IS A LOOKER The IS-C looks tonnes better in real life than on the web.

By Andy Hum

AFTER A LONG hiatus, Lexus has launched its second convertible model in Singapore, the IS convertible, aka the IS-C.

And if you’re wondering whether the car really looks like what it does in pictures, wonder no more – it looks much better in person.

Based upon the IS sedan, the four-seater hard-top convertible comes with a 2.5-litre V6 engine that sends 205bhp and 252Nm to its rear wheels and takes nine seconds to get from 0-100 km/h on to a top whack of 210km/h.

It comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard, while gearshifts can also be performed via paddle-shifters.

Its hard-top roof retracts in 20 seconds and the car is constructed mainly with aluminium. However, its kerb weight is still on the high side - 1,730kg  (172 kg heavier than the sedan)

To compensate for its lower rigidity, Lexus engineers have modified a number of areas which include the A and B pillars and the side collision cross-member. Additional sound-absorbing materials have also been utilised to lower its noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and Lexus claims it is almost as good as the IS sedan.

The trunk has a capacity of 305 litres – enough for two golf bags – when the clever roof is up. When operating it, sensors around the car will detect if there is sufficient room for the trunk lid mechanism to move without bumping into pillars.

At the time of yesterday’s press conference, Borneo Motors announced that 61 units of the IS-C have been ordered and that five units are already on the road.

Does this pave the way for more exciting Lexus models here, like the long-awaited IS-F (a performance version of the sedan)? While regular models are the core of any business, it’s undeniable that Lexus has lost some ground to German brands like BMW and Audi which have exclusive (and expensive) go-faster versions of their regular cars.

Borneo execs intimated that discussions are ongoing to bring more exciting Lexus models here – and with regards to the IS-F, Borneo Motor’s managing director Koh Ching Hong said, “it’s a matter of when, not if, the car will arrive. So keep your fingers crossed, or go down to Borneo’s showroom and make some noise if you’re impatient.

Meanwhile, prices for the IS-C start at $188,803 while the IS-C Luxury costs from $203,803 (all prices with COE). The luxury variant comes with HID lamps, adaptive front lighting system with auto-levelling, rain sensor, sports pedals and air-conditioned seats, over the standard model.