Lexus unleashes GS Range

Toyota’s luxury car brand Lexus has launched its all-new GS range in South Africa incorporating luxury hybrid technology and a fresh design philosophy that may very well put its competitors on the back foot.

First and foremost, the design of the new Lexus GS range is far more striking and enticing than some of its previous models making use of angular contours and spindle like grille. The new Lexus GS range incorporates four models which include the GS 250 SE, GS 350 EX, GS 450h F-Sport and the GS 450h SE.

The GS 450h F-Sport hybrid makes use of the same V6 engine used in the GS 350 EX but has been tweaked to deliver 213kw at 4600rpm. This engine is coupled with an electric motor which pushes the total power output to 252kW and is coupled to an E-CVT gearbox. Fuel consumption for this model sits at 6.2 litres per/100km. Four drive modes are available with this model and include Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+.

The GS 350 makes use of a V6 engine similar to the Lexus IS350 and is capable of 233kW at 6400rpm. The GS 350 makes use of a six-speed automatic gearbox and exhibits a fuel consumption figure of 9.4 litres/100km.

The entry-level GS 250 is powered by a 2.6 litre V6 and produces 154kW at 6400rpm and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption for this model sits at 8.9 litres/100km. The GS 250 will be launched in the month of July 2012.

From an interior perspective Lexus has done well to maintain a high standard of comfort and luxury as you would expect and very few customers will be disappointed with Lexus’ latest GS offering. Here’s what you can expect to pay for a new Lexus GS,

Lexus GS Prices

GS 250 EX - R494 400

GS 350 EX - R564 900

GS 450h F-Sport - R753 700

GS 450h SE - R771 700

All models are covered by a 4-year/100 000km warranty. EX models carry Lexus’ ‘Distance Plan Plus’. The F-Sport and SE models are covered by ‘Distance Plan Complete’  

Look to the Toyota Auris HSD for Green Value

As you may well know by now, the push towards greener motoring is slowly filtering onto our roads despite the outright dominance of petrol and diesel engines currently used. Hybrid cars are few and far between and Toyota is making a concerted effort to change the trend towards greener motoring primarily through the Toyota Prius.

However, the Prius does not come cheap at the odd R370 000 and Toyota have introduced the Toyota Auris HSD to mend your wallet towards greener driving. The Auris HSD hatchback is also a hybrid and is significantly more affordable than the Prius going for between R272 500 and R299 600, good news for those of us who value green driving.

The Auris HSD hybrid synergy drivetrain is the same as that of the Prius with a 73kW 1.8 litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine combined with a 60kW electric motor. Variable transmission makes the interplay between the two unnoticeable to the driver.

The Toyota Auris HSD claims to consume only 4 litres / 100km with a CO2 emissions figure of just 93g/km. Thankfully the Auris also offers a comfortable ride and is a solution if you are looking for an affordable hybrid car to help out the birds and the bees.  

Toyota World’s Top Seller

Toyota has taken back the No.1 position as the world’s top selling car company in the first quarter of 2012. The Toyota brand which includes Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino sold 2.49 million units in three months up to March 31, stealing the lead from General Motors who sold 2.28 million units. Volkswagen takes third position with a sales figure of 2.16 million units sold.

Toyota lost its lead to GM in 2010 after facing major hurdles which included quality issues, the earthquake in Japan and the floods in Thailand in 2011. Despite these hurdles, Toyota has come back fighting and will look to maintain this strong position going forward into the future.