Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Lexus IS C cabriolet (2009-2012)

    "The Lexus IS C is a stylish, well-built. and comfortable convertible but it lacks a diesel option."

Carbuyer Rating

2.0 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • Capable cruiser
  • Enough space for four
  • Great reliability and dealers

Cons

  • Only one engine, and it feels slow
  • Fuel economy not great
  • More expensive than premium rivals

The Lexus IS C only offers one engine choice - a 2.5-litre V6 petrol with 205bhp. That means the Lexus can’t compete with the fuel economy of diesel-powered convertible rivals. It’s not cheap either; so while its three equipment levels are loaded with standard kit, the entry price for the IS 250 C is higher than that of both the BMW 3-Series Convertible and Audi A5 Cabriolet. Performance from the Lexus is adequate at best, although the car is comfortable, will fit four adults and looks great. The boot is big too.

MPG, running costs & CO2

The IS 250 C isn't that cheap to run

Running costs aren’t the IS 250 C’s strength, with its 2.5-litre V6 engine returning poor fuel economy - just 30.4mpg on the combined cycle. Add £215 annual Road Tax to that and relatively expensive servicing costs - although the Lexus dealer network and customer service are rated as the very best in the business.

Engines, drive & performance

Convertible offers comfortable cruising

Whereas the BMW 3 Series Convertible and Audi A5 Cabriolet feel like they’re made with some driving fun in mind, the Lexus IS 250 C feels built for comfort. The car glides over rough roads, while the steering is light and the standard automatic gearbox (there’s no manual choice) makes driving easy. It’s not a car that likes to be driven fast, however, and if anything feels slightly underpowered because it’s significantly heavier than the IS 250 saloon. The nine seconds it takes to cover the 0-62mph benchmark is, by luxury convertible standards, slow.

Interior & comfort

With the roof down, the cabin keeps draughts at bay

The IS 250 C’s soft, comfortable suspension is great for cruising at both town and motorway speeds. Wind and tyre noise are kept well out of the cabin when the roof is up, so it’s nice and relaxing. The Lexus also keeps wind buffeting to a minimum when the top is down.

Practicality & boot space

Saloon-beating boot offers reasonable space

The four seat cabin offers space for children in the rear. With the roof up the boot seems massive, its 583-litre capacity absolutely dwarfing that of the IS saloon. Of course, with the electric folding roof stowed inside, capacity shrinks markedly - by more than half. The big opening makes for easy loading, but it’s an unusual shape because the rear suspension encroaches into it. Cabin storage is as per the saloon, with a fairly sizeable glove compartment and handy central storage box.

Reliability & safety

Faultless build quality and reliability

In terms of quality and reliability, the Lexus exceeds its peers. It doesn’t have the most charismatic cabin in terms of design, but the materials and build quality are top drawer - Lexus constantly leads reliability and customer satisfaction surveys. The hard roof makes it more secure than a cloth-roofed convertible, and it has a host of airbags and electronic stability aids as standard.

Price, value for money & options

Cars are well equipped, but expensive

Value for money is relative, and while the IS 250 C is well equipped, it’s also expensive to buy - whichever of the three trim levels you choose. The basic SE-I model features leather seats, alloy wheels, parking sensors and cruise control - a proper luxury equipment list. However, it misses out on satellite navigation, which is only offered as an expensive option.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?
Polestar 4 Prototype drive front quarter
News
22 Mar 2024

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
22 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024