Luxurious Lexus
Illawarra Mercury
Saturday October 13, 2001
THE automobile industry's bible on interior design has declared the Lexus flagship LS 430 the Interior of the Year.
US-based Auto Interior magazine described Lexus LS 430 as ``a virtual living room on wheels" in its citation for the Car & Truck Interior of the Year Award.
The magazine's staff screened 48 new vehicles before announcing the decision.
The entries were reduced to six finalists, which were put through a two-day static and on-road examination to determine the winner.
Auto Interior's editors said they were taken aback by the way LS 430's multiple creature comforts and innovations were integrated.
``Separate wood-coated inserts on the centre stack and console gently fold back to reveal the CD player and ashtray, adding to refined interior aesthetics," they stated. ``Cockpit controls are prevalent but not pervasive, and most are intuitive.
``Despite all its intrinsic gadgetry, one mustn't lose sight of what truly sets Lexus LS 430 apart from the competition: unparalleled occupant comfort."
Interior amenities the report singled out included dual-zone front and rear seat climate controls and floor vents, and oscillating and sun-sensing air vents that automatically regulate cabin temperature.
If sunlight is concentrated on one side of the car, the airconditioner outlet registers will automatically deliver more cooling air to that side.
New generation Lexus LS 430 was launched world-wide in 2000.
During its development, Lexus engineers travelled the world studying first-class airline seats, luxury jet interiors, five-star hotels, fine jewellery and watchmakers and musical instrument makers.
© 2001 Illawarra Mercury
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