Lexus Launches 'HS250h' in Japan

For those metrically challenged, that's 4.35 l/100 km, or 54 MPG US, or 65 MPG imperial. Note the Japanese test standard gives rather generous mileage readings.

Thank you for the "heads up" Ken.

 

Also interesting to note that they are only expecting to move about 500 cars per month...

 

In another news, I read that HS 250h gets better MPG than Vitz (Yaris).

 

It's basicly a revised IS with the same nose treatment as the RX 450h; and the same hybrid technology advances as the RX 450h / 3rd gen Prius but with a mid sized 2.4litre engine. Makes total sense. I wish they would bring it to the UK.

 

Have you ever sit in the back seat of an IS?
I doubt any adult can stay there for more than 10 minutes.
The back seat is as "roomy" as a 2+2 coupe.

 

The article states, " ... its first dedicated hybrid model ..."

So, I guess I'm struggling to wrap my head around your statement, that, " ... it's basic[al]ly a revised IS .... "

What do you mean? For instance, are the cabin dimensions the same? cargo? suspension? headroom? acceleration? weight? drag? LED headlights ? OLED NAV? The 2010 RX hybrid went from a regular V6 ice to an atkinson ICE. So, saying it went to the same technology as the 450h kind of skips over that the 450 (too) is BRAND NEW technology. That's why it's hard for me to reconcile with something being deemed 'basically revised'. Not tryin' to sound pickey ... rather a better understanding of your meaning. I grasp that you like it ... it's just when new stuff is incorporated into a car (or house, plane, phone, dryer, etc), it tends to catch one's ear, hearing, it's the same ... only different in this, this, this, this, & this way. I mean, with all that change ... it seems not the same to some. I'd have to agree with the author of the article. It's a lot of change.

.

 

Note further that Canadian mileage figures use the old EPA method and are also inflated because of that.

It was interesting to hear the local Toyota dealer say yesterday there -may- be North American Prius shortages, due to the high sales rate in Japan. I presume this is because of -parts- common to both cars. A RHD car is different enough from a LHD car that I doubt they could convert one to another on the production line.

This may also happen with the 250h.

 

Is it September yet?
I can't wait to see it. I'll bet it is awesome. I still think Lexus is missing a golden opportunity by not making an IS250h, considering the fact that I see IS's everywhere on the road.

 

HS is based off the Avensis (Europe) we don't get. Shares sheetmetal with no other Toyota/Lexus. IS is based off GS.



Almond interior we won't get

 

Lexus HS250h officially priced, starting at $34,200

Sounds like the Japanese generous mileage readings is too generous, unless everyone in Japan is a hypermiler.

 

To be honest both the new Avensis (Toyota Avensis 2.2 D-4D 150 T4 - Picture Gallery - Autocar.co.uk) and IS are better looking saloons.

 

According to www.lexus.com and Motor Trend, the official EPA mileage is 35 city/34 highway/35 combined. So probably a few better but not 51/48.

And it is a sedan not a hatchback.

 

What I really found funny, no, hilarious actually, is they had an HS250h at our Edmonton car show. Surrounded by a white picket fence. Locked. No information placard. People at the Lexus booth knew nothing about it. Had no brochures.

Now THAT will sell cars! NOT!!!

It was almost as funny as those attending the show, paying $7 to park, and another $11 to get in. To see cars they could see free in showrooms across the city, without obnoxious crowds.

We got in free (thankyou again Toyota), and were early enough the parking booth was not manned so that was free as well.