FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ignition GT review
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2019 Lexus ES (7th Generation)
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FiestaST
Honorary Master
Safest cars tested in 2018: Euro NCAP names ‘Best in Class’
Euro NCAP has announced its annual “Best in Class” cars, with three of the vehicles tested in 2018 qualifying for the award (and all naturally scoring a full five stars).
Interestingly, the safety authority says some categories “may not be represented” as it has tested “too few cars of that class in 2018”.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class was the best performer in the small family car segment and also scored the year’s overall best result. It garnered 96 percent for adult occupant safety, 91 percent for child occupant safety, 92 percent for vulnerable road-user safety and 75 percent for its safety assistance technology.
The Lexus ES, meanwhile, was the best all-round performer in the large family car category and also claimed Euro NCAP’s new award for best performing hybrid or electric car in the 2018 season of safety testing. It scored 91 percent for adult occupant safety, 87 percent for child occupant safety, 90 percent for vulnerable road-user safety and 77 percent for its safety assistance technology.
Lastly, the hydrogen-powered Hyundai Nexo was the best of the large off-roaders, scoring 94 percent for adult occupant safety, 87 percent for child occupant safety, 67 percent for vulnerable road-user safety and 80 percent for its safety assistance technology.
Interestingly, the Hyundai Santa Fe achieved the same overall score as the Nexo but didn’t qualify since Euro NCAP says it is “currently subject to a safety recall”.
“In 2018 we introduced tough new tests, with a particular focus on vulnerable road user protection. The three ‘Best in Class’ award winners this year all clearly demonstrate that car-makers are striving for the highest levels of protection and that Euro NCAP’s assessments are a catalyst for these crucial safety improvements,” said Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/safest-cars-tested-in-2018-euro-ncap-names-best-in-class/
Euro NCAP has announced its annual “Best in Class” cars, with three of the vehicles tested in 2018 qualifying for the award (and all naturally scoring a full five stars).
Interestingly, the safety authority says some categories “may not be represented” as it has tested “too few cars of that class in 2018”.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class was the best performer in the small family car segment and also scored the year’s overall best result. It garnered 96 percent for adult occupant safety, 91 percent for child occupant safety, 92 percent for vulnerable road-user safety and 75 percent for its safety assistance technology.
The Lexus ES, meanwhile, was the best all-round performer in the large family car category and also claimed Euro NCAP’s new award for best performing hybrid or electric car in the 2018 season of safety testing. It scored 91 percent for adult occupant safety, 87 percent for child occupant safety, 90 percent for vulnerable road-user safety and 77 percent for its safety assistance technology.
Lastly, the hydrogen-powered Hyundai Nexo was the best of the large off-roaders, scoring 94 percent for adult occupant safety, 87 percent for child occupant safety, 67 percent for vulnerable road-user safety and 80 percent for its safety assistance technology.
Interestingly, the Hyundai Santa Fe achieved the same overall score as the Nexo but didn’t qualify since Euro NCAP says it is “currently subject to a safety recall”.
“In 2018 we introduced tough new tests, with a particular focus on vulnerable road user protection. The three ‘Best in Class’ award winners this year all clearly demonstrate that car-makers are striving for the highest levels of protection and that Euro NCAP’s assessments are a catalyst for these crucial safety improvements,” said Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/safest-cars-tested-in-2018-euro-ncap-names-best-in-class/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Lexus ES 300h 2019 review
Should I buy one?
Powertrain aside, the ES is probably the most competitive mainstream Lexus on sale. It’s dynamically comparable to a Mercedes E-Class, rides and steers better than a Volvo S90, and is closer to those two cars than the GS ever was to the 5 Series and Jaguar XF.
The ES300h’s low Benefit in Kind rating will surely appeal to fleet buyers put off by diesel offerings, too. And they’d be getting a fine car - but with no plans to introduce another powertrain, keen drivers that like to exploit their car’s performance and enjoy some mechanical interaction should absolutely look elsewhere.
The economy-focused hybrid has its merits: it’s cheaper to buy than a full plug-in hybrid, doesn’t require messing around with cables and should be endlessly reliable. For traffic-clogged commuting, its simplicity and frugality is ideal.
We’d opt for a base spec with a choice option pack rather than this fully-loaded Takumi model. The few thousand pounds saved there could be put towards something without a CVT gearbox to enjoy driving at the weekend.
Lexus ES 300h Takumi specifications
Where Malaga, Spain Price £45,800 On sale Now Engine 4cyls, 2494cc petrol, plus 120bhp electric motor Power 215bhp at 5700rpm Torque 163lb ft at 3600-5200rpm Gearbox Continuously variable transmission Kerb weight 1740kg Top speed 112mph 0-62mph 8.9sec Fuel economy 52.95mpg (WLTP) CO2 106g/km (NEDC) Rivals Volvo S90, Mercedes E-Class
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/lexus/es/first-drives/lexus-es-300h-2019-review
Should I buy one?
Powertrain aside, the ES is probably the most competitive mainstream Lexus on sale. It’s dynamically comparable to a Mercedes E-Class, rides and steers better than a Volvo S90, and is closer to those two cars than the GS ever was to the 5 Series and Jaguar XF.
The ES300h’s low Benefit in Kind rating will surely appeal to fleet buyers put off by diesel offerings, too. And they’d be getting a fine car - but with no plans to introduce another powertrain, keen drivers that like to exploit their car’s performance and enjoy some mechanical interaction should absolutely look elsewhere.
The economy-focused hybrid has its merits: it’s cheaper to buy than a full plug-in hybrid, doesn’t require messing around with cables and should be endlessly reliable. For traffic-clogged commuting, its simplicity and frugality is ideal.
We’d opt for a base spec with a choice option pack rather than this fully-loaded Takumi model. The few thousand pounds saved there could be put towards something without a CVT gearbox to enjoy driving at the weekend.
Lexus ES 300h Takumi specifications
Where Malaga, Spain Price £45,800 On sale Now Engine 4cyls, 2494cc petrol, plus 120bhp electric motor Power 215bhp at 5700rpm Torque 163lb ft at 3600-5200rpm Gearbox Continuously variable transmission Kerb weight 1740kg Top speed 112mph 0-62mph 8.9sec Fuel economy 52.95mpg (WLTP) CO2 106g/km (NEDC) Rivals Volvo S90, Mercedes E-Class
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/lexus/es/first-drives/lexus-es-300h-2019-review
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Alex on Autos review
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Lexus ES 300h SE (2019) Review
Fast facts
Price: R843 800
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder + electric motor
Transmission: e-CVT (automatic)
Fuel economy: 4.6 L/100 km
Power/Torque: 160 kW (combined)/221 (+electric) Nm
Price and Warranty
The 300h SE derivative of the ES range retails for R843 800 (February 2019), which includes a 7-Year/105 000 km warranty and an industry-leading 7-year/105 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
Suffice to say the flagship of the new Lexus ES range makes a very strong first impression – and grows more likeable the more you drive it. Its aesthetic packaging has a great sense of occasion, the interior looks and feels grand and, what’s more, the feature-packed specification adds a sense of value for money, which seems odd at the ES 300h’s price point, but makes sense if you consider the lengths of its rivals’ options lists.
Alas, it’s not an all-rounder – it’s a handsome, spacious, luxurious and comfortable cruiser that reminds of plush land yachts of yesteryear, but then that might be exactly what most members of its target market are looking for. We sense that Lexus’ 2.0-litre turbo motor or even the venerable naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 might add a bit more pizzazz to the ES' driving experience, but as things stand, the hybrid setup is probably best suited to well-heeled commuters who need to negotiate gridlock traffic on the way to (and back from) their offices as (fuel) efficiently as possible.
Also consider that thanks to the 7-year/105 000 km maintenance plan, the Lexus represents a better-than-most long-term ownership proposition, which is a big plus, seeing that rapid depreciation hurts executive sedans (across the board) harder than hatchbacks and SUVs… Let us put it this way: you don’t want to sell on these cars after a couple of years of ownership unless you absolutely have to. To soften the blow, however, Lexus offers a number of guaranteed future value deals on the ES range from the outset – click here to learn more about Future Drive packages.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/lexus-es-300h-se-2019-review/46048/
Fast facts
Price: R843 800
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder + electric motor
Transmission: e-CVT (automatic)
Fuel economy: 4.6 L/100 km
Power/Torque: 160 kW (combined)/221 (+electric) Nm
Price and Warranty
The 300h SE derivative of the ES range retails for R843 800 (February 2019), which includes a 7-Year/105 000 km warranty and an industry-leading 7-year/105 000 km maintenance plan.
Verdict
Suffice to say the flagship of the new Lexus ES range makes a very strong first impression – and grows more likeable the more you drive it. Its aesthetic packaging has a great sense of occasion, the interior looks and feels grand and, what’s more, the feature-packed specification adds a sense of value for money, which seems odd at the ES 300h’s price point, but makes sense if you consider the lengths of its rivals’ options lists.
Alas, it’s not an all-rounder – it’s a handsome, spacious, luxurious and comfortable cruiser that reminds of plush land yachts of yesteryear, but then that might be exactly what most members of its target market are looking for. We sense that Lexus’ 2.0-litre turbo motor or even the venerable naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 might add a bit more pizzazz to the ES' driving experience, but as things stand, the hybrid setup is probably best suited to well-heeled commuters who need to negotiate gridlock traffic on the way to (and back from) their offices as (fuel) efficiently as possible.
Also consider that thanks to the 7-year/105 000 km maintenance plan, the Lexus represents a better-than-most long-term ownership proposition, which is a big plus, seeing that rapid depreciation hurts executive sedans (across the board) harder than hatchbacks and SUVs… Let us put it this way: you don’t want to sell on these cars after a couple of years of ownership unless you absolutely have to. To soften the blow, however, Lexus offers a number of guaranteed future value deals on the ES range from the outset – click here to learn more about Future Drive packages.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/lexus-es-300h-se-2019-review/46048/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Carwow in-depth review of the 2019 ES
FiestaST
Honorary Master
REVIEW: Lexus ES 250 EX - Why social influencers will love it!
In summary
The Lexus ES 250 EX is a brilliant car. Done. I can forgive the gearbox, because the car makes up more than for it in its drive. I can forgive the lack of a turbocharger, because there is adequate punch from the engine when needed.
I can overlook the not-so-sensitive-anymore touchpad, because I’m seated in the lap of luxury. There are plenty of cars to be had for under R600 000, but you’d really have to look hard to find something as special as this. To find something as well-kitted as the Lexus ES 250 EX.
Now if I’m having an objective field day with what I deem to be a near-perfect car, can you imagine how automakers will love a social influencer’s opinion! #Blessed #BlessedLife
https://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModel...-why-social-influencers-will-love-it-20190319
In summary
The Lexus ES 250 EX is a brilliant car. Done. I can forgive the gearbox, because the car makes up more than for it in its drive. I can forgive the lack of a turbocharger, because there is adequate punch from the engine when needed.
I can overlook the not-so-sensitive-anymore touchpad, because I’m seated in the lap of luxury. There are plenty of cars to be had for under R600 000, but you’d really have to look hard to find something as special as this. To find something as well-kitted as the Lexus ES 250 EX.
Now if I’m having an objective field day with what I deem to be a near-perfect car, can you imagine how automakers will love a social influencer’s opinion! #Blessed #BlessedLife
https://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModel...-why-social-influencers-will-love-it-20190319
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Juliet drives the new Lexus ES250 EX
MrGray
Honorary Master
I just don't know if I could get past those two huge nobs sticking out of either side of the instrument binnacle like Shrek's ears.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
I was expecting a comment about Juliet & the vid lol
TheChamp
Honorary Master
I no longer care to watch her videos, that woman is overwhelming.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Not even for the lulz?
TheChamp
Honorary Master
Not really, I think the only time I go through the whole video is when she is on Ignition GT, besides that I am not a fan.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Carbuyer review
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Lexus ES Hybrid (2020) Launch Review
Summary
While South Africa hasn’t had to adhere to many of the strict CO2 restrictions of Europe and much of the developed world, companies and individuals are becoming significantly more aware of vehicles' effect on the environment and are seeking out ways to mitigate their harmful emissions. When having to choose between, say, a turbodiesel- and a hybrid-powered model, environmental awareness may sway some consumers' purchasing decisions to the latter...
That’s not a bad thing, because the ES is an excellent offering. The ride is supremely comfortable and the drivetrain, despite its complexity, is up to the task of matching that premium feel and laid-back-luxury persona.
The Lexus' interior is upmarket and has more soft-touch and high-end materials than some of its German counterparts. It is a little behind the game in terms of infotainment capability; it lacks those nice crisp instrumentation and infotainment screens that are now common in this segment, but the Japanese offering is well-priced enough to intrigue those shopping in the mid- to upper end of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class segment.
Pricing in South Africa (January 2020)
ES 250 EX R640 400
ES 300h EX R774 300.
ES 300h SE R910 900.
All Lexus models are offered with a standard 7-year/105 000km warranty and maintenance plan.
www.cars.co.za
Summary
While South Africa hasn’t had to adhere to many of the strict CO2 restrictions of Europe and much of the developed world, companies and individuals are becoming significantly more aware of vehicles' effect on the environment and are seeking out ways to mitigate their harmful emissions. When having to choose between, say, a turbodiesel- and a hybrid-powered model, environmental awareness may sway some consumers' purchasing decisions to the latter...
That’s not a bad thing, because the ES is an excellent offering. The ride is supremely comfortable and the drivetrain, despite its complexity, is up to the task of matching that premium feel and laid-back-luxury persona.
The Lexus' interior is upmarket and has more soft-touch and high-end materials than some of its German counterparts. It is a little behind the game in terms of infotainment capability; it lacks those nice crisp instrumentation and infotainment screens that are now common in this segment, but the Japanese offering is well-priced enough to intrigue those shopping in the mid- to upper end of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class segment.
Pricing in South Africa (January 2020)
ES 250 EX R640 400
ES 300h EX R774 300.
ES 300h SE R910 900.
All Lexus models are offered with a standard 7-year/105 000km warranty and maintenance plan.
Lexus ES Hybrid (2020) Launch Review
The Lexus ES executive sedan range now sports a pair of petrol-electric hybrid derivatives. As severe weather patterns across the globe heighten consumers' awareness of climate change and the need for greater conservation of our environment, has Lexus stolen a march on its (mainly Teutonic)...
FiestaST
Honorary Master
DRIVEN: Lexus ES300h EX
Still, from the bustling roads of Sandton to long stretches of the N1, the ES300h proves to be a calm and collected chariot. It boasts impressive levels of refinement and a ride that’s neither too rigid nor too floaty (thanks in part to that rear wishbone suspension setup). This, of course, combined with the fact it’s front-wheel driven, detracts from the sedan's dynamic ability somewhat but that certainly isn't cause for concern for the average ES buyer.
More importantly, the saloon's hybrid system noticeably improves overall fuel consumption, helping us achieve an indicated figure of 5,6 L/100 km over the day's 300 km route (despite the vehicle carrying four people, with its luggage compartment fully loaded).
There's no denying the market for a hybrid sedan in South Africa is tiny, with many buyers instead opting for more conventional German sedans (or, indeed, crossovers). But if you have your eye on the ES, slipping in behind the wheel of this new variant will feel like money well spent. You'll get comfort, refinement, luxury and even a dash of exclusivity...
FAST FACTS
Model: Lexus ES300h EX
Price: R774 300
Engine: 2,5-litre, four-cylinder, petrol
Power: 160 kW
Torque: 221 N.m +e
0-100 km/h: 8,9 seconds
Top Speed: 180 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 4,6 L/100 km
CO2: 180 g/km
Transmission: eCVT
Maintenance Plan: 7-year/105 000 km
www.carmag.co.za
Still, from the bustling roads of Sandton to long stretches of the N1, the ES300h proves to be a calm and collected chariot. It boasts impressive levels of refinement and a ride that’s neither too rigid nor too floaty (thanks in part to that rear wishbone suspension setup). This, of course, combined with the fact it’s front-wheel driven, detracts from the sedan's dynamic ability somewhat but that certainly isn't cause for concern for the average ES buyer.
More importantly, the saloon's hybrid system noticeably improves overall fuel consumption, helping us achieve an indicated figure of 5,6 L/100 km over the day's 300 km route (despite the vehicle carrying four people, with its luggage compartment fully loaded).
There's no denying the market for a hybrid sedan in South Africa is tiny, with many buyers instead opting for more conventional German sedans (or, indeed, crossovers). But if you have your eye on the ES, slipping in behind the wheel of this new variant will feel like money well spent. You'll get comfort, refinement, luxury and even a dash of exclusivity...
FAST FACTS
Model: Lexus ES300h EX
Price: R774 300
Engine: 2,5-litre, four-cylinder, petrol
Power: 160 kW
Torque: 221 N.m +e
0-100 km/h: 8,9 seconds
Top Speed: 180 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 4,6 L/100 km
CO2: 180 g/km
Transmission: eCVT
Maintenance Plan: 7-year/105 000 km
DRIVEN: Lexus ES300h EX - CAR Magazine
JOHANNESBURG – As a large sedan employing a hybrid powertrain, the Lexus ES300h EX represents a niche within a niche in South Africa. And with […]
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Lexus launches less expensive ES300h model
Lexus is hoping to get more luxury sedan buyers into hybrids with the launch of the ES300h EX model, which slots neatly between the current ES250 EX and ES300h SE.
At R774 300 it costs a cool R136 600 less than its SE hybrid sibling, but still R133 900 more than the non-hybrid ES250 EX.
It’s a more affordable way to experience the Japanese brand’s four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain, which mates a 2.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine, with direct injection as well more efficient Atkinson-cycle port injection, to an electric motor for a total system output of 160kW. It’s not a lot quicker than the non-hybrid 250 model, with Lexus claiming an 8.9 second 0-100km/h sprint time versus 9.1s, but there is an economy advantage, with the 300h sipping a claimed 4.6 litres per 100km/h versus 6.6 l/100km for the 250.
The hybrid model employs a CVT gearbox, but there are eight ‘simulated’ gears which the driver can flick through using steering-mounted paddle shifters.
Given the 136 grand price difference between the 300h EX and SE models, it’s understandable that Lexus has removed a few luxury items from the former, although that information had not been made available at the time of writing.
www.iol.co.za
Lexus is hoping to get more luxury sedan buyers into hybrids with the launch of the ES300h EX model, which slots neatly between the current ES250 EX and ES300h SE.
At R774 300 it costs a cool R136 600 less than its SE hybrid sibling, but still R133 900 more than the non-hybrid ES250 EX.
It’s a more affordable way to experience the Japanese brand’s four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain, which mates a 2.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine, with direct injection as well more efficient Atkinson-cycle port injection, to an electric motor for a total system output of 160kW. It’s not a lot quicker than the non-hybrid 250 model, with Lexus claiming an 8.9 second 0-100km/h sprint time versus 9.1s, but there is an economy advantage, with the 300h sipping a claimed 4.6 litres per 100km/h versus 6.6 l/100km for the 250.
The hybrid model employs a CVT gearbox, but there are eight ‘simulated’ gears which the driver can flick through using steering-mounted paddle shifters.
Given the 136 grand price difference between the 300h EX and SE models, it’s understandable that Lexus has removed a few luxury items from the former, although that information had not been made available at the time of writing.
Lexus launches less expensive ES300h model
The new Lexus ES300h EX slots neatly between the non-hybrid 250 model and the flagship 300h SE.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
DRIVEN | Lexus’ new ES300h EX proves that luxury can be affordable
m.wheels24.co.za
DRIVEN | Lexus’ new ES300h EX proves that luxury can be affordable | Life
'Lexus has pieced together such a calibrated formula with their new ES250 and 300 range that it rubs shoulders with the likes of Bavaria, Ingolstadt, and Wolfsburg’s finest examples', writes Robin Classen.
m.wheels24.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
LibeRebil lauch review of the ES Hybrid
FiestaST
Honorary Master
MotorMatters review of the ES 300h EX