2018 Lexus IS 300h

The Lexus IS300 is a luxury sport sedan from Toyota's premium arm that's built a solid following in Malaysia, thanks to its sharp looks and that typical Lexus reliability we all know. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine pushing out 241 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Mate that to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and you're looking at a 0-100 km/h sprint in around 7 seconds, with top speed electronically capped at about 230 km/h – more than enough grunt for daily drives and the occasional highway blast, without completely guzzling fuel. What really clicks for Malaysian buyers is how the IS300 balances handling and comfort in its class. It feels right at home whether you're navigating city streets or cruising the North-South Expressway. And let's not forget, Lexus has always had a reputation for bulletproof durability and low hassle factor – the IS300 is no different. Maintenance costs are pretty reasonable, and there's a solid network of dealers and service centers across Malaysia to back you up. Need more punch? Then the IS350 or the sportier IS F Sport should be on your radar – they get more aggressive engine tunes and chassis setups for that extra edge.

To remote start your Lexus IS300, first make sure your ride is equipped with the smart key system and remote start functionality – this usually works via the factory key fob or the Lexus Enform app. With the key fob, stand within range (around 30 meters), hit the lock button twice quickly, then hold the start button for about 3 seconds until the engine fires up. For the app method, you’ll need to register and link your vehicle first, then just tap the remote start button in the app. Once it’s running, the AC will kick on with your last settings, but the doors stay locked for security – smart move. In Malaysia’s sweltering heat, pre-cooling the cabin with remote start is a total lifesaver, but try not to let it idle too long, yeah? Extended idling can gunk up the engine with carbon deposits. If the feature isn’t cooperating, check if your key fob battery’s dead or if the car isn’t in the right state – maybe a door’s ajar, the hood’s not latched, or you’re low on fuel. Heads up: some post-2016 models might require a Lexus Enform subscription for app-based remote control. Keep your system updated for the best performance, and remember, local network signal can affect app functionality here in Malaysia – parking in an underground garage for weeks might leave you stuck using the key fob instead.