In the compact luxury segment, most automakers offer a variety of body styles. The Lexus IS range now includes a convertible model. The four-passenger IS C features a three-panel retractable hard top. The hard top design allows the driver to enjoy top-down motoring in nice weather while providing more security than a soft top during bad weather. Like the IS sedan, the IS C is offered as an IS 250 C with a 204-bhp small displacement V6 or the IS 350 C with a more powerful 3.5L V6. With prices starting at around $42,000, the main difference between the two models is the powertrain. Although the base model is well equipped, several pricey option packages allow a degree of customization.

What Changed:

The six-speed manual transmission has been dropped.