REAR VIEW FOR ALL
Lexus has now made its Rear View Camera system available in its newly launched IS250 luxury sedan.Customer demand for the feature has prompted Lexus to introduce it as an optional Enhancement Package on the IS250 Prestige just three months after launch.
The Enhancement Package also contains Satellite Navigation, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, a more sophisticated climate control system and an upgrade, a 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and moonroof.
IS250 Prestige is available at a recommended retail price of $53,890* and, with the optional Enhancement Package, it will be offered at $61,622*.
It is the least expensive in the three-model IS250 range.
The Enhancement Package was made available at launch as an option on the IS250 Sports and as standard equipment on the top-of-the-range IS250 Sports Luxury.
"Overwhelmingly, there has been enquiry from IS250 Prestige owners to have the package available on their model as well," Lexus divisional manager Scott Grant said.
"The feature they have most requested is the safety upgrade of the Rear View Camera".
Lexus has been one of the pioneers of on-board Rear View Cameras that offer the driver a view of obstacles behind the car via an Electro Multi-Vision (EMV) screen located on the centre console.
The introduction means that the SC430 and RX350 Sports grade are now the only two Lexus models not offering a Rear View Camera either as standard equipment or as an option.
Demand for IS250 has been substantial.
More than 1000 of the IS250 have been delivered during the model's first four months on sale and, in February, it made up better than 54 per cent of all Lexus registrations.
"Acceptance has been exceptional," Mr Grant said.
"Previous IS200 and IS300 combined made up 28 per cent of Lexus demand."
Lexus' growth in Australia has been exponential.
In 2004 the brand exceeded 5000 annual deliveries for the first time and last year it leapt past the 6000 mark.
The new IS250, along with other new Lexus vehicles to be launched this year, are expected to increase growth potential.
It has broken new ground by introducing a 153kW, 2.5-litre Quad Cam direct-injection V6 engine to the range.
The engine has 34 per cent more power than that in the superseded IS200.
*Recommended retail prices exclude dealer delivery, government and statutory charges and optional extras.