Page 15 - IFV_Issue 2_Feb_2022

Motoring

lexuS eS250 ex

BY ALAN ROSENMEYER

he Lexus ES range is interesting as its pricing may be dual-zone climate control are just some of the features.
the entry level for the brand but it’s not the smallest On the safety front, blind-spot warning, lane departure,
Tcar in their local range. The ES is actually a large cruise control plus autonomous emergency braking are all
luxury sedan and fills this role extremely well. present. The emergency braking kicked in when pedestrians
Powered by the familiar 2.5l 4-cylinder petrol engine walked behind the car when reversing out of a parking spot.
used in numerous other Lexus and Toyota models, it’s not Besides the surprise factor, the stop was rather violent but
necessarily a ball of fire in the performance stakes. Instead, that’s exactly what’s needed in an emergency.
it provides relaxed and comfortable cruising ability in all On the road, the fact that the ES has front wheel drive
situations. 152kW and 243Nm are not modest figures but I was not even apparent and congested traffic, cruising on
somehow never felt like pushing this car. It’s best to sit back the freeways and winding through a mountain pass were
and enjoy the ride cocooned in luxury and space. all handled with ease. Overall fuel consumption for the test
As befits a car in the executive field, the ES, even in was 7.6l/100km. That’s a good result, but for economy and
‘base’ EX variant is packed with all possible luxury features. extra responsiveness, I would seriously consider the hybrid
Heated front seats, electric adjustments for both the driver option that’s available.
and front passenger, comfort movement of the steering The current price as tested is R719 900 including a
wheel for easy entry and egress, plenty of USB ports, and 7-year/105 000km full maintenance plan.

Click here for our full video review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDd9aUqE9rc

The Villager • Issue 2 2022 • 13