Ian J. Parsley

To confirm the one I saw was a demo. In fact, mine will be the first *sold* in NI. Look forward to it!

Two quick points on the basis of today's test drive (I've written a fuller version in a new thread): - there are no worries at all re acceleration in the 300h - use the paddles and put it in sport mode and it's *quick*! - the driving experience isn't *that* different, not least since the car is very quiet anyway.

I take delivery of my new 3IS in a few days, but test drove the dealer's demo (a top-spec non-F-sport hybrid) today. Good points: - superb interior, gives great space and a real feel that you are in something much larger than a compact family car; - hybrid *is hardly noticeable*, not the dramatic difference from everyday diesel the car mags would have us believe; - the "synthetic engine noise" is *nothing like* as intrusive as the YouTube videos suggest, I actually found it quite pleasant; - the soundproofing is unbelievable; - the nav screen is plenty big enough, and the HD is remarkably clear; and - the difference between Eco and Sport mode is marked and makes for great potential entertainment! Bad points: - the car is very heavy, limiting the sporty side somewhat; - refinement is not quite what it could be (inferior to a Volvo S80 in comfort chassis mode); and - some controls strike me as in strange positions (I don't like the parking brake position). Overall, I highly recommend it to you all!

I'm looking forward to delivery of my new IS over the next ten days or so. Thus far I've seen one on the road here in Northern Ireland, which I suspect was a test drive. I've also posted pictures of one I saw at Lexus Hatfield returning from holiday on 12th here: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-third-generation/700728-new-is-pics-uk-v-2is-and-4gs.html How is it elsewhere in the UK and Ireland? Are there plenty about yet?!

David, Just popped by Lexus Hatfield on the way from the Continent back to Northern Ireland and agree entirely. I was particularly impressed by the interior, which in pictures looks a bit 'busy' but in reality looks utterly slick and classy. And the front grille isn't an issue at all, it's superb.

Keith, Welcome. I'm from Bangor though live in Newtownabbey now. Look forward to hearing how it goes. Ian P.

Thanks Derek - and yes, a gimmick. Maybe there's something we in the British Isles have missed, but I doubt it! That switch will remain off!

2000 *euro* that is.

I went into the showroom to investigate a 250 actually. But as soon as I saw the figures, I couldn't justify it. Even if you drive well below average miles per year, you'll be saving £750+/year fuel (I estimate over £1000 in my case). Then there's £230+/year road tax at least. That's even as a private buyer, before we consider depreciation! And, whisper it quietly, but the difference between the two in Germany is 2000 only. That is partly because diesel is cheaper than petrol there. But it also proves, you know, that there's room to haggle...

Having come over from Volvo, I'm quite used to that!

Btw if you look at the "hot laps" or "vueltas calientes" on YouTube you can hear it.

The fake noise thing sounds to me like a total gimmick. I'd be amazed if I ever turn it on!

Chris - will do. Black all round in this case.

To be frank, the Top Gear article isn't bad. Like I say, if you're determined to be sporty, there's always the 250. The real nonsense is AutoExpress. It awards the car 4 stars in every category bar one, and then gives it 3 overall. There, the inherent bias to the Germans is really blatant!

Well, firstly I'll just have to see how that goes. Reviewers can be spot on, and Top Gear more than most, but far from always. It would be a great pity of course, but then I'm not sure you buy a hybrid for the maximum sporty value. If I were that concerned about that, I'd have stuck to the 250. Or a 3-series. I do wonder why Lexus has tried to promote the new IS on BMW's terms rather than its own. Personally, I'm looking for comfort and refinement as priority.

Colin, Thanks! David, Well, my rules on buying a car were always: a) never in the first year of the model; b) pre-reg, not brand new; c) never before a test drive. So I guess I've totally savaged all of those this time! I did a lot of research, particularly on what I reckoned a real on-the-road price would be, and initially looked at the 250 exactly because of the concerns with the 300h you raise. But in the end the tax benefits, I decided, make it well worth the risk! I placed the order (for a Lux [navigation]) in late May and expected delivery is late July. Interestingly, had I chosen a lighter interior, they reckon they could have got one for the launch date - which interior did you go for?

Hi all - to introduce myself as a new member having just ordered the new (third generation) IS300h. I've been with Volvo all my life thus far, so it's quite a change - but the tax benefits and Lexus' reputation for service was hard to resist!