Suzy

Matus - thanks :) It's all reached beyond the limits of my comprehension!! Toyota have obviously done a great job with the auto, because it's very different to other autos we've had - much smoother and more economical. On a slightly different note: We recently aquired an Audi A4 which has reinforced that you can't beat Japanese cars for day to day reliability. Nothing but niggling electrical problems, and a realisation that there are fundamental design faults, like not ensuring that the electrical system doesn't sit in a pool of water after heavy rain :tsktsk: We might have the odd minor complaint about the IS250 but in comparison we have little to complain about :winky:

I said this once and got shot down in flames...is it conventional or CVT? If the gearbox is not a type of CVT how can the auto accelerate (slowly) without the revs rising whilst in the same gear Maybe it's my misunderstanding of the new generation of autos, but if you've got 6 fixed gear ratios it would seem impossible to achieve the above without a CVT element. I look forward to the explination. :)

The autobox certainly makes for relaxed driving and the economy is superb. Our car has averaged 35mpg over the last 10k miles and sees over 40mpg Tank Ave on long motorway runs. :) The other interesting point which I've not often seen mentioned is that it's a CVT automatic, which is why the car can be so frugal. If you accelerate slowly you can get the revs to hold constant over a speed band, whilst the car stays in the same gear! :o This is a benefit as it keeps engine noise down but not so helpful if you want a highly responsive drive. You have to switch to 'S' hit the PWR button and use the flappy paddles :winky: Oh and don't forget you'll save money with the auto when it comes to the tax man :P