LONG ROAD AHEAD

This sums up my first three months of 2013. Tiring, but ultimately satisfying.

One of the quietest cars on earth, without a doubt.

500mile road trip in the GS

We had the chance to spend 3 full days in the GS300 on open roads on the outskirts of East Malaysia. Having the option of choosing the Volvo S80, we opted for this six potter instead as we were eager to explore the V6's full potential on the highways.
















The rented car had done 75,000 miles and we were expecting wear and tear issues especially where creaks and leaks are concerned. Since this car does not have one designated owner throughout its lifespan, we would expect performance to dip due to constant torture by various users, but being typically Japanese, it was as reliable as any other Toyota in the market.
















First impression

A drive 100km westwards of Brunei was the order of the day upon collection of the GS. You can sense the amount of thought put in to suit Lexus' target market once settled in the driver's cockpit. A host of technological gadgets were available for the driver to tinker with. Rear automatic window blinds, front and rear parking sensors with reverse cameras, a user friendly cruise control, anti glare rear view mirror, and an intuitive infotainment system ensures that the GS ferry the driver from point A to B with utmost satisfaction and comfort. I was indeed pampered by the tons of "convenience device", and the buttons were well within reach, which proves that Lexus had spent time to perfect its ergonomics.
















The drive

We knew that we had rented the appropriate car for these uninterrupted roads, and the GS didn't disappoint. The ride was exceptionally comfortable and crucially, you will still feel confident cruising at speeds of around 140kmh. Minimal wind and tyre noise were present at such speeds as well, and we were sure passengers had no qualms on agreeing that they found it tough to stay awake when tucked in nicely at the rear seats.
















Although we could feel the GS's chunky stature around sweeping corners at high speeds, there was no drama and the steering reacts according to your commands. Being RWD, there were absolutely no hints of understeer, something which I found vital for keen drivers to enjoy their time behind the wheel. We did not have to worry about the rear being tail happy due to its commendable traction control system.
















The steering was a bit on the light side, but that doesn't mean that it lacks steering feel. It is responsive, but no where near those on BMW. We doubt Beemer followers will derive pleasure in terms of the driving experience. As a driver's car, the GS falls behind the German E60 5er, but passengers will have less complaints when greeted with potholes in the GS.
















Verdict

How the car performs depends on the kind of roads it is being driven on. In the city, we found it a bit sluggish due to its hefty weight and lack of torque low down the rev band, but if you are spending most of your time on the freeway, there's no stopping the driver from unleashing the GS300's full 246bhp and 300nm with supreme assurance that this Japanese luxury carrier can handle the roads with ease.

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.

Good competition

The Lexus GS300 has always been faced with stiff competition from Germany in the mid-sized luxury saloon segment.

Brand-conscious consumers will probably not take a second glance at this Japanese marque. Although German machines boast unrivaled engine refinement, can the 5 series, A6 or the E Class compete with proven Japanese reliability?

I feel that this Lexus will never be labelled as inferior to its Western counterparts.

GTR has a local competitor

MotorTrend had the pleasure of pitting the Nissan GTR against Japan's new SuperCar: the $400,000 Lexus LFA.

Its high time that the Godzilla has someone to play with in the Japanese backyard instead of traveling abroad to disturb German and Italian counterparts.

If looks could kill, you'd be motionless in front of your screen now.

This high revving V10 redlines at 9000rpm. The engine weighs not more than a V6 though. Technological marvel. The front-mid engined 4.8 litre V10 is good for 552 bhp with a 0-60 timing of a mind boggling 3.7 seconds. One of the more impressive feature of this Japanese samurai is the LCD instrument cluster. It looks stunning and readings are more responsive than the usual analog tachometer.

Triangular styling seems to be the main theme of this RWD monster. Triangular headlights, air vents, sharp wing mirrors, two huge grills at the rear and the unmistakable stacked triple muffler complete the look of this car.

Traction is an issue during pedal to metal acceleration due to its RWD drivetrain. However, adopting a 4WD layout wouldn't be feasible if shaving weight is instrumental in the overall vision and concept of the car.

Here's a compilation of a few videos featuring the LFA and keep your heart pumping till red line.



V10 vs twin turbo V6: who will come out tops?

Lexus IS C

Saw one at bugis junction car park, with chrome wedsport rims. It looks more sleek than fierce, which can be a good thing if car makers aim to attract young executives.


(More pictures and review of the top spec model)


One of the fastest folding hard top ever made


Don't think anyone can fault the design