SPEEDOMETER

The Changing Face Of Luxury

Alfonso Pereira
23 Aug 2021
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Experience the Lexus IS for yourself at www.lexus.com.sg/IS

The concept of luxury has evolved. At one point, luxury, which encompassed experiences and material goods, was accessible only to a select few. Today, as the world shifts and needs change, it has become a state of mind — something that’s both tangible and intangible that allow for convenience, satisfaction, and ultimately, happiness.  

For brands like Lexus, luxury is more than just a product — it is a lifestyle. The iconic brand, well-loved for its automobiles, is helping redefine the concept by offering customers a new approach to driving; an approach rooted in thoughtful details that come together to form something greater, which is both memorable and enjoyable.

To find out more, we spoke to Divian Nair, an entertainment industry stalwart who is best known for his work on Kiss92 FM. Nair, who drives the new Lexus IS, is a busy man who relies on life’s luxuries to help him get through his days in the most hassle-free way possible.

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What is luxury for you? 

I associate luxury to freedom and peace of mind. Being able to afford both, in my opinion, is what makes for a happy life. 

What makes the Lexus IS a luxurious car? 

It is such a thoughtfully designed machine because of how well it integrates comfort and safety without sacrificing performance and experience. On top of all that, you also get the stunning looks. You can’t lose!

What was the wow factor that immediately caught your attention? 

It would have to be the headlights and the flowing body lines that rise up to the rear fenders. It’s got such an aggressive stance and it looks like it’s got a wide body kit with rolled out fender flares! 

When you go behind the wheel of the Lexus IS, how does it make you feel?  

I instantly feel like I’ve got the best of both worlds. Modern day  luxury with memory seats, Apple CarPlay, and adaptive suspension  with old school naturally aspirated, no turbo lag, rear wheel drive  goodness. 

How does this car complement your lifestyle? 

The Lexus 350 F SPORT’s dual personality of sport and luxury  fits my lifestyle to a tee. On weekdays, I have a pretty busy schedule  because I helm Kiss92 FM in the morning and run my own creative  agency, Storyteller Productions, right after. I typically work 12-14  hours a day and have many places to be at. 

For difficult and tiring days, the IS is like a hotel on wheels. I  actually get much needed rest on my frequent drives because the  cabin is built to such a high standard with good noise insulation and  fantastic suspension. 

When I head out with my wife on weekends, all I have to do is turn  the car to sport plus mode, with the gear box to manual, and the car  comes roaring to life in all its naturally aspirated glory. 

Aside from getting from point A to point B, what  do you use the Lexus IS for?  

My wife and I often take the car out together on weekends to our  favourite hangout and eating spots around town, or to visit my  parents who live on the other side of the island. Long drives in  the IS are actually something I look forward these days! When the  borders open, I’d love to take it out to a track in Malaysia. 

A LUXURIOUS RIDE WITH THE LEXUS IS

The new Lexus IS, which was launched in November 2020, is all about superb maneuverability and riding comfort. What’s more, Lexus pursues linear operation faithful to a driver’s intentions, such as the seamless transition from deceleration to steering and acceleration during cornering, in all types of driving situations. This is known as the “Lexus Driving Signature”, which will be the new development standard in every Lexus model. Safety also plays a big role. The Pre-Collision System’s response range has been expanded through an improvement in the performance of the single-lens camera and millimeter-wave radar. It is also enhanced with the Intersection Turning Assist, as well as the Emergency Steering Assist, which is provided in situations where the Pre-Collision System detects the possibility of a collision and the driver has initiated steering to avoid it. As for aesthetics, the Lexus IS was specifically designed to appear more aggressive through a wide and low stance that evokes a sense of driving and a sharp character line. Within, the sporty, tailored cabin boasts chromatic colors on the upper instrument panel, while the entire space within the cabin is given a wide feeling. Two-tone color schemes are also available.

For more information, visit lexus.com.sg/IS

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