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Unlike
the more passive ES300, the Lexus IS300 is wildly extroverted. One need look only
at the custom-looking taillights and big-bore exhaust tip as evidence. With
dimensions that are much less extravagant that those of the similarly priced ES300
(which is more than 14 inches longer in length, for example), the IS sheds the
fat and tones up for a hot marketplace pursuit of the perennial BMW 3-Series.
Indeed, the 3-Series is the sedan that Lexus
seems to have benchmarked when designing the sporty IS300, both in measurements
and in overall character. Like
the 3-Series, the rear-wheel-drive IS300 is propelled by a smooth, inline-6-cylinder
powerplant, one that growls conspicuously (and somewhat addictively) with a markedly
different character than most other 6-cylinders in this class. Handling is razor
sharp. And it comes with your choice of a five-speed automatic transmission with
manual controls on the steering wheel, or a fantastic five-speed fully manual
gearbox (for people who really like to drive). Also
worth mentioning is the availability of a funky, edgy 5-door version called the
IS300 SportCross, which adds wagon-like versatility to the IS300's inherently
sporty package.
The
IS300's interior is unlike anything else in the Lexus stable. Orange-hued chronograph-style
gauges are unique, interesting and just plain cool. The rest of the dashboard
is similarly modern-it can best described as industrial-chic-while maintaining
ergonomic correctness. However, in contrast to the capacious ES300, whose [up
to] five passengers enjoy gallons of legroom, the IS300 is less than endowed when
it comes to space, especially in back. Certainly,
if size matters, you may want to shop elsewhere. But if a true sports sedan is
what you're looking for, then you MUST drive this car before you buy anything
else.
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