Convertible that's filled with creature comforts.

Byline: Patrick James

OPEN-TOP motoring has always been a favourite with us Brits. We buy more convertibles than anyone in Europe, which would be something of a shock to most people, given the climate.

So we must be made of sturdy stuff.

But not all are prepared to endure those rigours without some creature comforts, so cars like the new coupe cabriolet from Lexus fill a neat gap in the luxury open-top car market.

It is good looking, despite having a large rear end, extensively equipped and possesses one of the most efficient, and compact folding roofs in the business.

It is also very aerodynamic, its sleek styling producing little drag, so it slides through the air with the greatest of ease, meaning less wind noise and better economy with a respectable 30mpg achievable. Not bad for such a big car with a powerful engine.

Made from aluminium in three sections, the roof can be raised or retracted in just 21 seconds.

Better still, when folded away, the boot offers class-leading luggage space of 583 litres, which reduces to 235 litres with the roof folded - limo to supermini proportions.

Another clever innovation are sensors that can detect if the roof will hit anything in the folding sequence and halt the process.

The car is based on the IS saloon, with bonnet, headlamps, door handles and mirrors shared. All the other components are unique, say Lexus, to harmonise with the roof.

Roof up or down, the car is comfortable and refined. A full four-seater, there is little road or wind noise, which you would expect from a Lexus, but not necessarily a convertible. With the roof down and a cold wind blowing, occupants are kept snug thanks to heated eight-way adjustable seats and dual zone climate control that adjusts to the outside temperature.

The interior, even on the cheapest model, is an Aladdin''s Cave of bells, whistle and electric gizmos.

Neat touches include a one-touch electric front seat fold and slide action to make access the rear simple.

It also features front and rear parking sensors, automatic windscreen wipers, smart keyless entry and push-button start, auto-dimming rear view mirror, electric folding and heated door mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels and aluminium sports pedals.

The SE-L model adds auto-dimming door mirrors, adaptive front-lights, satellite navigation and a park assist monitor. Build quality is typical Lexus where everything slides into place accurately or closes with a reassuring thud. Materials are high quality and durable, while the console and binnacle dials are designed to be more visible with the roof down and not suffer from the sun''s glare.

The rigid body structure means there is little evidence of body flex when cornering while the ride is comfortable and smooth. The only slight disappointment was the 2.5-litre V6 engine, which should pack a punch with 205bhp on tap.

It sounds sweet enough, but feels slightly sluggish off the mark before accelerating to 60mph in nine seconds.

However, the six-speed automatic gearbox is seamless and shifts are barely noticeable. There is also the option to go manual with the paddle shifts behind the steering wheel.

Owners expect their Lexus to be safe and the 250C is one of the safest with an array of safety technology including stability and traction control, six airbags, including front and larger side airbags that provide head protection in the event of a side impact.

This is an impressive new entry into the world of large convertibles and being a Lexus has plenty to offer.

FAST FACTS Model: Lexus IS 250C SE-L Price: pounds 43,250 Engine: Mechanical: 204bhp, 2,499cc six-cylinder petrol engine driving the rear wheels via six-speed automatic gearbox Max speed: 130mph 0-62mph: 9 seconds Combined mpg: 30.4 Insurance group: 15 CO2 emissions: 219g/km BIK rating: 30%

CAPTION(S):

TOP DOWN The Lexus IS 250C SE-L doesn't fall short of the high quality that can be expected of the manufacturer.