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Every time I drive a Lexus, I like it. Like the words of Katy Perry's song, "I kissed a girl and I liked it...", the forbidden fruit chosen over the German staple diet is a road less travelled, yet one that should be more regularly tasted. 

 

The RC is Lexus’ only grand tourer coupe and the best-looking model currently on their showroom floors. The premium-compact-coupe is a beautiful tapestry of the four-door compact sedan, the IS, the mid-sized GS and a good measure of unique development.

 

Now better positioned than before, the new entry-level 200t model has been added to the already existing RC 350 F Sport. Lexus have been late to the turbocharging game, but have made up for that in their new unit: a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which is good for 180kW and 350N.m. Paired with a supremely smooth 8-speed automatic gearbox, it also features paddle shifters on the steering wheel when selecting manual mode. This is a marriage made in heaven. 

 

Combining a great engine and gearbox with a taut and highly refined chassis means the RC has a flawless ride. It is supple, sharp and dynamic, making it fun to drive. The overall driving experience is mature, quiet and calming within the interior thanks to copious amounts of sound deadening material that insulates all harsh sounds or manoeuvres from the outside. This leaves the driver and his passengers to enjoy the beautiful yet sombre interior. Seating is outstanding - sports seats that hold you like God would within his hand. Together with Volvo, I'd rate the seats the best in the business. 

 

Being a Lexus means being well-appointed, although it is the entry level model, so not everything is standard. Nevertheless, it won't leave you wanting. Here are but a few key elements: real leather seats that are electrically operated, offering both a heating and cooling function, automatic widescreen wipers and headlight functions, powerful LED headlights, an electrically operated glass sunroof and a high-end sound system which is operated via the car's infotainment system. This system operates all the major functions on the car via a finger operated mouse pad. It takes some getting used to, though, and isn't on par from a user perspective when compared to Audi or BMW's systems. 

 

Built with sprinting legs, the RC is held back by its weight. A mass of around 1 725kgs holds the RC back from keeping up a robot to robot sprint when compared with a 4-Series BMW, for example, that is up to 120kgs lighter. Not slow, by any means, the RC is capable of hitting 100 km/h from a standstill in an impressive 7 seconds. Only when compared to its competitors that do the same, only in up to 1.5 seconds less, do you realise the difference. The weight penalty also translates in the fuel consumption figures. I recorded a figure of around 12l over my time with RC. Granted, most of this driving was spent in the urban city, driving in Normal mode. A better figure would be achieved by combining highway driving and selecting the Eco mode that changes through the 8 gears more quickly and reduces the car's power. Surprisingly, the RC 200t doesn’t come with Start-Stop functionality - a feature designed to reduce fuel consumption in congested city traffic.  For playful sprints, the Sports mode is best: gears are held for peak power outputs and the engine power exploited for optimum acceleration. 

 

Room for improvement in the RC's case can be paralleled with rear leg and head room, which is tight at best, and suitable for short runs or children. 

 

Safety is also an area the RC 200t could improve on. Standard active and passive safety features include ABS brakes, multiple airbags but exclude features like Forward Collision Prevention and Blind Spot Indicators. 

 

The more powerful RC 350 comes standard with an F Sport package, which contains performance items (firmer suspension, upgraded brakes, 19-inch wheels), luxury goodies (heated steering wheel, power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert), spicier visuals and a gorgeous F Sport grille.

 

The RC 200t is the alternatives’ choice who isn’t into more mainstream choices on offer. If you do go with the RC, you won’t be disappointed!

 

Likes

Looks

Ride

Comfort

Engine and gearbox combination

 

Dislikes

Heavy 

Thirsty

 

Competition 

BMW 4-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupè, Audi A5 and the Mustang. 

 

Pricing

Lexus RC 200t R730 600

Lexus RC 350 F-Sport R823 000

 

Service and warranty 

The RC 200t is sold a four-year/100 000km Lexus Distance Plan, complete full maintenance plan and features a four-year/100 000km warranty. This can be topped up at an extra charge.

 

My choice

Lexus RC 200t R730 600

www.lexus.co.za

 

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