Likes - High performance
- Surprisingly good fuel economy
- Looks delicious
- Relatively affordable
Dislikes - An uncomfortable commuter car
- A tiny car for people over 6’ tall
- Feels delicate
- Ridiculous soft top
Tech Specs - Supercharged 1.8 liter 4-Cyl. 218 hp
- 0 to 60 in mph 4.9 seconds
- MPG: 20 city/26 highway
What's New/Changed - The 2010 is pretty much the same as the 2009
The Vehix View - Driven daily, the Lotus Elise SC is a bit of a chore. Driven on the track, the Lotus Elise is a slice of heaven. I mean, who wouldn’t want an exotic car with Toyota-like reliability that gets good mileage and is THIS fun to drive?
First Impressions
The Lotus Elise is tiny by every automotive standard. At 149 inches long, 67.7 inches wide and 44 inches high, the Elise is itty-bitty. It’s almost cartoonish appearance is evident when sitting next to something larger, like a Porsche 911. Even its color palate is animated, with many finishes looking like they belong on a child’s toy.
Who would ever think this wee-little plastic machine was a giant killer?
On its own, the Lotus Elise (view photos) is striking with sensual, curved fenders hugging the front tires and deeply sculpted side panels adding purpose to its profile. The dugout rear panel holds four sporty, rounded taillights that are reminiscent of older cars.
I especially like the design of the oblong headlights. They remind me of the Lamborghini Miura (one of the most beautiful sports cars ever). The turn signals have a similar design, which is a nice touch. All of this sits above a slick, grin on the front end bookended with additional intake gills.
This is a distinctive machine that any car aficionado would recognize right away. If you are on a mountain pass and you see one behind you – it will pass you soon. If you try to catch up, prepare for disappointment.
Pricing, Trims and Options
Base price: $54,990.
Packages include:
- Touring Pack - $1,600: Includes thermal and sound insulated soft top, full leather seat and door trim, upgraded stereo system with iPod® connector, stowage net, additional sound insulation and full carpet set.Sport Pack - $2,600: Includes lightweight forged silver alloy wheels (6J x 16 front 195/50 R16, 7.5J x 17 rear 225/45 R17) with Yokohama AD07 Advan LTS tires and Lotus Sport tuned suspension, twin oil coolers, traction control and ProBax™ Sport seats in cloth.
- Additional options include: Hardtop ($1,475), limited slip differential ($1,790), Lotus Traction Control ($495), Metallic Paint ($590), Lifestyle Paint ($1,200) and Limited Paint ($3,300).
Interior Features
Let’s be clear about one thing: the Lotus Elise is NOT a family car. It barely even serves as a two-seat ride for you and your passenger. Let me put this in perspective. If you are over 5’7” – you may find the tiny interior uncomfortable. If you are 6’2” and weigh about 250 lbs, you WILL be extraordinarily uncomfortable – as I was. The driver’s seat can move forward and back, but the passenger’s seat remains bolted to the floor as far back as possible.
Interior storage is nearly nonexistent and comfort items as decadent as a cup holder and carpet are available – as an option. The trunk is nothing more than a space to place a small overnight bag and a (very small) computer briefcase.
This interior may appear to be meager by any standard. However, if viewed through a street legal racer’s point of view, this is a luxury machine. All the weekend racer needs is a place to hold his Nomex™ gloves (there is a shelf) and use the empty passenger’s seat as a storage place for a helmet bag.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
Lotus provides a 3-YEAR/36,000 mile limited warranty and 8-year chassis corrosion warranty.
Safety components include driver and front passenger airbags, tire pressure monitoring system and anti-lock brakes.
Although reliability scores are unavailable, the 1.8 liter Toyota engine used in the Lotus Elise is considered highly reliable.