Words by Gugu Masuku

The automotive landscape is slowly transforming and taking into consideration the damaging effects of CO2 emissions. Pollution is slowly destroying our planet and to combat this, industries are focusing on more environmentally friendly solutions to issues concerning climate change—even the old diesel mule’s days are numbered. One brand that has embraced and is implementing environmentally sustainable mobility is Lexus. 

Car manufacturers are turning to alternative sources of fuel to combat the onset of global warming and pollution. Lexus is positioning itself to be at the forefront of this movement by introducing a string of hybrids to their models. As it stands, the line-up consists of four ‘h’ models: the RX, NX, and the ES hybridthe latest addition to this offering is the IS300h. 

 

Pollution is slowly destroying our planet

 

The IS300h fills the third slot in the IS range, sitting alongside the IS300EX and 350 F SPORT. The addition of this model to the line-up was a calculated move on Lexus’s part, as was the addition of the rest of their hybrid offerings. In 2017, Lexus sold 1.5 million of these environmentally conscious derivatives globally, and they currently hold 50% market share of global hybrid sales. Hybrids are not only more eco-friendly on the emissions front but they also offer better economy than their conventional counterparts—it’s no wonder sales figures are sitting at a healthy number. With this momentum, Lexus plans to eventually make hybrid vehicles accessible to car rental fleets and the government; they also plan to have a fully electric version of each of their models by 2025.

 

 

Aside from its hybrid credentials, there are other features that distinguish the IS300h from its stablemates. For starters, the famous spindle grille on the hybrid has been tweaked to give it more of a 3D appearance. The lower section of the rear bumper is also distinguished in the hybrid; with cleaner looking slimline chrome exhaust tips—even though they serve more of an aesthetic purpose than functionality. On the business end of things, the hybrid is powered by a 2.5l 4-cylinder engine, which produces 133kW and 221Nm. When combined with the hybrid system, the power is bumped up to 164kW. Fuel consumption sits at a claimed 5.0l/100km with CO2 emissions of 117g/km.

The new hybrid is already available on dealer floors and comes in at R753 800; it is paired with a 7-year / 105 000km maintenance plan and a matching warranty. The hybrid battery has an 8-year warranty attached to it for your peace of mind.

Leave a Reply