LEXUS IS 350 F SPORT A winner in anyone’s books!
From one winner to another – hearty congratulations Porsche! It was undoubtedly one of the most hotly contested since the inception of the competition with the Lexus IS 350 F SPORT receiving its fair share of votes.
In fact, the Lexus IS range has put in a stellar performance since launch and has palmed in a slew of awards. Here are a few of its most recent accolades:
- Rated best-in-class for safety by EuroNCAP
The new Lexus IS has been declared the best in its class for safety by Euro NCAP (model tested was the IS 300h). The premium sports saloon achieved the highest ratings in the “large family” category in the organisation’s 2013 safety performance testing programme, achieving the top overall five-star rating and an overall 91 per cent score.
The IS excelled in each area of testing, including adult occupant safety (91 per cent), child occupant safety (85 per cent), pedestrian protection (80 per cent) and safety assist features (66 per cent).
In its test report, Euro NCAP noted the effectiveness of the active pop-up bonnet, a feature fitted as standard to all models in the IS range. Sensors in the front bumper detect when a pedestrian has been struck and trigger a system that instantaneously raises the height of the bonnet, increasing its clearance over the engine and other hard elements. Tests also commended the performance of the front bumper and leading edge of the bonnet, which secure a maximum score for the protection offered to a pedestrian’s legs and pelvis.
- Makes World Car of the Year cut – twice!
Lexus IS sedan has been nominated in two categories of the 2014 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) Awards.
Due to be announced at the New York International Motor Show in April, the sharply styled IS sedan has been nominated in both the overall car of the year and design of the year categories.
Twenty-two vehicles in total were nominated for the overall award, with just 10 selected for design of the year.
Judged by close to 70 motoring journalists from around the globe the not-for-profit awards are said to be carried out with the utmost objectivity, credibility and integrity.
Lexus SA General Manager, Justin Ryan said the nomination recognises that Lexus is delivering on its promise to offer vehicles that excite and perform.
“The new IS Line was designed from the get go to be an entertaining driver’s car wrapped in an exciting design, and the recent World Car of the Year nominations simply reinforce this,” Mr Ryan said.
Lexus last won a WCOTY award in 2007 for the LS 460 luxury saloon.
The 2014 WCOTY Awards will be announced on Thursday April 17 at the new York International Motor Show.
- Auto Express Driver Power Award
Lexus received the Driver Power Award in the Auto Express New Car Awards in recognition of its return to the top as Britain’s most respected car maker.
Lexus regained the status of the number one-rated manufacturer in the UK in 2013, marking a return to the form that has secured it an unmatched eight wins in the past 12 years.
Significantly, the Driver Power results are not determined solely by industry pundits and experts, but are based on the opinions of Britain’s motorists. For 2013 more than 46,000 Auto Express readers and website visitors were polled, adding real-world credibility to the results.
Steve Fowler, Auto Express editor-in-chief, said: “Lexus took a well-deserved top spot in the Driver Power 2013 manufacturer chart. It finished first in three out of the 10 categories in our survey, and second in two others – a hugely impressive result.
“More than anything, Lexus customers praised their cars’ premium qualities – they’re expertly put together, packed with gadgets and a pleasure to drive.”
Mr Ryan says “amen” to that.
