Lexus IS 350 generates more than attractive styling

When you are laying out coin for a compact sport sedan, what really matters?

Handling, styling, engine, transmission, steering and braking are each important factors, but I imagine the final decision boils down to attachment between driver and machine and which set of wheels connects most of the dots.

Driving enthusiasts of this nature tend to be persnickety, too, making the final decision all the more difficult. There is good news in this segment, however, in that there are just a handful of cars that measure up. Many will say hands down the Lexus IS 350 is their choice.

Others will side with the new Mercedes-Benz C Class, the traditional BMW 3 Series, Infiniti Q50, Audi A4 or soon to be Tesla Model 3. The truth is, any of these fine cars will work their magic, but overall the IS 350 should get your attention.

Some of the competitors are more track-worthy than the Lexus, but then how often do you take your wheels around the oval? What we found in a week of testing the IS 350 is a precision machine with high-end technologies that dampen the ride to your liking, an engine that delivers on command and an upscale interior surrounded with soft materials.

Curb appeal is high with the sculpted black mesh grille on our tester, an all-wheel-drive with optional F Sport package. Base price for the IS 350 is $40,065, pricier than some of the competition.

Powering the Lexus is a 306 horsepower V-6 with a special add-on that, well, makes it growl. The 350 is no slouch with a clocked time of 5.8 seconds in the run up to 60 mph.

When you tromp on the pedal, more than just raw torque comes to life. Lexus added a sound generating tubing section onto the air intake that beefs up the otherwise whisper-quiet engine, resulting in a throatier note.

While there are a number of option packages to gussy up an already upscale car, the standard list of equipment is impressive. The base car includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, an 8-inch color display with console control dial, voice command, full power including seats, leatherette upholstery, connectivity inputs, LED lighting, eight speaker audio, dual climate control and more.

An eight-speed automatic transmission works well whether winding through back roads or cruising on interstate roadway. Steering is precise, and road manners will not disappoint your need for speed when called for. The IS feels at home during a night on the town as much as it does when you want to put it through its paces.

Its sport-tuned suspension is further enhanced with adaptive dampers to hold the road in all sorts of maneuvers. Interior room is generous front and back. Controls, buttons and knobs are intuitively placed for driver access.

If you are shopping this segment, be sure to include the IS 350 as well as other sedans in your test drive. While it may not be the fastest of the bunch, its refinement and upscale ride may just win you over.

• Email Len Ingrassia at lenscarcorner@ptd.net.