The Lexus IS SportCross - the 1st generation Lexus IS Estate
Lexus are to re-introduce an estate model when the third generation Lexus IS range launches in 2011. But only as a hybrid.
The Lexus IS Range is Toyota’s answer to BMW’s 3 Series and Audi’s A4. And it does a very creditable job, particularly for those drivers for whom quality of finish and lots of toys are much further up the list than driving dynamics. But despite there originally being a Lexus IS Estate – the Lexus IS SportCross – when the IS first launched in 2000, Lexus saw fit to drop that when the current IS turned up in 2005. Which they now see as a big mistake.
So it’s not the biggest shock in the world to discover that when the third generation 2011 Lexus IS launches next year we will once again see an Estate model offered, although whether Lexus will revert to the SportCross moniker is unknown. It also seems a bit unlikely that the estate version will make its way to the US. The Americans don’t really understand Wagons, at least not unless they’re the size of the Grand Canyon.
And though it pains me to say, it also looks as if we are going to be lumbered with a hybrid-only Lexus IS from 2011. It would seem that Toyota are absolutely convinced that hybrid is the future and they’re going to do what they’re doing with the Lexus CT 200h and makes the 2011 IS range hybrid only. How on earth that’s going to compete with the 3 Series and A4 range is frankly beyond us, but Lexus think they know what they’re doing.
So unfortunately, unless you’re a man-made global warming believer with a penchant for a rather detached – but very well built – small saloon car, the Lexus IS won’t be for you from next year.
Still, at least it makes it easier to spot the environmentally deluded from a distance.
Mark Palmos says
“Still, at least it makes it easier to spot the environmentally deluded from a distance.”
What an ignorant and stupid thing to say, CarsUK!
You must know something that almost every scientist in the world does not know. Perhaps that is how to pretend to be more intelligent by being cynical. A cheap and transparent trick.
Wake up man!
CarsUK says
There are as many scientists who doubt the mantra that man is to blame for climate change as there are those who preach it. Climate change is a fact, but it was a fact long before man even came in to existence. Are we really to believe the planet to be so fragile that the fraction of 1% that is man made greenhouse gasses would so upset the eco-system that planet Earth would roll over and play dead?
Mother nature is not that feeble.
Mark Palmos says
OMG this Lexus is sooooo UGLY!
Wow. Who designs such putrid cars?
I love that it is a hybrid, but not at such an eye-damaging cost!
Mark.
Silent Wolf says
I honestly have to say that some of us Americans do understand station wagon’s that aren’t the size of the Grand Canyon. Personally I’ve been trying to find a Sport Cross styled car, but it seems as though the auto makers think everything has to be huge and bulky looking in the states. I mean yea sure, I drive a lorry but bloody hell, i own a 90’s Geo Metro wagon… I’d rather see a few more of the Euro styles make it across the pond than them continue to keep them from us.