Hybrid automobiles have become quite iconic in recent years.
Originally, the first generation Toyota Prius was subtle and did not look entirely different from the Toyota Echo.
Hollywood stars like Cameron Diaz and Leonardo DiCaprio snapped them up and touted the gas sippers down Rodeo.
With representation like that, it was cool to be green.
Then, the refresh came.
2010 Lexus IS-C And HS250H Photo Gallery
2010 Lexus HS250H microsite
The second generation debuted with a whole new silhouette and it soon was established: if you are going to be forward-thinking and hip, you better own a hybrid.
And, the Prius controlled the game with its innovative style.
Not convinced?
Take a look at the 2010 Honda Insight.
This brings us neatly to Lexus’ newest trick up its sleeve.
The brand has jumped into the foray and is going to offer the world’s first dedicated luxury hybrid.
Although the brand has offered several hybrids in its line-up, it has not ventured into the hardcore, dedicated hybrid field.
Which begs me to ask, is there a market for green, luxury autos?
Fisker and Tesla seem to think so with the Karma and Model S, respectively.
And, with President Obama divulging new MPG requirements, it could not hurt Lexus upping their fleet average early.
When it is all said and done, it comes down to one aspect.
Is the new HS 250h an icon?
Overall looks do not make it stand out tremendously from the crowd. I would liken this generation HS to the first generation Prius. Its design remains subtle and will scoot by unnoticed.
Or, so I thought.
In an experiment, I parked the HS next to a modified Ferrari 360 Modena on the Pacific Coast Highway and it got looks. Driving throughout Newport Beach, it was interesting to see drivers rubberneck, inch up on my bumper and try to get a closer look at the prototype Lexus being piloted.
What is interesting about this new model is its design does not look like a traditional Lexus – more so a Toyota – but it is reaping plenty of stares. Clearly, another test had to be given. While photographing the hybrid, 001 and I came across two lovely ladies, Alyssa and Jessica. When asked if they prefer this new Lexus’ design over the Prius, the women said they liked it better without hesitation.
Aside from the philosophical debate, it is more important to get into the driving dynamics and actually living with this car.
After taking a seat in the HS, it becomes painfully apparent that room is limited. With 001 and I being home-grown Europeans, and hovering around the six and a half feet tall mark, the front seat’s track did not extend back far enough for comfortable cruising in the driver’s seat. Adding to this, the HS’ floating center console, which holds the joystick for the control unit, is intrusive. Although it is a fantastic design cue that places many of the center stack’s controls within reach of the driver, it can be a bit agonizing on knee room for taller drivers.
Adorning the interior of the cockpit is plenty of leather and soft-touch plastics. 30 percent of the HS’ interior is derived from ecological plastic. This usage lowers carbon emissions and saves petroleum. Man, Lexus is taking this green thing pretty seriously. The overall build quality and fit and finish of materials are what one would expect of a Lexus product. Solid, but lacking a bespoke feel.
Obviously one of the most crucial aspects of any car, the seats, are predominantly flat with acceptable bolstering for a vehicle that will probably not be tackling any autocross circuits in the future. Thankfully, rear occupants will count their blessings due to their slimness and the inclusion of contours on the seatbacks that provide a bit more clearance for longer legs.
A huge plus is the inclusion of a combination meter that displays how economically the vehicle is driving. As seen originally on the 2010 RX, this meter is a huge help by making the pilot aware which power source they are using. On top of this, the HS features a heads-up display that can detail the auto’s speed, audio settings and turn-by-turn directions – to name a few.
Powering the green machine is a 2.4 liter four cylinder producing a respectable 147-horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque – 187-horsepower when combining the hybrid drive motor. So, performance is not exactly mind-bending but it will not chug to 60 at a snail’s pace. 60 MPH is achieved after 8.4 seconds. Bringing power to the people is a CVT, shift-by-wire transmission that operates quickly and relatively seamlessly from a conventional automatic.
This amount of power nearly doubles other dedicated hybrids. Knowing this, it was not a tremendous surprise when we achieved approximately 29 MPG during hard driving and mid 30s when driving responsibly. One set of journalists boasted about receiving MPG in the low 40s while driving carefully.
With that said, there are four driving modes: normal, power, eco and EV. These modes alter the throttle response and air conditioning characteristics to assist with economical driving. EV mode can be utilized in low-speed situations, such as a parking lot, and relies totally on the electric motor. Ever seen a nearly two ton automobile creeping around like a lion stalking its prey? That would be EV mode.
Speaking of peace and quiet, the HS motors on with little cabin noise at speed. This tranquil and serene experience can be attributed to the front acoustic windshield and the use of triple layer door seals.
With plenty of technological refinement, the HS is a remarkably easy car to drive. Directing the hybrid, with its thin-rimmed steering wheel, can be done with a finger or two due to its light steering weight. Although light, it remains direct because its power steering characteristics were optimized in combination with high-response shock absorbers.
Ride quality is relatively good, but I thought the suspension would handle bumps with a bit more ease. Although able to refrain from teeth chattering, bumps were not absorbed as well as I have come to expect from a Lexus. However, at speed the suspension provides a nice compromise of not becoming overly cushy and soft while remaining taut over dips. So, highway cruising is possible without feeling as though the car is meandering across its lane.
Brake feel is suitable for a car in this segment. Accompanied with some mushiness, these are not drilled and vented Brembos. But, I do enjoy the “B” mode in the transmission, which uses regenerative braking and sends the combination meter into the best section of them all; the blue “CHG” region.
One of the coolest features of the HS is the new telematics system. This subscription-based system, known as Lexus Enform, has Safety Connect for non-navigation vehicles. Safety Connect has your typical offerings of collision notification, stolen vehicle locator, SOS and roadside assistance. Where the cool, techy stuff comes in is on the navigation equipped cars. They will have Destination Assist and eDestination. These systems utilize wireless data transmission to send information to the car’s navigation unit. Destination Assist utilizes push-button live-operator assistance while eDestination allows customers to manage their own destinations online
On top of these features, the voice command system has been updated so you can be flexible in your wording. For instance, you can say “Make it cooler,” or “I need a gas station.” And, if you have a tendency to stutter or say “er” and “uh” the system will clear up those faults.
At the end of the day, the HS 250h is a proper Lexus without looking like one. The exterior and interior are departures from the traditional, Lexus design. With the exception of limited space, the HS remains a relatively practical sedan that relies on refinement and its technological prowess to tackle the competitors.
So, the end result is a Lexus that does not look like a Lexus but has all of the typical packaging.
It is an outside of the box equation for outside of the box thinkers.
Whether or not the HS will reach the pedestal stature of the Prius will be determined in the years to come. Although I cannot determine if it will be a success or failure, I can guarantee its sales will be largely dependant on its price. If pricing nears the $40,000 mark there will be plenty of opportunity cost from a low $20,000 Insight or Prius.
Pricing was not announced at the HS press event.
With the HS hitting showrooms late this summer, time will tell. Stay tuned for details. Remember, spy before you buy!
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