Lexus has announced details of its new four-seater convertible, dubbed the IS 250C. Based (loosely) on the saloon version, it actually only shares a handful of external features with its permanently hard-topped sibling; the bonnet, headlamps, door handles and mirrors.

Everything seems to have been tailored to fit that sweeping two-piece roof, which takes a mere 20 seconds to open or close.

Lexus IS 250C

Upgrades include LED taillights, a ‘one-touch walk-in’ button which folds seats and slides them forward, heating pads at shoulder height for those colder topless sessions, revised boot space and longer nose and doors.

The interior stays pretty much the same, except for angles and lighting. So does the 2.5-litre 204bhp V6 with six-speed automatic box. 0–62mph takes nine seconds (which is a little steady), and it’s got a top speed of 130mph.

Lexus IS 250C

Pricing will start from about £30,000, going up directly against similar BMW and Audi models.

I loved this car until I saw the stats, hopefully we will see a ‘sport’ version out soon, giving this car the performance it deserves.

Lexus also claims the IS 250C is the only car in its class that can fit a golf bag in when the top is down. Ok, so it just jumped up the list a few notches, but what about the trolley?