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Lotus models, news & reviews
4
Handling
5
Performance
Usability
2
Feelgood factor
Readers' rating
4.5
By Ben Barry
First Drives
19 April 2010 09:24
You’ll struggle to spot the difference, but this is the third-generation 2010-spec Lotus Elise. The basic chassis, brakes and dimensions remain unchanged, but the styling is subtly tweaked (the headlights are the stand-out change, but many of the panels are gently finessed) and the base model now has a 1.6-litre Toyota-sourced engine located amidships and a six-speed gearbox to replace the last generation1.8-litre that hooked up to a five-speeder. Performance of the 2010 Elise is similar, but the price goes up by £900 and the S drops off the base model’s name – it’s just a Lotus Elise these days. Does what it says on the tin. More money for a basic, smaller-engined Elise? Boo!Don’t worry, the R model that sits above the base Elise still features a 1.8-litre lump (an all-new, more sprightly one too with 189bhp), and the 1.6-litre engine gets very similar performance to the old, lower-power 1.8 that used to reside in the S – it has 9lb ft more torque, does the same top speed, but takes 0.4sec longer to get to 62mph. The more efficient engine and new gearbox bring another bonus however – fuel economy improves from 37.2mpg to 45mpg, while C02 falls from 179 to 149g/km.What’s the new Lotus Elise like to drive?Much as it’s always been, with that taut, direct feel to everything. Even before you set off you notice how firm yet comfortable the seats are (and they were still comfortable after more than two hours at the wheel), and how thin and firm the small steering wheel rim is.On the go, the steering is instantly responsive, the throttle pedal buzzes with energy, the brakes are immediately feelsome and the ride is extremely firm with a layer of elasticity to smooth off any harsh edges. Purists will be relieved to know the steering, brakes and suspension specs are unchanged from the old car. ‘We experimented with different settings,’ says executive engineer Matt Becker, ‘but we just kept coming back to the same thing. It works, why change it?’But the gear change has been improved, thanks to improved mounting and lower friction cables. It snicks home cleanly, directly and satisfyingly.>> Click 'Next' to read more of CAR's first drive review of the new 2010 Lotus Elise
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james1 says
RE: Lotus Elise (2010) first drive CAR review
Hi, excellent stuff.. I like Lotus Elise because it's an environmentally friendly, extremely positive traffic light, new wheel designs, and less-cluttered front and rear fascias. Cessna Airplanes
11 February 2011 09:09
smooth81 says
This new Lotus Elise is by far the greatest looking Lotus supercars ever created compared to the Evora this car not only edge it with more power but also the design of this car is nearly perfect, I like it, plus the firm yet comfortable ride of this Elise is the best unlike other sports car like Porsche which is totally uncomfy.
28 April 2010 08:45
wittgenfrog says
@chickenfeed - Have I missed something? As far as I'm aware VW\Audi engines are every bit as reliable as Toyota's or Honda's (though rarely as interesting!) Even lowly FIAT powerplants sem to go on forever without issue (88k and counting in my Panda). Even your crack about the old K-Series engine doesn't really hit the spot, although it was prone to Head-gasket failure when tuned.... Essentially almost any modern motor is now hugely reliable so you chose on the basis of personal preference. In the Elise context various aftermarket engine "upgrades" are current ranging from Supercharged Hondas that hit 8.5 k and around 300 BHP to VAG turbos to Ford Duratecs (2.0 or 2.3l) plus a couple of off-the wall efforts including a VAG V6! There is also still a decent market in K-Series tuning and upgrades. My K-Series (only about 33k) is going strong (that's jinxed it!) I'm contemplating a power hike to 190BHP by removing the VVC gubbins and adding hot camshafts etc.......
@chickenfeed - Have I missed something? As far as I'm aware VW\Audi engines are every bit as reliable as Toyota's or Honda's (though rarely as interesting!) Even lowly FIAT powerplants sem to go on forever without issue (88k and counting in my Panda).
Even your crack about the old K-Series engine doesn't really hit the spot, although it was prone to Head-gasket failure when tuned....
Essentially almost any modern motor is now hugely reliable so you chose on the basis of personal preference. In the Elise context various aftermarket engine "upgrades" are current ranging from Supercharged Hondas that hit 8.5 k and around 300 BHP to VAG turbos to Ford Duratecs (2.0 or 2.3l) plus a couple of off-the wall efforts including a VAG V6! There is also still a decent market in K-Series tuning and upgrades.
My K-Series (only about 33k) is going strong (that's jinxed it!) I'm contemplating a power hike to 190BHP by removing the VVC gubbins and adding hot camshafts etc.......
21 April 2010 12:12
resis says
Hmm an interesting debate about the preferred choice in your notional Elise. I'd stick with a Toyota engine -reliable - Toyota's problems don't involve engine unreliability as far as I've read, and it fits the character of the car as a higher-revving lightweight better IMO. However, Typos makes a good case for putting in a small BMW or Fiat derived diesel - that'll never happen of course, but it's good to dream! And putting in a VAG diesel - again it'll never happen, but what's with the reliability question? Audi won LeMans with a diesel car, the best show of racing reliability I can think of! VAG's electronics suck IMO though.....
21 April 2010 10:19
chickenfeed says
VAG engine in an Elise? Clearly some people miss the "good old" days when there used to be lumps of Rovers in the back of these things. Probably because they think having to take your car to the garage twice or three times a month constitutes a meaningful relationship with it.
20 April 2010 23:13
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