john
2009-10-16 01:31:49 UTC
Lexus HS 250h falls short on space, fuel efficiency
BY MARK PHELAN
Lexus' ballyhooed HS 250h hybrid fails on almost all fronts, offering
worse fuel economy and interior space than other hybrids costing
thousands of dollars less.
Weighed against an excellent hybrid midsize sedan like the Ford
Fusion, the HS 250h's smaller interior, higher price and lower fuel
economy make Lexus' new hybrid one of the year's more disappointing
new cars.
Looking for a home run to rally interest in its brand and excite
younger buyers, Lexus summoned the heavy hitter from Toyota's
corporate bench: hybrid technology in a unique body that's unlike
anything else in Lexus' batting order.
The formula worked wonders for Toyota. The Prius has been a grand
slam, making reliable but unexciting Toyota the darling of chic buyers
and environmental activists.
Now the Lexus HS 250h hybrid steps to the plate, swinging for the
fences to score for Toyota's luxury brand.
But there is no joy in Toyota City tonight. Mighty Lexus has struck
out.
Starting prices for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid begin at $34,200 for
a base model and run to $36,970 for a Premium model, which adds
standard features to the base. All HS 250h models come with a 147-
horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, 141-horsepower electric
motor and continuously variable transmission.
I tested a well-equipped HS 250h Premium that stickered at $41,375.
All prices exclude destination charges.
The HS competes with less-expensive hybrid models like the Ford
Fusion, Honda Civic, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima and Toyota Prius.
It does not compete with them well. The HS 250h's EPA fuel economy
rating of 35 m.p.g. in the city and 34 m.p.g. on the highway is
considerably worse than the bigger Fusion and Milan midsize sedans'
EPA rating of 41 m.p.g. city and 36 m.p.g. highway. It trails the
compact Civic hybrid's 40 city/45 highway EPA rating by an even wider
margin. The Prius, with a smaller engine and an aerodynamic hatchback
body designed for maximum efficiency, leaves the HS 250h in the dust
with EPA ratings of 51 m.p.g. city and 48 m.p.g. on the highway.
Strike one.
The Lexus' small size also weighs against it. With a mere 90.2 cubic
feet of passenger space, it's dwarfed by the midsize Fusion and
Milan's 100.7-cubic-foot passenger compartments and even slightly
smaller than the compact Civic hybrid. The HS 250h's 12.0-cubic-foot
trunk is more accommodating than the Altima and Civic hybrids by a
wide margin and slightly larger than those in the Fusion and Milan
hybrids. It's far smaller than the practical Prius hatchback's 21.6
cubic feet of cargo room. The Prius also offers more passenger room
than the HS 250h.
Strike two.
The HS 250h also costs more than its competitors. A comparably
equipped Fusion hybrid would cost $8,895 less than the HS Premium I
tested. The HS 250h's optional active cruise control isn't available
on the Fusion, but it's not worth nine grand, particularly when Lexus
can't match the user-friendliness of Ford's voice-controlled
navigation system and Sync, which provides voice control of iPods and
mobile phones.
Strike three. Take a seat.
While Lexus is on the bench thinking about its next at-bat, it's worth
considering some of the HS 250h's other characteristics.
The interior, though small, is trimmed with Lexus' usual fine taste.
The perforated leather seats provide good comfort and include features
like power adjustment, heating, cooling and memory. Many hybrids --
including Toyota's own Prius -- eschew those comforts to save weight
and reduce demand on their batteries.
The gauges are beautiful: clear and sharp in an indigo, white and
green color scheme. The graphic that shows power flow among the car's
engine, battery and brakes is informative and easy to read. Soft and
attractive materials befitting a luxury car cover nearly every
surface.
Lexus uses the same handy joystick controller for audio and other
functions in the HS as in its RX crossover SUV. It's a nice design and
easy to use, but a wide gap from the HS' armrest to the joystick makes
it harder to reach than the RX's convenient layout.
The steering, ride and brakes all feel like those in any competent
compact car. Acceleration is good, though the transition from gasoline
to electric mode is not as smooth as in the Fusion and Milan hybrids.
The car is quiet except for a drone from the engine under acceleration
and at higher speeds.
The electric air-conditioning works well, keeping the car cool even in
high temperatures when the engine is off.
The styling is undistinguished, with a bland, vaguely Corolla-like
shape. Lexus wanted the one hybrid-only vehicle in its lineup to grab
attention, but the looks won't. The exterior badges feature a striking
indigo outline exclusive to Lexus' hybrids.
Cool badges and nice interior materials aren't enough to score the
winning run, though. The Lexus HS 250h isn't ready for the major
leagues.
Wait 'till next year.
Full article at:
http://www.freep.com/article/20091015/BUSINESS02/910150473/1331/BUSINESS01/Lexus--HS-250h-strikes-out
BY MARK PHELAN
Lexus' ballyhooed HS 250h hybrid fails on almost all fronts, offering
worse fuel economy and interior space than other hybrids costing
thousands of dollars less.
Weighed against an excellent hybrid midsize sedan like the Ford
Fusion, the HS 250h's smaller interior, higher price and lower fuel
economy make Lexus' new hybrid one of the year's more disappointing
new cars.
Looking for a home run to rally interest in its brand and excite
younger buyers, Lexus summoned the heavy hitter from Toyota's
corporate bench: hybrid technology in a unique body that's unlike
anything else in Lexus' batting order.
The formula worked wonders for Toyota. The Prius has been a grand
slam, making reliable but unexciting Toyota the darling of chic buyers
and environmental activists.
Now the Lexus HS 250h hybrid steps to the plate, swinging for the
fences to score for Toyota's luxury brand.
But there is no joy in Toyota City tonight. Mighty Lexus has struck
out.
Starting prices for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid begin at $34,200 for
a base model and run to $36,970 for a Premium model, which adds
standard features to the base. All HS 250h models come with a 147-
horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, 141-horsepower electric
motor and continuously variable transmission.
I tested a well-equipped HS 250h Premium that stickered at $41,375.
All prices exclude destination charges.
The HS competes with less-expensive hybrid models like the Ford
Fusion, Honda Civic, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima and Toyota Prius.
It does not compete with them well. The HS 250h's EPA fuel economy
rating of 35 m.p.g. in the city and 34 m.p.g. on the highway is
considerably worse than the bigger Fusion and Milan midsize sedans'
EPA rating of 41 m.p.g. city and 36 m.p.g. highway. It trails the
compact Civic hybrid's 40 city/45 highway EPA rating by an even wider
margin. The Prius, with a smaller engine and an aerodynamic hatchback
body designed for maximum efficiency, leaves the HS 250h in the dust
with EPA ratings of 51 m.p.g. city and 48 m.p.g. on the highway.
Strike one.
The Lexus' small size also weighs against it. With a mere 90.2 cubic
feet of passenger space, it's dwarfed by the midsize Fusion and
Milan's 100.7-cubic-foot passenger compartments and even slightly
smaller than the compact Civic hybrid. The HS 250h's 12.0-cubic-foot
trunk is more accommodating than the Altima and Civic hybrids by a
wide margin and slightly larger than those in the Fusion and Milan
hybrids. It's far smaller than the practical Prius hatchback's 21.6
cubic feet of cargo room. The Prius also offers more passenger room
than the HS 250h.
Strike two.
The HS 250h also costs more than its competitors. A comparably
equipped Fusion hybrid would cost $8,895 less than the HS Premium I
tested. The HS 250h's optional active cruise control isn't available
on the Fusion, but it's not worth nine grand, particularly when Lexus
can't match the user-friendliness of Ford's voice-controlled
navigation system and Sync, which provides voice control of iPods and
mobile phones.
Strike three. Take a seat.
While Lexus is on the bench thinking about its next at-bat, it's worth
considering some of the HS 250h's other characteristics.
The interior, though small, is trimmed with Lexus' usual fine taste.
The perforated leather seats provide good comfort and include features
like power adjustment, heating, cooling and memory. Many hybrids --
including Toyota's own Prius -- eschew those comforts to save weight
and reduce demand on their batteries.
The gauges are beautiful: clear and sharp in an indigo, white and
green color scheme. The graphic that shows power flow among the car's
engine, battery and brakes is informative and easy to read. Soft and
attractive materials befitting a luxury car cover nearly every
surface.
Lexus uses the same handy joystick controller for audio and other
functions in the HS as in its RX crossover SUV. It's a nice design and
easy to use, but a wide gap from the HS' armrest to the joystick makes
it harder to reach than the RX's convenient layout.
The steering, ride and brakes all feel like those in any competent
compact car. Acceleration is good, though the transition from gasoline
to electric mode is not as smooth as in the Fusion and Milan hybrids.
The car is quiet except for a drone from the engine under acceleration
and at higher speeds.
The electric air-conditioning works well, keeping the car cool even in
high temperatures when the engine is off.
The styling is undistinguished, with a bland, vaguely Corolla-like
shape. Lexus wanted the one hybrid-only vehicle in its lineup to grab
attention, but the looks won't. The exterior badges feature a striking
indigo outline exclusive to Lexus' hybrids.
Cool badges and nice interior materials aren't enough to score the
winning run, though. The Lexus HS 250h isn't ready for the major
leagues.
Wait 'till next year.
Full article at:
http://www.freep.com/article/20091015/BUSINESS02/910150473/1331/BUSINESS01/Lexus--HS-250h-strikes-out