Lotus Elise S 2dr Car Review - February 2012

The experience of driving the Elise is absolutely fantastic, and the handling of the car is everything you would want from a small sports car. The steering is responsive and there is plenty of feedback through the wheel, and the ride is firm enough to keep you aware of what is happening without becoming firm and uncomfortable. The driving position is very good and delivers an excellent forward view, but visibility to the rear is very poor.

Although the engine is only a 1.8 litre power-plant produced by Toyota, the light chassis means that it can actually get some very good performance figures from that small engine. The acceleration from 0-62mph is a lightning fast 5.9 seconds, and the top speed of 127mph is more than enough for the vast majority of drivers.

The Lotus Elise is a car that really does look the part, with the narrow oval headlights moulded into an aerodynamic bonnet. The large air intake at the front of the car is curved and distinctive, and the vents in the bonnet and behind the doors add to the sports car image, which is really typified by the Elise. The back end is compact and the spoiler at the back completes the image that the Elise is trying to convey, which is one of the compact sports car which is more about driving than practicality.

In terms of the equipment included with the Elise, one of the most important features included as standard are the alloy wheels, which are vital in such a car. This version is also supplied with luxuries such as leather seats, cruise control and electric windows, but apart from the CD stereo, there is very little else to add comfort to this car, which is really all about the driving experience.

Discussing practicality in terms of the Lotus Elise is quite limited, as it has two seats, and the small doors mean that it can be a little difficult to actually get in and out for those people who aren't too flexible. One improvement is that there is now some boot space available, but it really can carry little more than one or two bags.

The safety features that are included with the Elise are quite limited, although driver and passenger airbags are included. The inclusion of ABS and traction control will help the Elise to stay on the road, and with the responsiveness from the car it does communicate well when the vehicle is reaching the edge of the grip available. Historically, Lotus have not had the best record when it comes to reliability, but with Toyota supplying the engines then this is likely to improve.

This version of the Elise is listed at £33,945, but for the majority of people they will be happy for one of the more basic versions, which can prove to be significantly cheaper.

Considering that this is a sports car that is designed for performance, the efficiency of the 1.8 litre engine is quite pleasing, delivering an average 34.0mpg. As you would expect with such a car, the insurance group is quite high meaning that premiums won't be cheap, but it is a desirable car that will hold its value well. The cherry on the package is a three year unlimited mileage warranty that is supported with two years AA membership.