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Lexus SC430 Open 430

For:
V8 engine and auto gearbox make for a syrupy-smooth and very fast car that's beautifully made and lacks nothing in terms of equipment.

Against:
Rear seat and boot space are poor. Grand tourer feel let down by excessive road noise and a mediocre ride.



Performance

There's only one engine/transmission combination in the SC430 but it is the magnificent 4.3-litre V8 and five-speed auto from the LS430 saloon. There's mighty, linear pull and instantaneous smooth kickdown into a lower gear as soon as you hit the throttle, giving rapid response.

Ride & handling

The SC430 can't match the mix of agility and comfort offered by the Mercedes SL, but revisions in late 2004 have given the Lexus a more settled ride than before. It still thumps into sharp bumps more than it should, but there is more control over broken backroads.

Refinement

The Lexus V8 and five-speed automatic 'box make for one of the smoothest and quietest production powertrains, and the SC430 also keeps wind noise nicely at bay below the legal limit, even with the roof down. But there is too much tyre noise on any kind of grainy surface, which undermines the Lexus's credentials as a long-distance cruiser.

Buying & owning

The SC430 is expensive, but good value because of the level of equipment. However, its rarity isn't enough to keep values as high as prestige rivals'. As a business car it attracts the top-rate tax penalty and its 23.5mpg average fuel consumption and modest tank give a range of less than 300 miles.

Quality & reliability

Lexus has earned a justified reputation for flawless build quality and utter reliability, and the SC430 - based on the old GS and LS powertrain - does nothing to change that. The cabin materials were said to have been inspired by luxury yachts and look classy, although cheap column stalks disturb the aura.

Safety & security

The only safety kit missing is a curtain airbag on each side - understandable in a car configured to run with the roof stashed in the boot. The company's security provisions are legendary - a Lexus was the first car to score 100% in a What Car? Security Test - and the SC430 is just as well defended.

Behind the wheel

You set your driving position - seat, mirrors and wheel - electrically, and the car remembers it. The cabin is a haven of wood, leather and classy metals. It's cosy but not cramped, although the high waistline and the curving roofline block rear three-quarter vision. Storage space is good, and there is, of course, good provision for cup holding.

Space & practicality

Any car which stows its roof in the boot is going to have packaging flaws. When that roof is metal and needs motors to move it, the flaws are magnified. The rear seats of the SC are largely useless and the space would have been better used as a ledge for extra baggage. Roof up, the boot is still only modest.

Equipment

Everything comes as standard with the SC430. Along with the metal folding roof, five-speed auto gearbox and wood-and-leather trim, buyers also get a touch-screen multi-function display with satellite navigation, a top drawer hi-fi system and climate control included in the highly impressive list of standard equipment.

Running Costs

Town mpg

17.3

Out of Town mpg

32.8

Average mpg

24.8

Tank Capacity (gallons)

16.5

CO2 Rating (g/km)

269

Insurance Group

19

Typical Insurance Quote

£877

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

29

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£0

Pence Per Mile

0

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£0

Servicing Intervals

10/20k

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 12yr Perforation + 3yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Open

Number of Doors

2

Number of Seats

4

Engine (cc/type)

4293/V8

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

282/5600

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Rear

Length (mm)

4535

Width (mm)

1825

Height (mm)

1370

Boot Space (min ltr)

135

Boot Space (max ltr)

368

Turning Circle (m)

5.7

Towing Weight(kg)

N/A

Kerb Weight (kg)

1790

View the What Car? Road Test for: