2013 Lexus IS 250C

Acceleration with the smallish V6 is certainly adequate, but not a selling point. The driving experience is smooth but not thrilling, and hushed with the metal top in place. Convertible buyer aren't usually looking for a big back seat, which is a good thing since the rear of the IS is best suited to short trips and children. Trunk is sufficient for weekend trips and grocery shopping so long as the top is up; folding the top away limits trunk space to a golf bag. The cabin feels indulgent thanks to relaxing front bucket seats and leather upholstery on almost every surface.

To cover a wider swath of the market, Lexus offers two upgrade packages: Luxury and F Sport. In luxury trim, the IS 250C sports upgraded climate-controlled seats, bird's-eye maple wood, and rain-sensing wipers. What's more, both front seats fold down at the touch of a button to allow access to the rear.

Opting instead for the F Sport gets you a firmer suspension setup, metallic interior trim, and five-spoke 18-inch wheels. The F-Sport gives up that supple Lexus ride in return for more aggressive handling. Some buyers will find it too harsh, and others won't be able to live without it. What will draw both camps to the IS 250C is its sexy convertible body and strong Lexus identity.