2013 Honda Accord V6 Touring: Driven
The Honda Accord is now in its ninth generation, and as we reported in our First Drive of the 2013... Read More
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Although the 204-bhp 2.5-liter V-6 in the 250 is available with a 6-speed manual transmission, that engine struggles with the car's extra 360–380 lb. of added structure
The steering feels direct and responsive, though we noticed a bit too much play on center.
IS 250s feel sleepy on takeoff, strained up steep grades, and are shy on midrange passing power
Initial steering input is quick, but lacks feedback once you've settled into the corners.
PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Although the 204-bhp 2.5-liter V-6 in the 250 is available with a 6-speed manual transmission, that engine struggles with the car's extra 360–380 lb. of added structure
Road & Track
The steering feels direct and responsive, though we noticed a bit too much play on center.
MSN Autos
IS 250s feel sleepy on takeoff, strained up steep grades, and are shy on midrange passing power
Consumer Guide
Initial steering input is quick, but lacks feedback once you've settled into the corners.
Popular Mechanics
The sporty but conservative look carries over to the way that the 2011 IS C drives. Handling is a strong point; the IS C steers and handles better than front-drivers like Volvo C70 and Volkswagen Eos, and has way more poise in the corners. But you won't find that Overall, the Lexus IS C models are almost high-performance cars in many respects, though they don't quite stand up to the top rivals like the BMW 3-Series; it shifts its weight around more on choppy surfaces, and the steering rarely reports back on remaining grip. Braking ability is strong, but the pedal feel isn't as firm as some might expect from a sporty coupe.
Between the two models, our editors unequivocally recommend the IS 350C over the IS 250C. In the IS 250 sedan, the smooth 204-horsepower, 2.5-liter V-6 has little more than adequate power, so in the IS 250 C, which is about 300 pounds heavier, it feels sluggish and barely adequate, whether you take the notchy six-speed manual (offered only in the 250) or excellent six-speed automatic. You'll lose to minivans in Miracle Mile sprints. The Lexus IS 350C is the way to go; it gets the 306-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and a complete change of character, with brisk acceleration, though the experience is still rather sedate; the six-speed automatic responds well but doesn't bring out the performance character. The left paddle shifter just behind the steering wheel commands a temporary downshift in Drive or a lasting one if you pull the shift knob over to the left, but in either case, there's no throttle-blipping or rev-matching as on many newer performance models.
Conclusion
The 2011 Lexus IS C is no sports car, but it performs well without the obvious sacrifices of some other models in this class.
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