The new Lexus IS 300h is now available with the most comprehensive range of active and passive safety features in the D Premium segment.
Lexus tells us that these intuitive Lexus technologies are designed to combine optimum assistance with maximum occupant and pedestrian safety, offering drivers peace of mind and non-intrusive support with no loss of control or driving enjoyment.
And in conjunction with improved cockpit ergonomics and numerous driver aids such as a rear view monitor and parking and hill start assistance, the new IS 300h benefits from the addition of several, advanced new active safety features.
For example a new sophisticated Pre-Collision System (PCS ) offers drivers collision avoidance assistance.
PCS features a millimetre-wave radar sensor which detects obstacles in front of the car, even during cornering. PCS will provide Pre-Collision Brake Assist to supplement the driver’s own braking effort and, if a collision is inevitable, Pre-Collision Brake will automatically apply the brakes to reduce impact speed.
Another new feature is the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM ). It uses rear mounted radar to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes that are not visible in the outer door mirrors, alerting the driver with an indicator light in the relevant mirror.
And a Lexus first in Europe is a new Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA ) system employs the BSM radar to alert the driver to approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
The list just keeps running - an Automatic High Beam (AHB ) headlamp system maximises visibility at night by automatically switching to low beams when its camera detects the lights of either an oncoming or preceding vehicle.
And a Lane Departure Alert (LDA ) system helps prevent unintended lane changes by alerting the driver when the vehicle deviates from its lane without the operation of the turn signal.
An Auto Location Tyre Pressure Warning System (AL-TPWS ) displays pressure values for each of the four tyres. When low tyre pressure is detected, AL-TPWS clearly indicates which of the four tires has low-pressure status.
And finally to crown the active safety package the unique Lexus state-of-the-art Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM ) system integrates the IS’s Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS ), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD ), Traction Control (TRC ) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC ) active safety systems with the Electronic Power Steering (EPS ) to enhance performance, traction control, and vehicle stability.
Passive Safety hasn’t been forgotten either. And reflecting the stringent car-to-car impact compatibility standards unique to the Lexus marque, the new IS 300h has been created with the express aim of achieving class-leading safety in full-frontal, offset, side-on and rear collisions.
The comprehensive use of high- and ultra-high-tensile steel within the body structure optimally transfers and disperses impact load, minimising cabin deformation during a collision and maintaining space for the occupants.
A newly developed pop-up hood design creates space to absorb pedestrian impact force, allowing for the lowest possible vehicle front profile whilst optimising pedestrian impact protection.
Finally, the IS benefits from eight SRS airbags; two-stage Dual Supplementary Restraint System (SRS ) front airbags, both driver and front passenger SRS knee airbags, front and rear SRS side airbags, as well as full length SRS side curtain airbags.
