Lexus SC Roadster 2001 - Present

The SC is something of an irony within the Lexus range. It's the smallest car in their catalogue and despite their being a big, luxury car maker the SC is probably their best model and greatest asset. Designed to go up against the likes of Porsche and Jaguar the SC is competitively priced and extremely well put together. The SC is big for a two seater, yes I know it's a four seater, technically, but the back seats are really for children or shopping/luggage only.

Inside the SC the levels of refinement are consistent with other Lexus', namely the highest quality. The levels of sound insulation are impressive even with the roof down, although there is a slightly disappointing level of tyre noise, but that's only really evident because the other noises are so well suppressed. The ride is a little harsh and can be somewhat jarring. This is because the suspension is set up to offer top handling and cornering ability, which it does but you have to wonder if it's worth the pain. The luxury Japanese manufacturer hasn't quite managed to get a hold of balancing the handling and comfort needs to supply both in spades in the way some of the European manufacturers have. That said the engine is a real work of art. Boasting a torque figure higher than it's power output, which is extremely unusual. The Torque figure is 309 lb ft and power output is 280 bhp, and the resulting engine offers a really versatile unit that pulls like an ox from really low down the rev range. It will reach 60 mph in 6.4 seconds which for the class of car it probably roughly what you'd expect. It's a figure made impressive by the fact that the car weighs 1740 kg though. Restricted to 155 mph the SC always feels in control of it's speed and with such a large weight it grips the road like a magnetic attraction, although the weight factor no doubt contributes to the pretty terrible early twenties fuel consumption that it returns.

The SC isn't a particularly practical car, as mentioned earlier on the back seats are really too small for adult company in the back, but it's not the sort of car that you buy for it's practical ability. Although for something that weighs so much you'd expect more useful room, or more inventive use the available space. The boot is much smaller than many of it's rivals and while practical issues shouldn't really be a concern, the ability to go away for the week with more than one people is essential for such a good cruiser so you need room for your baggage.

The SC is the best Lexus to drive and it gives a realistic alternative to the established favourites in the class but you can't help feel that the investment could have been better directed and offered a better yield.

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