Vehicles

Driving a convertible is always about freedom, especially freedom of choice: top up when the conditions are not friendly or unreasonable, or top down to soak in the sun or a warm summer breeze cold light of the moon. And today it seems there is more freedom than previous search, seen from the increasing number of premium retractable-hardtop convertible. Offers Lexus in this segment is the IS 350C. Like its competitors, the Lexus IS 350C combines the timeless appeal of an open-roof car with the refinement and functionality all-season luxury coupe.

Closed up tight, 350C looks like a coupe resculpted version of the IS sedan four-door, albeit one with a rather large rear. At the touch of a button, three-piece aluminum hardtop roof and side windows elegantly glide away in about 20 seconds, revealing an upscale cabin with high quality materials. IS 350C has a few errors, but overall it should provide all the fresh air and freedom that two occupants of the four seasons (four in a pinch) could reasonably desire.

The Lexus IS 350C is a four-passenger convertible retractable hardtop. Power is supplied by a 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Its loaded with all the premium facilities expected, including automatic climate control dual-zone, keyless ignition / entry and eight-way power front seats with easy access to the rear seat with the touch of a button. Pop-up rear rollover bar adds an extra margin of safety, as well as front and rear side curtain airbags, a rarity among convertibles. The main options include a 12-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, navigation system, adaptive cruise control and front seats with heating and ventilation.