Rarity at its best

Had the opportunity to test drive the Lexus IS 300 in Brunei.

Having driven the GS 300 for hundreds of miles prior to the test, I didn't expect much in terms of ride comfort, but expected significant driving involvement and handling improvements from its larger sibling.

Once inside, I can sense the sportiness in the form of steering mounted paddle shifters made of high quality plastic, tacky leather steering, seats which provided plenty of thigh and lumbar support as well as the neat instrument cluster which has been the best I've seen so far for a car hailing from the East, if we do not not compare clusters to the maniacal LFA. Those bright luminous needles swipe full swing once ignited, and you can even tinker with the orange circular display which can flash according to your preference. Rev past any selected RPM and it will flash furiously, reminding you are in a rather special car, with a high revving full blown V6 under the hood.

228hp and 300nm of torque is more than sufficient to hurl its rather hefty 1580kg weight round sweeping corners, thanks to its RWD platform and excellent throttle response. A slight tap on the accelerator greets you with an urgent, but not uncontrollable, surge. The V6 will not blaze through tarmac as quickly as forced induction engines, but still very satisfying as this piece of well carved machinery responds to any input whenever your brain transmits go fast bits straight down to your busy right foot. We are beginning to fall in love with this NA beauty.

Managed to test this car along the uninterrupted freeway and this is where the IS300 shines. Steering feels more tight and direct than the GS300, but its unfair to compare these 2 models made for 2 very different target markets. Ride is still comfortable, and softer than the MK5 GTI, but still confident inspiring at high speeds. Cruising at 140km/h is a breeze thanks to its pliant suspension and 245/17/45 tyres.

I also took the chance to try out the paddle shifters. Downshifted to 3rd gear at 100km/h and expected the car to suffer from a nasty jerk, but there wasn't a slightest hint of gearbox weakness from the 6 speeder. Having been on the DSG gearbox for 2 years, I was accustomed to the lightning quick shifts that greets me with a satisfying "pop" during each flick of the paddle, but shifting speed is still more than commendable on this Lexus fitted with a torque converter. Although a slight lunge can be felt during upshifts, it feels sturdy and well capable of handling the maximum torque of 300nm. It's the assurance that this car feels ever so reliable, which allows drivers to shy away from similarly priced German rivals.

All in all, this Japanese luxury marque ticks it for me in all the appropriate boxes. With a relatively comfortable and pliant suspension, high revving engine, a gearbox that can handle whatever torque this car has to offer, and not forgetting unquestionable stunning good looks, Lexus has produced a highly appealing compact saloon.

If you are looking for some serious driving fun while ferrying a family of 4 without complaints, look no further. It can't get much more fun than this at a price starting from $62,000.