RE: Driven: Lotus Exige S

Exactly what I was thining when I saw it. Not that it's a bad thing, all Noble cars look stunning.
Apart from the light assembly, it does have a similar "kit-car-esque" feel to it, which I really love.

The problem isn't so much height as body structure. I'm six foot but can't comfortably drive a standard Elise simply because the steering wheel is too far away from the seat when the seat is all the way back. They desperately need to fit a telescopic steering column if they want to make the car available beyond the 90th percentile.

It's a shame Toyota can't source it into the FT/AE-86...

Looks like I might have to sell my 2 11 after all buying

Boggy

I've hoped (nay prayed) that this would be a return to form for Lotus - God knows they need it. Really glad to read that it is as good as I hoped, and matches the (IMO) stunning looks.

I'm really intrigued by the Roadster though - all that power, handling and balance with the option of exposing your bonce to the elements and your ears to more of the V6 howl.

Looking at the Roadster they had at Geneva, they obviously offer a fully trimmed interior, though no doubt at a cost - maybe that would lift the interior a little?



edit: Just found this on Castle Sports Cars website:

Option Packs

Premium Pack
Choice of leather colour: Ebony Black, Ivory White, Venom Red, Cognac Brown, Imperial Blue, Cocoa Brown, Ash Grey
Leather centre console
Fully covered foot well area (carpet + leather)
Sport/Premium steering wheel in full black leather
leather sills
Door panels in leather
Metal bezel around gear and handbrake gaiter
Sport/Premium seats in full leather
Full sound insulating material
Dark trinket tray
Face-level air vents covered in leather

Premium Pack Sport SuedeTex
Ebony Black/Slate Grey SuedeTex® interior combination,
SuedeTex® centre console
Black floor mats
Sport/Premium steering wheel with dark grey leather
Dark grey binnacle top,
Door panels in carbon effect leather
Metal bezel around gear and handbrake gaiter
Sport/Premium seats with carbon effect eather inserts
Sound insulating material

Carbon Pack (Premium Pack required)
Carbon centre console
Carbon sill covers
Carbon air conditioning controls
Carbon air conditioning vents
Carbon binnacle surround and binnacle top
Carbon Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) switch panel

Race Pack
4 mode Lotus DPM system including launch control
Exhaust bypass valve override switch
Optimised suspension to suit the Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo tyre characteristics

Convenience Pack
Trinket tray divider
USB connection
Cup holder

Lotus Exige S MSRP £49,900

Premium Pack £2000
Premium Pack Sport Suedetex £1500
Carbon Pack £1500
Race Pack £2000
Convenience Pack £350
Air Conditioning £1100
Rear Parking Sensors £350
Heated Seats £350
Contrast Stitching £245
Trofeo Tyres £800
Crossbar & Harness Mounts £700
Metallic Paint £600
Premium Paint £1200
Motorsport Paint £1800
Diamond Cut Wheels (18/19", Cast) £350

I can't see those leather sill covers lasting long - my hard plastic ones are scratched to buggery.

I think its well priced. what else can u buy new with two seats with that grip and performance??
This car for me will be more intresting in 2/3years time when someone else has took the 53k hit

Great initial review, but my god Harris you are driving me nuts with the 911 love. Is it really necessary to talk about the 911 in every single review you ever do of any car? I accept in this case it makes sense with the GT3 but I've already worked up a bank of irritation so you'll have to lump it.

We all know you love the 911, we all know how wonderful it is and what a benchmark it is. But seriously? Every single review without exception. The Merc SL compares to the 911 on the following ways, The M600 in these ways, the Renault Twizy as follows. Next on PH, the Perodua Nippa doesn't steer like a 911, the Roewe 550 can't match a 911 in the twistys and SCANDAL! A Ginsters chicken and mushroom slice isn't as good at the ring as a 911!

I'm being harsh here I know but I really enjoy the mans insight into cars and it's just an irritation and makes the review bit monochrome.

Dear oh dear...

6'5". Tried an S1 Elise, two S2 and an Exige and they all have the same problem. Knees too close to the steering wheel so that my hands catch, and top gear sits under my left knee. This was wearing driving boots too - well it was on the two S2s. I could drive one but I wouldn't want to have to apply any corrective lock in a hurry.

The steering column is just too low and/or the wheel too far away. IIRC it was one of Plato's criticisms of the Elise and he's not a tall chap.