The South African line-up for the re-imagined new 2021 Lexus IS sports sedan has been unveiled.
Lexus has decided to launch IS as a hybrid-only model. The hybrid market has shown immense growth on a global scale in the past five years and the shift from diesel to alternative-propulsion vehicles is expected to keep growing at rapid rate.
Lexus will position hybrids as performance and technology-rich vehicles, and as such is launching three model grades in hybrid: IS 300h EX, IS 300h SE and IS 300 F Sport.
The Lexus IS models retail from R841 300 for the EX grade, R899 800 for the SE grade and R916 100 for the F Sport. The entire IS range boasts a best-in-class 7-year/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. The vehicle service intervals are pegged at every 15 000km, alternatively once a year.
The South African line-up for the re-imagined new 2021 Lexus IS sports sedan has been unveiled.
The South African line-up for the re-imagined new 2021 Lexus IS sports sedan has been unveiled.
What’s new for South Africa is that for the very first time, Lexus has decided to launch IS as a hybrid-only model. The hybrid market has shown immense growth on a global scale in the past five years and the shift from diesel to alternative-propulsion vehicles is expected to keep growing at rapid rate.
Lexus will position hybrids as performance and technology-rich vehicles, and as such is launching three model grades in hybrid: IS 300h EX, IS 300h SE and IS 300 F Sport.
LEXUS FIRSTS
Features that become standard on the Lexus IS for the first time include 18-inch alloy wheels for the EX and SE (19-inch for the F Sport), an electric park brake (replacing foot-operated), new 10.3-inch touch-display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a pre-collision system for the SE grade and F Sport featuring daytime/night-time pedestrian detection plus daytime cyclist detection, all-speed active cruise control (SE and F Sport), lane tracing assist (SE and F Sport), blind-spot monitor (SE and F Sport), rear cross-traffic alert+brake, as well as a panoramic view monitor for the SE and F Sport when reversing.
This is an addition to smart entry and start, heated- and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, 10-speaker audio for the EX grade and 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound for SE and F Sport grades.
The top-spec models also come standard with satellite navigation, voice control and LED headlamps with automatic high-beam.
IS 300h SE customers have the luxury of a moon roof which comes standard for the grade. The models achieve a total system output of 164kW. The IS has a combined-cycle fuel consumption from as low as 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The 0-100 sprint is dispatched in 8.7 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h. The IS boasts a petrol-hybrid 2.5 litre CVT engine that achieves a maximum power of 133kW @ 6000rpm and maximum torque of 221Nm @ 4200-5400rpm.
The hybrid direction and sports focus of the new IS, deliver two distinct personalities for Lexus customers to select from in this segment
– GLENN CROMPTON, lexus South Africa Vice President of Sale and Marketing,
A TRUE DRIVER’S CAR…
The IS F Sport is alluring and assertive. The front grille features the iconic mesh pattern that has been used on all F Sport models, complementing the brand’s sporty image. The Automatic High Beam (AHB) Headlamps on the F Sport grade also features the new slim design, along with three newly-designed high-beam projector lamps and integrated L-shaped DRLs.
F Sport exclusive items heighten the sporty driving image, which include the F Sport emblem on the front fender, piano-black garnish on the front grille and lower bumper, as well as exclusive 19-inch Aluminium wheels (previously 18-inch) that feature a premium dark-metallic coating.
For the first time on an IS F Sport, 19-inch alloy wheels are standard, in addition to an F Sport body kit and spoiler, F Sport scuff plates and ornamentation, high-grade LED headlamps, five-mode Drive Select (Eco, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom), Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), F Sport leather-accented trim, sports pedals and seats with driver memory settings.
Lexus South Africa Vice President of Sale and Marketing, Glenn Crompton says the new Lexus IS will re-invigorate the medium sedan class with its stunning focus on three key attributes: “An intense focus on evocative design, imaginative technology and leading driving dynamics, will help ensure a new generation of Lexus customers are welcomed into IS sports sedan ownership.
“The hybrid direction and sports focus of the new IS, alongside the luxurious ES, deliver two distinct personalities for Lexus customers to select from in this segment.”
SPOILT FOR CHOICE
The 2021 Lexus IS is offered in a palette of 10 exterior colours to accentuate its stunning lines. Three of those colours – Solar Storm Red, Poseidon Blue and White Nova are exclusive to the F Sport. The EX and SE have an additional two exclusive colours – White Quartz and Morello Red.
LEXUS IS PRICING AND SERVICE INFORMATION
The Lexus IS models retail from R841 300 for the EX grade, R899 800 for the SE grade and R916 100 for the F Sport. The entire IS range boasts a best-in-class 7-year/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. The vehicle service intervals are pegged at every 15 000km, alternatively once a year.
Cognisant of the financial challenges faced by all South Africans in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Agya is aimed at discerning budget-conscious first-time buyers.
As a direct replacement for the Aygo, the Agya competes in a fiercely fought segment where value and Rands-per-feature matter most. The Agya boasts a host of standard features such as anti-lock brakes (ABS) enhanced by electronic brake force distribution (EBD), 14-inch alloy wheels, driver and front passenger airbags and the option of an automatic transmission.
The generously-appointed cabin features a mixed use of silver and black plastics and attractive, hard wearing fabric for the seats with a touch of polyurethane for the gear lever and steering wheel. The instrument binnacle features easy-to-ready graphics and sees the tachometer and Multi Instrument Display (MID) flanking the speedometer.
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Powering up the Agya experience is a Push Start button and remote central locking. All models are prepared for the use of Toyota Connect, which provides Wi-Fi connectivity to smart devices as well as a host of connected online services; and 15Gb of complimentary data. Once linked to the MyToyota App, owners can make on-demand service bookings, retrieve vehicle usage information (logbook), renew vehicle licenses, review tracking data, request roadside assistance and more.
Interior comfort is taken care of by power steering and automatic air conditioning (climate control), while all passengers enjoy the luxury of electrically operated windows. An auxiliary 12-volt socket is on hand for charging additional mobile devices.
The new Agya is a no-nonsense value proposition that’s laser-focused on delivering the best value to budget-conscious customers under the umbrella of Toyota’s legendary quality, durability and reliability
– Glenn Crompton, TSAM’s Vice-President of Marketing.
The Agya is also fitted with driver and front passenger airbags as standard. At the back, two ISOFIX mounting brackets serve to secure baby seats to the rear seat; while the rear doors are fitted with child locks for complete peace of mind. Safety also meets convenience through the fitment a vehicle security system in the form of an alarm/immobiliser.
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Engine & Performance
The Agya’s nippy but thrifty 998cm3, three-cylinder, fuel-injected petrol engine serves to make light work of urban commutes. Powering the front wheels and developing maximum power of 49kW @ 6000 rpm and peak torque of 89Nm @ 4400 rpm, the engine is mated to either a slick-shifting five-speed manual transmission for ultimate driver control; or a self-shifting four-speed automatic transmission for complete driving comfort.
The manual version of the Agya reportedly sips an average of just 4.8 l/100 km and emits a corresponding 112g CO2/km; while completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 14.6 seconds and runs to a top speed of 165km/h.
Its automatic variant is claimed to consume 4.9 l/100 km and has an emissions figure of 115g CO2/km. It accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in 16.3 seconds and has a top speed of 145km/h. An eco-indicator assists drivers in achieving fuel efficient driving.
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Image courtesy of Motorpress
Driven at the recommended speeds, the Agya’s 33-litre fuel tank should yield a theoretical maximum range of around 687 km.
“The new Agya is a no-nonsense value proposition that’s laser-focused on delivering the best value to budget-conscious customers under the umbrella of Toyota’s legendary quality, durability and reliability,” says Glenn Crompton, TSAM’s Vice-President of Marketing.
Model line-up & Pricing
Agya MT – R178 600
Agya AT – R192 500
Agya MT (with audio) – R182 400
Agya AT (with audio) – R196 300
Warranty & Maintenance
All Agya models are sold with a 2-services/20 000 km service plan. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided.
First launched in 2016, the eighth-generation Hilux debuted with an increased focus on technology, convenience and comfort, while still retaining the traditional Hilux hallmarks of toughness and durability.
The new model builds on the robust foundation of the eighth-generation architecture and represents a new frontier with even greater dynamic performance, technology, style and features.
New Grade Strategy : In keeping with a progressive target market and evolving market trends, the model line-up and grade strategy has undergone a revision. The utility-focused S and SR models continue as before, complete with their original front façades. The largest change to the grade strategy takes place in the ‘mid-range’ where the long-serving SRX nomenclature falls away, being replaced by Raider.
“The SRX model has continuously evolved in line with market requests and in turn advanced into traditional Raider territory. We saw this as an opportunity to rationalise the line-up and offer customers more across the board. SRX and Raider have now effectively merged, creating an opportunity for a flagship grade above Raider – and this is precisely what the new Legend grade will offer,” says Glenn Crompton, Vice-President of Marketing.
“We’ve also created three distinctive appearance profiles for the respective core grades. S and SR keep their current design traits, Raider continues with its chrome-accented styling and Legend will offer a distinctive new look aimed specifically at the leisure user,” he added.
The most visible change is found at the front of the vehicle
Exterior Styling: The most visible change is found at the front of the vehicle, with new chiseled, slim-line headlamps flanking an all-new front-grille and bumper design. The new styling now aligns with Toyota’s global truck-design language and gives Hilux a modern yet unmistakably tough appearance.
Raider: Raider models feature a large, trapezoidal front grille with broad chrome border and horizontally-separated 3D grille elements. New boomerang-shaped fog lamp bezels and integrated bumper guard round off the design. 2.4 GD-6 models receive an upgrade to four-bulb Halogen headlamps, while 2.8 GD-6 Raider derivatives now boast a Bi-LED configuration with stylised internal-light-guides and LED turn-signal lamps. The side profile remains largely unchanged, with the rear tail lamps also receiving the stylised LED treatment (2.8 models only). A chrome rear-step bumper and chrome door handles create unity with the front design.
Befitting the increased urban and leisure use, Raider and Legend models boast an all-new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality
Legend: The Legend name now signifies a new flagship grade built on the brand equity of the previous celebratory models, to introduce a Hilux like never before. The trapezoidal grille (outlined in black) integrates with the front bumper, bonnet protector and unique integrated skidplate – to create an imposing front façade. Further differentiation is achieved with dark-plated headlamp inserts and a centred chrome inlay, which suspends the Toyota insignia. A graphite rear bumper and Legend-specific tailgate garnish complete the package. The overall result is a rugged, yet advanced look.
Legend ‘RS’: An optional ‘RS’ accessory package (referring to Roller Shutter) will be offered on Legend-grade models which amplifies both utility and aesthetics, offering a motorised roller shutter, graphite-coloured sportsbar, rubberised bedliner, assisted tailgate with central-locking function and dust-defence kit.
All Hilux models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15Gb data
Interior Upgrades
Raider: A new instrument cluster design welcomes the driver and features an 8-inch infotainment system which incorporates a floating screen-design while retaining rotary adjustment knobs for ease of use. It is framed by a metallic border – reminiscent of high-end electronics.
Legend: Legend variants receive bespoke interior treatment befitting their flagship status. A unique accent treatment is applied to the instrument cluster, interior trim panels, switchgear and gear lever. Cool, blue door illumination provides a sophisticated ambience and complements the perforated leather upholstery and black roof lining.
Exterior Colours: A total of nine exterior colours are on offer, including the newly-added Oxide Bronze (replacing Avant-Garde Bronze) and a first for Hilux, Pearl White. Attitude Black is exclusively available on 2.8 GD-6 4×4 Legend models.
More Power & Performance: The enhancements are not limited to aesthetics however, as the output of the 2.8 GD-6 engine has been boosted by 20kW to 150kW, with an additional 50Nm on offer, bringing the figure to 500Nm (in auto transmission guise).
New-Generation Infotainment: Befitting the increased urban and leisure use, Raider and Legend models boast an all-new 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. This allows users to mirror applications off their mobile phone – for seamless connectivity. Navigation applications such as Google Maps and Waze are natively included and occupants can also access their music libraries and streaming accounts via apps like Apple Music, JOOX, Spotify and SoundCloud. Wireless telephony is supported via Bluetooth with a USB input for additional media options.
All Hilux models come with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty
Safety & Security: For the first time on Hilux, the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) safety system forms part of the standard inventory on Legend 4×4 models. TSS integrates a Pre-collision system, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control – to offer drivers additional peace of mind. TSS joins the existing array of airbags, ISOFIX, seatbelt pre-tensioners and the full suite of active safety aids (ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, VSC, Trailer Sway Control, Traction Control). As before, 4×4 models also include Downhill Assist Control (DAC).
A comprehensive anti-theft system, speed-dependent auto-door lock function and remote or keyless locking functionality is included.
Toyota Connect: All Hilux models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15Gb data. Once linked to their profile, customers can manage their vehicle via the MyToyota App. This intuitive app allows on-demand service bookings, vehicle information and history, tracking data as well as Toyota Connect data recharge services and much more – latterly even including the ability to renew your vehicle license online.
Warranty and Maintenance: All Hilux models come with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty. A 9-services/90 000 km service plan is standard on all models. Customers can also purchase extended service plans and warranty packages via their Toyota dealer.
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