All the swapping and sharing is done automatically.VERDICTIt’s a large car with flat, agile cornering and a comfortable, well-controlled ride.Lexus GS 450H F SportPrice: $111,900Warranty: 4 years/100,000kmResale: 57 per centService interval: 10,000km/6 monthsSafety rating: 5 starSpare: space-saverEngine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol 215kW/352Nm; 147kW/275Nm electric motorTransmission: CVT auto; RWDBody: 4.9m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.5m (h)Weight: 1910kgThirst: 6.3 1/100km; 91 RON; 147g/km Co2

Officially it's called the LF-CC - standing for Lexus Future Compact Coupe - but it has the same size and style as the all-new IS that will be in showrooms in 2013.Not just that, but it packs an advanced new hybrid driveline that's also almost certain for production. Lexus is in the final stages of renewing its IS and going all out to give it more punch and personality to pick up buyers who would otherwise take a traditional trip to an Audi, BMW or Benz dealer.The CC concept is intended to get them thinking about a Japanese alternative and also prove that Lexus is serious about a reinvention that's being driven by Toyota chief Akio Toyoda and began earlier this year with a new mid-sized GS sedan, complete with the 'spindle grille' nose that's the company's new front-end signature.But the head of Lexus Australia warns about reading too much into the Paris tease, especially the car's two-door coupe body. "It's not the IS. It's a coupe. It definitely shows the design intent for Lexus," Tony Cram tells Carsguide. "It's about the same size as the IS, I can say that for sure, but it's not the IS. I think it's more of a pointer for the design direction for Lexus. It's a stunning car. "I think you'll find the IS is gorgeous, but this coupe is a concept and not a production car." Under the skin, the LF-CC is powered by a new hybrid drivetain that pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine - using an Atkinson combustion cycle, with both direct and port fuel injection - linked to an electric motor. Lexus is keeping outputs secret until Paris, but everything points to around 147 kiloWatts with CO2 emissions of less than 100 grams/kilometre.Lexus currently sells the IS as a four-door sedan and two-door convertible in Australia, with prices from $55,800 and $94,300, with the hotrod V8-powered IS-F at $126,300. It's likely the same lineup will continue, although there is an obvious opening for a coupe to rival the three German brands and to continue the Lexus commitment to two-door cars as image machines.But, again, Cram is talking conservative on the IS program. "We haven't announced timing yet for he IS, but it's not far away. It will be sometime next year," he confirms. "The cars will be bolder. We're signalling that with our concept cars. "We've definitely got to be more bold and have our own look. You see cues in this concept car, but it's not the IS." 

The more autonomy that Toyota grants its luxury arm Lexus the better.Lexus is getting better with every outing but it needs to be allowed to develop a character that is totally its own, without any influence from head office. The result will be cars that are more appealing, more aspirational and that justify the extra cost that is put on them in the eyes of the public.DESIGNThe styling is faster and edgier. Looking around the interior of the car for the first time the materials and craftsmanship shout Toyota, more so that the actual design and layout. That's not a bad thing but it's a two-edged sword because Lexus needs to cuts these ties.ENGINEThe 2.5-litre V6 in the new GS 250 features the latest direct injection techniques, with 154kW of power at 6400 revs and 253Nm of torque at 4800 revs. It's the same engine as in the smaller IS 250, but has been adapted for its new role with exhaust and acoustic improvements that deliver more power.The V6 is hooked up to a 6-speed auto in this model, complete with steering wheel mounted paddle gear shifters. Although its a larger heavier vehicle the GS 250 still accelerates from 0-100km/h in a creditable 8.6 seconds. At the same time it offers claimed fuel economy of 9.3 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 215 grams/km.PRICEWe drove the entry Luxury and mid-range F-Sport models, priced at $77,400 and $85,400 a piece. Although the Luxury is very good its the F-Sport that shines as the one to get, even though it's $8000 more.The centre drive mode control features economy and sports settings, with an extra sport + setting in the F Sport. This model along with the range topping Sports Luxury also get Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).INTERIORThe interior is a giant step forward, modern and uncluttered with clean lines that feature a sports watch style analogue clock as the centre piece. The computer screen is huge and it's good to see digital radio making its way into these cars too, with a wider range of stations and crystal clear reception.SAFETYYet to be crash tested but with 10 airbags and an arsenal of electronic safety systems it is sure to score highly. Gets ABS brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control. Both cars that we drove also had the blind spot awareness warning, which flashes a warning in your exterior mirrrors if there is a car that you can't see.DRIVINGSmooth and quiet as you would expect from a Lexus. Not overly powerful but kick it into action and the note from the engine and exhaust is satisfying. Deciding between this and the more powerful GS 350 is purely a matter of cost (the 350 is 14 grand more).Rated at 9.3 litres/100km we were getting an exceptional 7.9 after 600km. The 2.5-litre V6 is more than adquate for the job, providing you're not a demanding driver, delivering an excellent combination of power and economy.The satnav offers SUNA traffic updates but sadly, unlike Toyota, it does not yet offer speed camera warnings.VERDICTGrows on you, especially the better looking F-Sport model.Lexus GS 350 LuxuryPrice: from $77,400Body: Four-door sedanEngine: 2.5-litre V6, 154kW/253NmTransmission: 6 speed automaticThirst: 9.3L/100km, 215 g/km CO2

The Lexus LF-CC is a pointer to a new mid-size coupe joining the Lexus line-up “in the near future”. And -- although the luxury arm of Toyota is not yet confirming that it will slot into the IS range – it hints at the look of the next IS models, which are up for replacement next year.The concept in Paris is a further development of the LF-LC coupe concept seen at Detroit in January. The LF-CC features a mesh-inset spindle grille, and aerodynamic body styling that includes air scoops front and rear to cool the engine bay and brakes, sharply angular side mirrors and triple-LED projector headlights in aggressively horizontal clusters.A lot of the concept’s design will be toned down for production, but Lexus says the styling of the rear-wheel drive LF-CC heralds the look of future compact exec models. And that translates to a fresh attack on the ground held by the mid-sized German prestige nameplates.It is powered by a new hybrid drivetrain - which Lexus says will also be soon seen in a production model - comprising a direct and port-injected 2.5 litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine mated to an electric motor. That mix of technology will have a strong leaning towards efficiency. And while outputs haven’t been disclosed, the available information points to above 147kW and CO2 emissions less than 100g/km. The LF-CC is finished in a Fluid Titanium colour with a liquid metal effect to accentuate the body styling, with the interior kitted out in amber leather and metallic accents.

But that's what I discovered three weeks ago when I wandered into a Lexus dealership in Auckland, New Zealand, to pick up a car for reviewing while I was in the Shaky Isles.Out the front of the showroom was a fellow in a white shirt, tie and trousers with a chamois wiping down a Lexus IS 350 (pictured above outside a Hawke's Bay vineyard).I asked him to show me the office of the general manager Peter Carleton. He said he was Mr Carleton. How often do you find at a luxury dealership, or any dealership for that matter, the boss putting the finishing touches to a car for delivery?That task is usually the role of the detailers, but in this case it was the chief making sure the car was in tip-top condition. He then went out of his way to show me around the Great North Rd premises of Lexus of Auckland City (pictured), one of six Lexus dealerships in NZ and the only stand-alone premises in NZ.Normally they are attached to Toyota premises. Mr Carleton said the NZ luxury market was small and extremely competitive yet their dealership was the best Lexus in the country and attention to detail and customer service were paramount.He is proud of their service and workshops and they have even installed a large window in the waiting lounge overlooking the main workshop so customers can see their car being worked on. The dealership has run out of room in the workshop and has expanded next door as well. Mr Carleton said the prestige franchises were under pressure from grey importers bringing in near-new marques from the UK for tens of thousands of dollars less than the equivalent new model in NZ.He said Lexus was not being impacted as much as the Germans but, once again, top service was the key to attracting and retaining customers. I love driving in NZ because the roads are better built, wider and with the right cambers than here. Venture off the main roads and highways into the countryside and the roads are generally top notch, free of traffic, speed cameras and police. Roads are many and varied so you can explore a car's limits safely.On the main highways there are plenty of overtaking lanes with long stretches, unlike the awful Bruce Highway between Cairns and Brisbane. New cars are expensive but used cars are generally cheaper than here, mainly because of the influx of grey imports from Japan and Europe. Petrol is costly. At one stage premium unleaded was $2.30 and a 65-litre tank cost $130 to fill. Ouch. 

Lexus swamps the cabin with technology - but makes it easy to understand. The problem with modern electronics is that the onion layers of technology can bring tears to your eyes.It's brilliant stuff and you'll feel justified in forking our lots of money for a car that has more thinking power than a university Arts freshman, but it can leave you crying in frustration.Understanding the complexity of a high-end car's features, and being able to master it, is proven a burden on the very people who fall into the “lots of money” category.That's where a 15-year-old grandchild - or a car that makes all the mumbo-jumbo so easy to figure out - comes in handy. With the Lexus, you don't need grandkids.VALUELexus - apparently a corruption of Luxury Exports to the US - aims itself at more long-standing prestige rivals and though there's similarity in concept, no competitor ladens models with so much eye-watering gadgets.On a value-for-money scale, Lexus wins. The features list is enormous and you don't have to fork out for the $93,900 Sports Luxury version here. Rather, look at the $77,400 Luxury model.If you have no need for driving exhilaration and intend only to stay within the city limits, even the four-cylinder RX270 - same stuff, different drivetrain, less money - makes sense.The intensity of the Sports Luxury tested here runs from Mark Levison 15-speaker surround sound, Head-Up display and virtual-camera navigation, to voice-command functions, a traffic management service and pre-collision technology.DESIGNThe basic 2011 wagon remains beneath restyled sheet metal and a bolder, spindle-shaped family grille. It's the grille that defines the 2012 model but look closer and there's new headlight with daytime running lamps. Inside is a cleaner look, some new trim, a redesigned centre console and a steering wheel that bears some relationship to the one in Lexus' neat LFA sports car.Whoopee. The central touch controller - virtually a computer mouse for left-handed drivers - is improved and though there's a lot of information beneath its button, it's logical and easy to use. The leather and wood-trimmed RX350 is generous in cabin space and the 40/20/40 split rear seat and electric tailgate are handy inclusions.TECHNOLOGYElectronics win the day here. The voice control means hands-free access to the phone, navigation and audio. Bluetooth has audio streaming and automatic phonebook transfer. There's live traffic alerts and congestion avoidance advice, USB back-up and transfer, hard-disc drive navigation and cockpit-view mapping that artificially positions the camera above and behind the vehicle.Mechanically, the body is stiffer (simply, 24 more spot welds) while the engine remains the Toyota-Lexus 3.5-litre V6 with 204kW/346Nm. The engine has quieter mounts and an electrically-operated induction system that alters the tube length to maximise torque. The drive system is part-time all-wheel drive, picking up the rear wheels when needed by engaging an electro-magnetic coupling in the rear differential housing. An AWD-Lock button maximises grip up to 40km/h.SAFETYLots of news here. The RX350 gets features including the radar cruise function within a pre-collision system, 10 airbags, the Lexus VDIM umbrella that comprises electronic stability and traction control, brake assist, co-operative steering and brakeforce distribution.The Sports Luxury adds the latest-generation head-up display (a digital speedo projected onto the windscreen), side monitor (to detect passing cars) and clearance and parking sensors. There's also a reverse camera with an overlaid guide, adaptive front lighting that turns into corners, and hill-assist.The spare tyre is a space-saver.DRIVINGI fear the words “electric-assist steering” as much as lying awake at night worrying about the bed bugs biting. But Lexus has played the game well. The steering feel is a bit gooey and vague at low speeds but feels almost positive when cruising.It's no Porsche but it's sensibly weighted for the Lexus type of owner. Power is adequate with the hallmark being on smoothness and quietness rather than acceleration. That said, pressed hard and the 2-plus tonne RX350 can surprise.Its handling is fine and though I'd like more feel in the steering, again it suits its market. SUVs and corners have rarely been best friends and the RX350 doesn't break the creed. Comfort is excellent and will beat many sedans hands down. Its features and its comfort make it an enjoyable wagon. But it's big and can be awkward to park.VERDICTBetter than before but though technically a smart car, begs the question that is it all too much for most buyers?Lexus RX350 Sports Luxury Price: $93,900 Warranty: 4 years/100,000km, roadside assistResale: 56 per centService Interval: 6 months/10,000kmSafety: 10 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash rating: 5 starsEngine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol, 204kW/346NmTransmission: 6-speed auto; AWDThirst: 10.8L/100km; 95RON; 254g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.8m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.7m (H)Weight: 2085kgSpare: Space-saver

Developing a world-class supercar like the Lexus LFA from a clean sheet of paper is no easy task, and turning that supercar (or supercar prototype) into a competitive endurance racer is an order of magnitude more difficult.Taking that race car to compete with long-dominant German automakers, in their own backyard, almost borders on insanity. Japan’s Gazoo Racing has been working with Toyota's luxury brand since 2008 to develop an SP8 class endurance racer based on the Lexus LFA, capable of winning the gruelling Nürburgring 24 hour race.The last time a non-German car took home a win was 2002, when a Dodge Viper GTS-R took the overall win for the second year in a row. While early LFA endurance racers were less-than-competitive and plagued with mechanical difficulties, Gazoo Racing managed an SP8 class victory and a 15th place overall finish in 2012.That’s even more remarkable when you consider that the team finished 41st overall in 2011, just one year earlier. To mark five years of blood, sweat and tears at the Nürburgring, Gazoo Racing has posted a video of highlights from 2008 through 2012.  While we’re sure there are moments the team would like to forget, the trophies from the 2012 race clearly show that hard work and dedication produce results.Motor Authority