THE RAPIDLY rising young executive who lusts after a Mercedes-Benz but doesn't quite have the means for it might consider an alternative symbol of success - the Lexus IS300.
This luxury sports sedan looks like a Mercedes, acts like one, is more comfortable and costs a lot less.
At $319,050 from Crown Motors (tel: 2511 9430), the Lexus IS300 is one smart-looking machine. My test car gleams in black, including the door handles, bumpers, airdams - everything except the ultra-cool, five-spoke alloy wheels, the hot-looking low-profile 17-inch ZR tyres and the stylised L for Lexus.
The face of the IS300 is similar to that of an angry rattlesnake. The rear, however, resembles a fairly hi-tech extraterrestrial.
Inside, I begin to understand the blend of sports, luxury, and sedan. Settling into the recaro-style driver's seat, with its prominent lateral-hold cushions, and every-which-way electrical adjustments, I quickly forget I am in a four-door saloon.
I am in the lap of luxury, the ultimate of which is the ability to adjust the seat until it absolutely suits my body. And, after a few miles of driving, I adjust it again, just a millimetre here and there, as I settle deeper into my preferred position. Of course, the seat has memory so you can get back to that perfect position next time.