2015 Lexus IS350C

Introduced in 2010, the Lexus IS 350 C was this Japanese brand's attempt to attract buyers who might otherwise spend their money at BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi dealerships.

But where BMW and Audi built separate convertible and coupe versions of its 3 Series and A5, and Benz did a fixed-roof C-Class coupe, Lexus opted to combine coupe and convertible in one car by created a four-seat droptop with a folding hard roof.

It's hard to say if it was a success: Lexus lumped all IS sedan and convertible sales figures together, but anecdotally-speaking, this is not a car we've seen much of on the road since its introduction five years ago. Part of that might be down to awkward rear-end styling that hides the bulky folding roof when it's folded down.

The IS 350 C uses a 3.5L V6 that sends 306 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. There's no stickshift available, and no AWD, either. Natural Resources Canada's official fuel consumption estimates are 12.1/8.7 L/100 km (city/highway).

Standard features include an audio system with USB input, Bluetooth and satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control with open-top sensor, eight-way adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, DVD-based navigation, backup camera, power tilt-and-telescopic steering, steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, cruise control, passive keyless entry with push-button start, garage door opener, HID auto-levelling headlights with washers, and fog lights.

Other standard kit includes in-dash DVD drive, front and rear parking sensors, hard drive-based navigation, backup camera, sport-tuned suspension and a colour-matched full body skirt package. Also standard are a number of F Sport trim items, like the steering wheel, seats, grille, scuff plates and wheels.

IS 350 C pricing starts at $62,300.