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IT appears that the arrival of Lexus in South Africa is having an effect on the local premium segment market, and that South African motorists are beginning to become more open minded on the myriad choices now available to them. We tested the Lexus IS 250 SE a few weeks ago and now have had the opportunity to experience the GS 300. The GS 300 is considerably larger than the previously tested IS 250 and yet still keeps the lines of its smaller sibling.

The strong fender lines and nipped waist are still there although they do not appear to be as pronounced.

Our particular vehicle was fitted with a set of alloy wheels that are offered as an option. The GS 300 is very well equipped with all the bells and whistles.

Dual zone climate control, including rear passenger air outlets, cruise control, multi-function trip information display, electronic Multi-Vision display (EMV) and Bluetooth connectivity, are all standard Park distance control, rain sensing windscreen wipers and keyless entry are nice touches and of course a good sound system, in this case the Lexus Premium system.

Leather upholstery
Leather upholstery is the norm and the standard of trim finish is very high. Driver and front seat passenger seats are heated and electrically adjusted and both have memory, the drivers seat memory also changes the steering wheel position as well as automatically setting the door mirrors.

Electric windows are fitted all round and have one touch operation.

Passenger safety is very well covered, driver and front seat occupants have front, knee and side airbags, rear passengers are protected with side airbags and of course curtain airbags covers both front and rear.

Further safety aids include ABS, EBD, BAS (Brake Assist System), VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and traction control. Night visibility is catered for by High Intensity Discharge and Halogen headlights which are self leveling and have a high pressure wash system, front and rear fog lights complete the package.

Electro-Chromatic interior and exterior mirrors stop that annoying glare from following vehicles lights.

The V6 24 valve 2994 cc engine with Dual VVT-i is very smooth and produces 183 kW at 6200 and torque of 310 Nm at 3500 rpm. Performance is claimed at a top speed of 235 km/h with a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 7.2 seconds.

The fuel figures are claimed at 8.7 litres /100 kms, I did not manage to get it that low, but still turned in a very respectable consumption of 9.3 litres per 100 kms on a combined urban and rural cycle.

On the road the GS 300 is a very capable vehicle, the engine delivering all the power through a slick and smooth six speed automatic gearbox which has a sequential option.

Comfort levels are high with the seats offering good support and a good choice of driving seat position allows you to become a part of the Lexus experience.

I particularly like the electrically operated rear windscreen sun shade that screens the backs of the rear seat passengers, when engaging reverse gear the shade automatically slides down for clear rear vision.

Handling was good, but personally I preferred the crisper taught handling of the IS 250, but then the GS is a considerably bigger car and perhaps aimed at a different market. When pushed hard a very slight amount of body roll was discernable, but never enough to overshadow the otherwise very good chassis dynamics.

The Lexus GS 300 is a well engineered product, as all the Lexus range appears to be, offering high levels of comfort and safety as well as an extremely pleasant driving experience.

Also available in the higher specification SE model, the GS 300 offers the right package and pricing in this highly competitive market sector.

The Lexus GS 300 is priced at R445 000 and the SE version at R485 000 which includes a three year 100 000 km warranty, four years 100 000 km maintenance plan and a six year unlimited mileage corrosion warranty.

Service intervals are 15 000 km.

Thanks to Lexus Helderberg for the use of the test vehicle.

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