Lexus IS

The good: The optional Mark Levinson audio system in the 2009 Lexus IS 350 makes music sound superb, and we like the aesthetics and usability of the cabin tech interface. F Sport accessories tune the IS 350 for track handling.
The bad: Ride quality becomes harsh with the F Sport suspension. Cabin tech lacks iPod integration and external information sources in the navigation system. The six-speed automatic isn't up to sport driving.
The bottom line: Putting tuner components on the 2009 Lexus IS 350 gives it a more sporting character, with only a minimum sacrifice of luxury. However, outdated cabin electronics suggest waiting for the next model update.

Photo gallery:
2009 Lexus IS 350
Further shedding its image as a makes of boring luxury cars, Lexus turns its 2009 IS 350 into a tuner car. The IS 350 already featured fairly sporty performance, but now you can add bolt-on performance parts from the company's F Sport accessories, similar to the equipment used on the Lexus IS-F. We looked at a 2009 Lexus IS 350 kitted up with F Sport brakes, exhaust, air intake, shocks, lowering springs, sway bars, and forged 19-inch wheels.
Lexus also made some cosmetic and handling improvements for the 2009 model year, but the cabin tech remains the same as when the model was launched in 2006. Navigation, stereo, and phone system all sport minimal feature sets. The brightest spot in the cabin is the Mark Levinson audio system. We expect that the IS 350 will see a model update for the 2010 or 2011 model year, bringing in similar cabin tech to what we saw in the Lexus RX 450h.
On the road
As befits a Lexus, the 2009 IS 350 sports a cabin comprised of fine materials, with leather seats and soft plastics around the dashboard. It is a comfortable environment and a clear step above sister-brand Toyota.


Handling and ride quality

Since this is a hybrid car, it is meant to handle like one and that means intrepid handling. This car gets an ECO mode in which it is built to offer the best fuel efficiency and the least emissions. In this mode, it drives almost like its cousin, the Toyota Prius. This means a very light steering wheel and not so alert throttle response. The second up mode is Normal wherein both the electric and gasoline motor kick in to provide boost however even in this mode, the 2011 Lexus CT 200h is a bit of laggard. Slot it into the superb Sport mode and you can literally feel that the car’s steering wheel has sharpened its response while the accelerator pedal somehow seems to show more connectivity. Handling is accompanied by body roll but no so much that you will puke. The ride quality is noticeably stiff and more in the league of sports car than a hybrid hatch.

NVH is perceptibly low and remains so even when the Lexus is ripped apart.