Best Prestige Car

Last year, Subaru’s Liberty was pipped at the post by the new Lexus IS250 in this class. It was a case of déjà vu in 2007.

Ever since the Lexus brand emerged in Australia, the marque has sought to challenge the heavy hitters from Europe, especially Germany.

So, build quality has always been good, the equipment levels impressive and the drive impression pleasant.

The Lexus brand, and the IS in particular, has won many friends (and owners).  

It’s a complete package.

Unlike some competitors which offer luxury items as significant ‘extra cost’ options, the Lexus is impressively equipped.

You would be hard pressed to find any of the modern safety and convenience features not fitted as standard in this car. Standout features include eight airbags, traction/stability control, keyless ignition and13-speaker sound system.

The 2.5-litre, double overhead cam, four-cylinder engine is the smallest of the three finalists, so it scores less on performance.

That said, it’s wonderfully smooth and quiet and performs adequately, thanks to the excellent six-speed auto transmission. And it’s streets ahead on fuel consumption and environment scores.

Good grip, communicative steering and balanced, predictable handling give it a high score here, on par with the all-wheel-drive Liberty.  

Four doors assist easy entry and egress to the rear pews, but unfortunately the rear passenger space is the Lexus’s worst feature.

But the consistency of the IS250 across the criteria – the critical ones especially – let the Lexus retain its title.

Full Details: www.australiasbestcars.com.au.