AncientZen

Hi, want to try to get home if it snows when I am out for work, which could be anywhere south UK and I live in the the Welsh border hills. IS300h is a company car and I am not essential service staff so winter tyres are not offered. I read everything on the forum but there is very little about how well socks and chains actually perform. I have picked up some Maggi Trak ladder chains from Ebay - which fit from the outside of the wheel, so no worries about reaching in or interference with suspension. There are some nice videos of them being fitted to Mercs and BMWs with no wheel arch clearance, so seems to be viable. Also some socks for the front to aid steering. I'll let you know how it goes, but would like to hear your experience.

Just have to twiddle my thumbs patiently now, factory slot is next week.....

I tend to do 100 "km" per hour once in a car when I first get into it. After that I behave myself. 15 years of sales rep driving, only one fine, not so bad really........

The article says "It acts as a continuously variable transmission (CVT) but with a fixed gear ratio." This does not make a lot of sense. Since it is a variable [speed] ratio transmission (engine to wheels) it does not in any ordinary sense, have a fixed gear ratio. It is a three way torque ratio device, based on a two stage fixed ratio geartrain ie planetary gearbox. Regardless the result is fantastic. I havent had a company car for 15 years, and having the opportunity again, I discovered the choice is a lot more complex than the old Mondeo or Cavalier decision. I had an IS300h on trial for a week, and after finding myself within minutes with a big smile and doing 100 alongside the river down at Monmouth, and attempting to drift around corners, I decided that I would thoroughly enjoy driving this car around the south of England for the next 4 years. It doesnt have surge, or a manly roar. I can live without those for the majesty of a chauffeur like ride regardless of what I choose to do with the accelerator. Its plenty quick enough for normal driving, the steering and ride are sublime, the noise level minimal, the bling free interior is a relief, and the exterior lines and the steering wheel finish are perfection. Besides, my job is as an inverter applications engineer. How could I not drive the car that is exemplifies the possibilities of the inverter so excellently!