Hybrid cars, contrary to common belief, do not entirely run from electric driven motor. They are also not totally dependent on the electric motor for driving and use gasoline engine as a core part of their routine function. The name of hybrid cars, in itself, suggests a hybrid or combined engine composition that helps in a better efficiency and environment friendliness.
Lexus is a well-known brand name when it comes to hybrid cars. The company has launched a number of hybrid cars that cater to varying needs of the customers. While the company's LS range of cars is doing a roaring business, IS range of vehicles has also won many accolades. Lexus IS, unlike its LS counterpart, is a very basic car. If defined in simple terms, it is a compact car with great fuel economy and lesser emissions. The performance review of Lexus IS as under:
Exterior
Lexus IS range is a luxury sedan with a lot of innovation. The exterior of these vehicles is simple yet elegant. The car sports a modern look with sleek desings. Although this is not a hybrid vehicle and thus entirely runs on gasoline, energy saving measures has been taken in some cases. The exterior lights, for example, consume less light as compared to other vehicles.
Interior
Lexus IS cars are not as powerful as some other cars of the company. Despite this reputation, newer models are catching up with the "fast and the furious" trend. The gasoline engine present in these cars varies from V6 to V8 (a powerful engine). Increasingly, the IS F versions of Lexus cars have surpassed the performance of other models of the company. They come with a luxurious outlook and stellar performance on roads.
Lexus IS cars come with a great transmission system that can cater to eight different speed levels in a quick succession. The brake system of the cars is totally electronic and gives a great performance on road. The braking is quick yet subtle and lighter on the road and for the riders thanks to its sequential shift system.
New models of
Lexus IS have electronic stability controls that help in a better maneuvering of the cars. They are also equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VIDS) that come in three modes to facilitate the drivers.
Older models do not have all these facilities but they are still quite good performers on the road. Braking and suspension system is equally good in both the newer and older models of Lexus IS range. Navigation controls and GPS guidance is also provided in the newer models that reduces the burden of driving and give more breathing space to drivers. Parking assistance, provided through software, is also available in newer models, especially those coming after November 2008.
Safety
Safety standards of these cars, as mentioned earlier, are provided through an excellent braking and transmission system. Besides the regular safety arrangements like air bags, newer models are also equipped with parking assistance and modern navigation that reduces the chance of a collision.
Danny Green is a car specialist. You can read more about
Lexus LS and its specifications.
