Lexus GS430

To augment its superb engineering, Lexus is now moving towards beautifying its image and the new GS is a proof that the company is now taking a long hard look at how its products should be portrayed. There are two GS versions - the six-cylinder GS300 and the V8-engined GS430 (which we test here). The latter's 279bhp unit is carried over from the previous line-up, whereas the former now boasts a smooth 228bhp 3.0-litre V6 instead.

While the different power plants cater for different audiences, what one sees is what one gets and on the outside the GS now comes wrapped in a body whose elegant lines are much more attractive than its predecessor's.

A Lexus should have a special interior and the inside of the new GS fits the bill. There is a precision, luxury feel with ultra-premium wood, polished metal and leather accents. Everything inside the GS is designed and styled to create a haven for comfort with touch points that convey quality and controls that respond with confidence.

The GS incorporates a lot of intuitive features. It begins with the Smart Access keyless entry and new push-to-start ignition system that allows the driver to keep the access fob in their pocket or purse. A new gauge cluster was developed that features machined aluminum facings. The GS430 comes with a Mark Levinson designed hi-fi, unique to Lexus.

The Lexus DVD-based satellite navigation system is offered with a simple touch-screen operating system. The GS430 also comes with the Lexus Parking Assist system, which uses a rear-view camera linked to the central display screen to provide ideal guidance for reverse manoeuvres.

The output from the V8 isn't vast but it's easily exploited, with a fine spread of torque and a six-speed automatic box to make good use of it. The 279 horses do their job with a zest and exuberance that is quite refreshing, thanks to the wide spread of torque available.

Power is transferred to the road via the rear wheels, with the 6-speed automatic transmission with its wide range of ratios doing a great job of channeling the energy produced up front. The automatic has a multi-mode feature, wherein manual shifts can be actuated to provide a sportier driving feel.

On the road we found the downshifts to be jerky at times but the chassis has such good balance and fluency, having great front-end grip and near precise rear-drive handling. The suspension definitely has a sporty bias, delivering a hard ride on poor surfaces - in many ways thanks to the 18-inch alloys.

But on smooth black top, the GS430 is a joy to drive and drive hard. It tracks straight and handling is absolutely fluent. There is tautness to this car that is so inspiring, and with all that hi-tech working unseen for the driver; the GS430 can raise your ego by several notches. But notwithstanding, the GS430 is still some way behind its competition in terms of pure driving pleasure (read that as sporty) and Lexus has to work a bit harder in this respect to make converts out of its detractors.

Now that it has got the looks, it needs some more pep and excitement to truly emerge as a global car. Knowing Lexus, this shouldn't be a problem.