Ian J. Parsley

To be clear re putting things in the boot which is raised because the Battery, I meant in the ridge part, not above the Battery itself.

Today's recipients are obviously too busy driving the thing to report back...! :)

Audi's boot lid is fine, feels premium and properly weighted; and Jaguar has the touch button. Volvo wasn't as good as those, although still felt a bit more sturdy.

It's not a major problem, by any means, but can't disagree that it does feel about sub-premium. (I don't like to say things "feel like Toyota" because Toyotas are good cars in their own right!)

That is simply magnificent! Real head turner.

Great plate too.

Reckon you'd get away with 23h50 you know...! :)

In response to these...

1. I just don't notice this at all (I came from Volvo). The salesman said something to me about it, but I didn't listen and, like I say, I haven't noticed.

2. On this, you're right (I mentioned this somewhere else on the forum) - the boot lid is just plain awful. As you say, it is the one thing which tells you the car isn't German. In any case, frankly, self-closing boot lids should be the norm now on all Lexus cars - I've seen Jaguars, Mercedes and VW Passats with them.

3. Gears don't apply on the hybrid. You can change the engine speed which has the feeling of gears, and I noted when I went to do so at 70mph that the car was in "5" rather than "6". Doubt that's relevant, but thought I'd mention it!

4. Again, I can't make the comparison as I didn't have the 2IS and the hybrid is different anyway.

5. I've no idea about this, as I haven't gone over 100 miles in a single day yet. That said, one man's "stuck to the road" is another man's "bumpy hell", it is subjective.

6. You're right about that (I've just noted it on another thread), although modern USB sticks are usually shorter. I found one in the study which worked and would fit!

7. I do see your point here - I'm not comparing against previous. That said, I did move through three different Volvos (MkI S40, MkI S60 then MkII S80) and initially there was some discomfort simply due to unfamiliarity, so do give it some time. I hope things improve!

Jonas,

The answer to your second question, I think (without knowing any GS), is no, unfortunately - you do just get the map and then the odd 3D building. I don't really mind it, personally.

The answer to your first question is more positive, I think, and I should probably have added it above. I find the Lexus sat-nav the most intuitive (essentially, user-friendly) I've come across. This is particularly so in terms of changing or amending routes, which I find really straightforward. Now, I don't know the GS as I say, but I have amended the "ask" settings - I can't really remember how, but all I can say is it doesn't annoy me!

By the way, I don't (well, er, let me re-phrase, my wife doesn't) like cars interrupting me (her!) so I have the voices turned off at all times - but I do know that the voice instructions are exceptionally clear and detailed.

Just a few thoughts for those of you picking up over the weekend, or soon.

You'll want a USB memory stick which is short, to fit in the centre console. If it's too long, you can't close the console (and if you can't close it, it has to remain fully open). The memory stick serves two purposes - first, you can put music on it; second, you can save your trips from computer on to it (this is more reliable that "send to car", which can be hit-and-miss); both are automatically picked up. You may also store images on the USB (which should be stored in a folder named "Image"), which can be used as background display on the screen if you wish (not something which interests me).

(Personally, I have my USB memory stick on my keys, which means the lot go in the centre console while I'm driving if I want access to the stick - solves that storage problem!)

You'll want to think about a phone holder. I tend simply to leave mine in my pocket (but this can make Bluetooth a bit hit-and-miss) or, more usually, in a cup holder. I don't want to wreck the beautiful interior with a holder. But it's worth considering.

(One really clever detail here I didn't mention: there is a clear route out of the console, including a wire holder, for a USB cable, meaning you can plug your phone into the USB inside the console, close the console, and still have your phone outside the console while on charge and fully connected - in fact, I sometimes even connect an iPad which I leave in the glove compartment, and play music off it, with the wire not in anybody's way because it routes round perfectly.)

You'll want to think about a bin. One thing the car lacks is seat front pockets (into which I used to throw receipts and whatever in my Volvo). I have a black "Henry" bin in the back, with its handle looped around the centre console.

The glove compartment is two levels - the main book (with the service history) and manual really have to go in the top, the navigation guide goes in the bottom in my case, but there's still plenty of room. On top of that, I could comfortably fit three or four DVD cases if I wished; and, like I say, you can get a tablet (even full iPad size) in there too, with room to spare. There's a gap to the right for other things too.

If you're in Northern Ireland or Wales where there are bag charges, plastic bags can easily go under the boot - the boot above the Battery does lift, and there are gaps for thin bags, wheel nuts and all that. I have a first-aid kit to the side of the boot itself, in one of the cubby holes. Think about the cargo net accessory; it's expensive but may be worthwhile, particularly if it is to be a main family car for shopping and such like. (Mine isn't the main family car and I personally always have a bag with work stuff in it in the boot, so don't find I need it - the odd pint of milk or whatever can go in the bag.)

If you're new to Lexus, right at the start just beware of the footbrake. I now find it really good, but because it is where the clutch is on my wife's car, it can be a bit confusing right at the start. It sounds nuts, but on this point, if you are new to hybrid, when you start the car there is no ignition (and actually no engine - the issue is not whether the engine is on or off, but rather the system is on or off, and that's sometimes hard to tell!)... so for the first few trips, have a think each time about whether you have it properly turned off with the footbrake applied. I can admit here that, near the start, I missed an entire light cycle failing to turn the car on (because I kept moving out of 'P' too soon)! It's second nature to me now, I daresay.

Finally, the really fun bit, consider whether you really need the features run down from the salesman! The chances are, if you've followed it on here, there's not much you'll learn from it - just tell him you don't really need it. At that stage, you'll just want to drive the thing!

Oh, yeah, and pictures on here as a matter of urgency, thanks...!

David (Cumbria),

I don't see any mention of it in either the car manual or the navigation one, but I honestly may just have missed it. Do check with your sales team.

David (Durham),

Unless the F-sport is radically different, which I doubt, there really is just no sound at all except for the brief period of revving up to, say, 70mph (which is not a drone, just a constant rev - and is thus unusual, but not annoying). I note the most recent Car Enthusiast review (http://www.carenthusiast.com/reviews/article/8654/-/2013-Lexus-IS/Road+test+-+IS+300h+Luxury.html) doesn't reference it.

For reference, I have turned the synthetic noise off now, always. I'm beginning to stick to my original thought that I'd never use it! But it's a bit of fun at the start.

By the way, yes, the car does read out and display messages, but only on certain phones (not my iPhone). I honestly don't care, personally, but it does mean that whatever you're used to on the CT will transfer to the IS I'm sure.

David (Surrey),

Iphone contacts do update and connect automatically, yes.

The guides do warn you not to leave the Iphone blocked off (like, in the centre console or glove compartment) if you wish to use it, and that advice is worth taking. But I have to say, even leaving the phone out in the centre of the car (say, in a cup holder), Bluetooth playback can be stopped (and you then have a bit of a rigmarole to re-start it). To be honest, I don't mind because I've taken to plugging the phone in via cable so that I can use the better quality audio and full functionality easily anyway.

Terry,

I've been caught by water off the roof a couple of times - I'm well able for it now though!

Much fairer, from Car Enthusiast - do agree about the delay on the Infotainment.

http://www.carenthusiast.com/reviews/article/8654/-/2013-Lexus-IS/Road+test+-+IS+300h+Luxury.html

Approaching 1000 miles in the third generation IS. A few random ramblings...

The ride gets better (or at least you soon get used to it). Having said initially that it was markedly harder than my previous Volvo in comfort, I really don't notice that now. I was also already willing to accept that for the driving experience.

I haven't yet got tired of the excellent driving experience. In particular, I still love trying the car on new roads. I genuinely look forward to driving it every time. (As you can tell, I've had it a month so I don't do that many miles.)

The car wins universal and genuine approval. Men love the macho looks in particular; women love the interior.

Most of the features are exceptional (I have a Lux with leather and nav). The HD DVD is superb and I have put documentaries in to watch 5-10 minutes at a time when I'm waiting; the sat-nav is generally very good (although it could do with specific lane guidance); the range of music options (CD, USB, Iphone by connection, Iphone by Bluetooth plus DAB) are good, and the Dolby is ok (though Levinson would no doubt be markedly better).

The hybrid really isn't a problem at all. If you want to use it properly, stick it in Eco if you want EV mode for a period (say in traffic or in a residential area) and normal otherwise, and you still have plenty of oomph (in fact, almost too much - you're at 70 before you know it); if you want a sports car, use sports mode and the shifters (but be prepared to pay for it at the pumps). Sometimes, honestly, I find I'm just in the mood for one or the other! I remain mystified by the "annoying drone" or "whine" reports - there just isn't one, there is a brief (albeit initially odd) roar as you move up to 70mph, but it is brief because you get there so quickly! Otherwise, the car is disarmingly quiet at all times.

For reference, I have put 100 quid of fuel in and still have over half a tank.

The car was also walloped by a football but was left unmarked.

One significant advantage I only noticed yesterday: the "volume" on the audio system is set individually for each type (i.e. for USB, DVD, DAB or whatever). This is great because it means no more blowing your ear off when you switch from one to the other! If it so happens your phone's Bluetooth connection isn't great, you can move the volume specifically for Bluetooth up; if it so happens your FM reception is very good, you can nudge it down. Great!

A few ever so minor niggles:

- water and dirt accumulate more easily than on any other car I know, due to the design (most particularly there is metal further down the front, and there is a significant amount of metal/paint in the underhang under the rear numberplate), so you do have to take time daily to clean it;

- the direct moulding of the top of the car to the side, which the salesmen like to go on about, is great stylistically but it means there is nothing to stop water just dripping off; and

- the Bluetooth connection does cut off a lot, almost regardless of what you do, and the speaker reception (which is actually above you) isn't great for phone calls (i.e. people on the other end of the call sometimes complain that I seem distant).

The good thing for those to come is that most of these niggles can easily be ironed out - they just come with the territory in the first model year. What we have already is a genuinely fantastic car; what will come in future years will be truly outstanding!

I'd still love to get hold of the Lexus UK PR contract, though. Their web site is still full of flawed information and they really do need to get to know UK and Irish car journalists better - this makes it exceptionally difficult to persuade people to take a risk, even though I genuinely can't see a car among the competition which is even remotely close (taken overall).

The What Car new car guide is a shocker. 6/10 and no case to be made for it, apparently... all because hybrid's a bit weird.

I've news for you folks - so was diesel once upon a time! You know, that fuel you're all raving about now...

I doubt it would, actually.

Magazines have a bias towards the Germans because: a) they advertise more in them; and b) reviewers are just more used to them.

Certainly the hybrid's should be lower.

He was right about re-sale value. My last Volvo S80 was a not-at-all-convincing shade of crimson, bought pre-reg for a significant discount made all the more significant because there was no chance of anyone buying that colour new. As soon as I sold it, people starting piping up about how awful the colour was!

So it does matter and, yes, grey-black is safe.

I have to say, I think grey exterior and red interior will prove by far the most popular combination for the F-sport, because they add to the sporty feel. I deliberately went for black on a non-F-sport to be less sporty and more "executive". These things do count!

I made the point elsewhere that the web site does not allow you to add the leather option (for any variant).

It really is pretty poor, frankly.

... and nor do I, since I bought a first-year, first-generation Volvo S60 second hand in 2002 and repented at leisure (I replaced it with a third-year model pre-reg and it was so much better).

So yes, a hell of a risk!

Darren,

My wife's Q3 does the drop down actually, but only from 3 to 2. My Volvo didn't (but I couldn't speak for modern ones).

We've spoken before about salesmen... I forget exactly where either of those options (heating drop down cancel and navigation colour) are, though I do remember seeing both in my early explorations (sometimes the phrasing is slightly confusing). One thing I would add is that some options are only available when the car is fully stopped (i.e. they just do not appear, not just that they are darkened; it happened the other day to "Communications Settings" when I was looking to turn off the auto-trip download). I do find that a bit bizarre.

Hearing?! *Heating*!

I'm fairly sure that the options were as follows:

SE - fabric seats (no heating or ventilation/memory) only

Lux - fabric seats, or added cost leather seats with heating, or further added cost leather seats with heating and ventilation/memory

F-sport - fabric sport seats or added cost leather seats with heating and ventilation/memory (but you *can't* get the middle option of leather seats with heating but not ventilation/memory)

Premier - leather seats with heating and ventilation/memory as standard

In other words, it was always the case that F-sport could add leather with heating and ventilation/memory; the confusion was that leather seats with hearing only (actually what I have) was *only* available in Luxury trim.

Heh heh - my dad was from Surrey so I'm sure they're particularly good there!

Tremendous. There should be a law requiring F-sports to have a red interior; and you can't go wrong with any of the Lexus greys/silvers.

Assuming you're over in GB, you get the new reg too - on a car which will be highly exclusive.

Health to enjoy!

Damien,

I agree with you there actually - and for business users this side of the border (and of course over in GB), going over 130g/cm CO2 means only 85% rental can be reclaimed too.

An A6 hybrid is almost pointless, in the UK at least!

Darren,

In fairness, I think what you are saying is that in the event of a draw, Audi's was always going to win on away goals, as it were!

I can well understand that - after all, I had not one but four Volvos!

Like I say, the one thing I would have thought worth considering was the non-F-sport version (although that doesn't help with any of your audio system issues, I suspect). The F-sport is by definition less planted and less stable (that's the fun of it); my sense is that for someone familiar with Audi (or most Mercedes), the non-F-sport version would be preferable (the reverse applies to someone familiar with BMW).

As I say, because we already had an Audi in the household, it simply wasn't on the radar; I have to say, if it were, I'd have been looking A5 over A4 - is there any particular reason you're sticking with A4?

Worth going through these - noting, however, that I own the Luxury trim (i.e. non-F-sport) with Nav and leather (but not memory).

I love the seats, as I say I had a Volvo (famed for its seats) before and did not think it could be beaten. However, the non-F-sport version does not have the "sports" seats referred to above in the F-sport.

I agree the boot is quite small - it only loses 30 litres over the non-hybrid but it's noteworthy. Doesn't bother me in the slightest, as it happens. What does bother me slightly is: a) the boot lid is awkward (I'd love an electrically closing one); and b) there are a few hooks and whatever but nothing like Audi's "curry hooks" or Volvo's band holder.

There is a setting which stops you having to re-enter your username and password. Nevertheless, it does have to be found and clicked! I find online search brilliant; connected services is a bit trickier because, like you, it often refused to connect via my phone (and I don't like just sitting in the driveway on my home wifi for two minutes!)

I'm not sure (and in my case not bothered) by album artwork - there are settings to do with Gracenote or some such which may or may not affect this. I don't know.

I haven't experienced the music stopping. Occasionally, usually when trying to download a trip via 3G actually, I've had to "re-boot" the entire system (I'm not the most patient!), which you do my holding the volume button for a few seconds.

I don't like voice cues for anything, so have simply turned them off! I agree that Audi's (and actually Volvo's) system of being able to turn them up and down via the knob while they are happened would be preferable, if you have them on.

To confirm, you can't change the colours of the night-time map but you can simply leave the day-time map on at all times. As it happens, I love the night-time one and would be likelier to do it the other way around - I personally love the car in the dark, when the clock comes into its own too.

The ability to split the main screen is fantastic and something I really miss in my wife's Audi.

The navigation system is SD-card based, yes.

I don't break the speed limit...! :)

You don't get the main dial in non-F-sport versions (I have a suspicion you will in later model years...) but you do get the change in colour. I like that too.

I've come to quite like the footbrake - for those unfamiliar with the car, it's where the clutch would be. For the first couple of days with the car I found I would take it off and then inadvertently put it on against as if it were the clutch (I'd been borrowing a manual car for two months previously)! However, I'm used to it now.

I don't have the electric seats.

I like the DRLs - as noted above, they're not intrusive but they do look highly distinctive (even from other Lexus models).

For the navigation zoom-in, I find it baffling that neither Lexus nor Audi have this remotely right! I have to say I find Lexus less fiddly, I can't stand Audi on this point to the extent I find it almost unusable. Here, however, Volvo trumps them both easily - it's joystick behind the wiper stalk is so much easier and more logical, I just can't comprehend why anyone else wouldn't use it!

Yes, I can understand the "high-pitched buzz" (although it is temporary and not at all "annoying"!), but reviewers refer to an "annoying drone". This simply does not exist. I will from now on refer to it simply as the "Santa Sound"! :)

Ahem, you are not supposed to leave the hybrid in 'D' without the brake applied! You are supposed either to put it in 'P', or apply the brake (I find the latter easier, at least for short stops).

There is an override for the auto-turn-off of heated seats (and I'd imagine also for ventilated seats, in cars which have them). To be honest, I haven't used them at all yet!

Just a quick thought on modes:

- 'eco' is really just for traffic jams (and when in EV mode, I find, to avoid it turning off due to 'excessive acceleration');

- 'normal' is for maximising efficiency in general;

- 'sport' is for a completely different car, much quicker acceleration, but comparatively ghastly mpg!

Yes, I find Merc's finance deals work out considerably better than the competition. Had mine been a private purchase, it would have been close. As a business purchase, it was Lexus on lease hands down.

Yes, it only displays warnings - though I believe these are tyre-specific.