REVIEW DETAIL PAGE

Will It Suit Me?

Will it suit me? Give any woman a luxury performance coupe like the Lexus RC for the day and see the poseur come out. I even started getting up early to give my sister lifts to school just down the road, as it was an opportunity to enjoy the refined drive. She, of course, loved it, rang all her friends, and told them to meet her by the gates, just so she could make an entrance.

Practicalities

Lexus drivers will know how their cars are much more than refined Toyotas. They are definitely a brand unto themselves. They are renowned for their feeling of space and you definitely get enough metal for your money. Inside, there's a driver-focused theme within a leather-lined cabin deliciously different to the German class norm in its statement of style. Though much of it is derived from the brand's humbler IS saloon, there's still an agreeably expensive feel, with lovely touches like the metal surround to the analogue dashboard clock. The whole effect avoids being overly ostentatious though some of the materials are quite varied, but it looks good, unique, cultured and clever, especially in the 'F SPORT' guise I tried. This more dynamic model is set apart by the aluminium finish used for the pedals, the interior trim panels and the scuff plates, plus a branded steering wheel and beautifully supportive bespoke 'F SPORT' seats with stitched quilting. As with many coupes, legroom space in the rear is somewhat limited. It's a tight squeeze trying to get four in the car: even small children would have a problem with leg room. If you are planning to use the rear seats for emergencies and baggage only, then you'll be fine. Out back, bootspace is a touch restricted too, the 340-litre capacity compromised by the need to accommodate the Hybrid Synergy Drive system. All RC buyers get a 60:40 split-folding rear backrest that will allow you to accommodate larger loads.

Behind the Wheel

The RC comes with a 2.5-litre petrol/electric RC 300h hybrid engine that puts out 220hp, yet is capable of 57.6mpg on the combined cycle and 113g/km of CO2. In other words, you've all the ingredients for what might arguably be the most sensible sporting car you could buy. You probably won't be expecting this Japanese contender to match its German rivals for handling involvement, but Lexus engineers have aimed to make the RC more fun to drive by focusing their attention on details, such as enhancing the car's aerodynamics and fine-tuning the suspension system and powertrain. Endowed with a flatter and more stable ride quality and sharper handling characteristics derived from the LC, the new RC is more athletic and responsive than you might expect it to be. As before, vehicle dynamics benefit from tuned electric power steering and an Adaptive Variable Suspension system that emphasises handling agility as well as ride comfort. If you want to settle back, there's nothing quite like the quiet, refined and sophisticated driving experience provided by the full hybrid powertrain and the E-CVT auto gearbox. As usual with a Lexus hybrid, you get the benefit of a fully electric EV driving mode for silent running over short distances. The engine is a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol unit aided by a powerful electric motor. Acceleration from nought to 62mph can be accomplished in 8.6 seconds, while the top speed is 118mph.

Value For Money

The mainstream RC coupe range sits in the £39,000 to £46,000 bracket, well below the £60,000 that Lexus will ask of you to get this car in V8-powered RC F guise. All models are very well equipped. Even the base variant gets 18-inch alloy wheels, the Lexus Safety System+, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, smart entry, Lexus Premium Navigation and Tahara upholstery. Customers can also specify an optional sunroof and Leather Pack with smooth leather upholstery in Black or Dark Rose and an integrated steering wheel heater. The F Sport is distinguished by its exclusive F Sport styling features inside and out, including the front spindle grille with new F Sport mesh pattern, 19-inch multi-spoke alloys, steering wheel, sports pedals and sports front seats. Its performance theme is emphasised by orange brake callipers, visible through the slim spokes of the smart F Sport wheels. Other standard features include LED headlights in a triple eye arrangement with Automatic High Beam, LED front indicator lamps, leather trim and Adaptive Variable Suspension. At the pinnacle of the range, the Takumi derivative is equipped with Mark Levinson sound system, 19-inch 10-spoke alloys, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, memory setting for the driver's seat, sunroof and smooth leather upholstery. Target rivals come exclusively from coupe versions of compact executive saloons made by the prestige German brands - specifically three cars: Audi's A5 and coupe versions of the BMW 4 Series and the Mercedes C-Class. If you're pitching this trio against an RC, remember that you'll have to add on extra for the automatic transmission that Lexus includes as standard. There aren't any hybrid rivals you could consider as an alternative - only diesel options.

Could I Live With One?

Just try me. If means or lifestyle permitted, the Lexus RC would be a beautiful car to own. Its sleek good looks and avant-garde aura would look wonderful on my driveway. All I need now is matching shoes and lipstick and I'll be on my way.