Lexus aims to keep customers double happy

The Lexus coupe convertible. Photo / Supplied

Lexus executives tell the story of the woman in Wellington who runs around in a high-riding all-wheel-drive RX crossover and often uses it to carry her three dogs.

One of the dogs was getting on a bit and struggled to scramble into the back of the wagon. The woman was faced with two choices: retire the old dog or retire the Lexus.

She chose to retire the Lexus. She rang the Lexus dealer, explained the problem, and said she needed a more suitable vehicle for her good mates, the dogs. The people at Lexus made a few phone calls. Perhaps a collapsible doggie ramp would work. It did - the old dog quickly adapted to the convenience. So did its owner, who is still piloting the Lexus and her dogs around Wellington.

A story like that, says Lexus New Zealand national manager Debbie Pattullo, helps to reinforce the Lexus credo: the customer comes first.

It's looking for more customers now it has launched the IS250C, a tin-top coupe/convertible, and the petrol-electric RX450h, the hybrid version of the RX350. The rear-drive IS250C comes in two models, priced between $93,000 and $101,000. The all-wheel-drive RX450h has three variants: the entry-level example at $114,990, the SE at $124,990, and the top-range Limited at $133,990.

Take it as read that both represent high-end luxury motoring, complete with appropriate audio and safety equipment. The IS250C blends open-top touring with first-class ride and handling; the all-wheel-drive RX450h mixes V6 petrol power with sophisticated battery technology. The big five-door can travel up to 1km on electric power alone.

The IS250C was built marginally longer than its donor car, the IS sedan (a NZ Herald car of the year), to enable it to store the folding hard-top, which Lexus says opens or closes in around 20 seconds.

Reducing open-top wind noise was one of the first objectives. To do so, Lexus lowered the windscreen angle for a smoother air flow and reworked the back of the vehicle into a "ducktail" for smoother air separation.

The roof is a three-part structure, made of lightwewight aluminium to lighten the load on the open/close mechanism. It uses sensors and motors instead of the more traditional hydraulic controls. With the roof up, there is room in the boot for 391 litres of luggage; with it down 136 litres is available.

Under the bonnet of the IS250C is 2.5 litre V6 engine delivering 153kW at 6400rpm and 252Nm of torque at 4800rpm. Lexus claims town-and-around fuel economy of 9.3 litres/100km (30mpg) and CO2 emissions of 219 grams per kilometre.

The second-generation RX450h mates an Atkinson cycle 3.5-litre V6 engine with an advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system. The result, says the carmaker, is a 20 per cent gain in fuel economy. CO2 emissions have also improved, down from 192gr/km in the previous model to 150gr/km.

Total output from the hybrid systen is 220kW. The V6 itself delivers 183kW at 6000rpm and 317Nm at 4800rpm.

The engine further benefits from an exhaust heat recovery system, which uses exhaust heat to raise the coolant temperature, reducing the time required to warm up the engine.

This in turn allows the hybrid system to shut off the engine earlier, contributing to enhanced fuel efficiency. The hybrid system also performs regenerative braking using both the front and rear wheels during deceleration or braking.

The RX450h comes with 12 airbags, including dual knee airbags in the front seats. All models get a reversing camera front and rear parking sensors.