RE: Lotus Europa S
Discussion
While I agree it is worth going for all the upgrades if you have to give way on one to get the deal done then ditch the brake upgrade. I have done a fair amount of mileage in cars with and without the brake upgrade and the difference is very small. I did a load of laps around a short circuit which I know is hard on brakes and I never got the standard brakes to fade. And judging by the ABS activity into most corners I was using them pretty hard!
good luck
C
good luck
C
I wonder if the reason the 225 has not become standard is emissions.
The 197 is pretty close to the top group and perhaps drifting into this group may slow sales further.
I actually emailed lotus about the emissions of the 225 but received no reply.
And before you ask, I am not some eco warrior, simply a resident of a certain london borough who has seen his parking increase 200% for owning a group G car.
The 197 is pretty close to the top group and perhaps drifting into this group may slow sales further.
I actually emailed lotus about the emissions of the 225 but received no reply.
And before you ask, I am not some eco warrior, simply a resident of a certain london borough who has seen his parking increase 200% for owning a group G car.
jazzyjeff said:
Twit said:
jazzyjeff said:
Twit][They have not standardised the 225 as standard[quote said:
Well you can't be clearer than that! 
TBH, if I was looking at getting one (which is a distinct possibility) I'd want the power, brake and interior upgrade AND a price cut
Either way I'll probably be looking at test drives around March/April time
JJ
ha ha!!! That was a mad statement!!! TBH, if I was looking at getting one (which is a distinct possibility) I'd want the power, brake and interior upgrade AND a price cut
Either way I'll probably be looking at test drives around March/April time
JJ
As for your wish, its doable, look for cars that are in stock but not yet registered or, obviously, demos - there are deals to be done!! Getting mine at beginning of March with power, brake and interior upgrade. In that spec it is a great car, much better than the Elise and more usable than the exige. Then off to Thorney to get the geometry altered...
Colour? When you've taken delivery some pics would be nice?
JJ
When I get it, it will be titanium with the upgraded tan interior. Engine upgraded to 225 with brake upgrade. With the upgrade Lotus change the grills and fog light surrounds to a light colour but they are staying back, it would look weird without the contrast.
Originally it was going to be ready for end of March but changed that and it will now turn up end of this month! So all good, I'll post pics when I get it.
I wanted one in white with black wheels but couldnt find a white car anywhere and the interior would have to be a special with a white car as that woudl have to be black. The tan colour would not go with white!
Originally it was going to be ready for end of March but changed that and it will now turn up end of this month! So all good, I'll post pics when I get it.
I wanted one in white with black wheels but couldnt find a white car anywhere and the interior would have to be a special with a white car as that woudl have to be black. The tan colour would not go with white!
Oilchange said:
nice to see that most of the initial criticisms of this car have been put to rest.
nothing quite like owners to voice an opinion and set the record straight.
Mmm, a handful of owners positive comments after customising does not excuse that this car is a failure and never the car it should have been.nothing quite like owners to voice an opinion and set the record straight.
I disagree Frank.
I wanted a car to replace my Elise S1, with more usability....and pace.
Lotus' marketing of the car was very poor, and it slipped under my radar, despite being a Lotus fan. After shortlisting and test driving a range of cars including a 2 year old Cayman S, 5 year old 996 C2S and a 5 year old Maserati 4200GT I came back to Lotus after my first drive in a Europa 225.
Reading some of the tests, one would think it was the SUV of the Lotus range. It was still closer to the pure driving DNA of Lotus than the somewhat podgier, but still very capable, Porsches and any lack of sharpness compared to the Elise (which is not evident on the road, but I guess maybe on track) will be fixed with a geometry change, if indeed I need to.
At 23K - 28K depending on age and miles, I think the Europa is the sportscar bargain of the year, compared to the Cayman, Z4M, and indeed the Exige S and Elise SC.
I wanted a car to replace my Elise S1, with more usability....and pace.
Lotus' marketing of the car was very poor, and it slipped under my radar, despite being a Lotus fan. After shortlisting and test driving a range of cars including a 2 year old Cayman S, 5 year old 996 C2S and a 5 year old Maserati 4200GT I came back to Lotus after my first drive in a Europa 225.
Reading some of the tests, one would think it was the SUV of the Lotus range. It was still closer to the pure driving DNA of Lotus than the somewhat podgier, but still very capable, Porsches and any lack of sharpness compared to the Elise (which is not evident on the road, but I guess maybe on track) will be fixed with a geometry change, if indeed I need to.
At 23K - 28K depending on age and miles, I think the Europa is the sportscar bargain of the year, compared to the Cayman, Z4M, and indeed the Exige S and Elise SC.
Redlake27 said:
I disagree Frank.
I wanted a car to replace my Elise S1, with more usability....and pace.
Lotus' marketing of the car was very poor, and it slipped under my radar, despite being a Lotus fan. After shortlisting and test driving a range of cars including a 2 year old Cayman S, 5 year old 996 C2S and a 5 year old Maserati 4200GT I came back to Lotus after my first drive in a Europa 225.
Reading some of the tests, one would think it was the SUV of the Lotus range. It was still closer to the pure driving DNA of Lotus than the somewhat podgier, but still very capable, Porsches and any lack of sharpness compared to the Elise (which is not evident on the road, but I guess maybe on track) will be fixed with a geometry change, if indeed I need to.
At 23K - 28K depending on age and miles, I think the Europa is the sportscar bargain of the year, compared to the Cayman, Z4M, and indeed the Exige S and Elise SC.
I agree, secondhand they make more sense, but a manufacturer doesn't celebrate the success of a model which has sold very slowly and has very poor residuals. I am dying to purchase a good looking, slightly bigger (not heavier!) Lotus Coupe, can't wait to see the Eagle.I wanted a car to replace my Elise S1, with more usability....and pace.
Lotus' marketing of the car was very poor, and it slipped under my radar, despite being a Lotus fan. After shortlisting and test driving a range of cars including a 2 year old Cayman S, 5 year old 996 C2S and a 5 year old Maserati 4200GT I came back to Lotus after my first drive in a Europa 225.
Reading some of the tests, one would think it was the SUV of the Lotus range. It was still closer to the pure driving DNA of Lotus than the somewhat podgier, but still very capable, Porsches and any lack of sharpness compared to the Elise (which is not evident on the road, but I guess maybe on track) will be fixed with a geometry change, if indeed I need to.
At 23K - 28K depending on age and miles, I think the Europa is the sportscar bargain of the year, compared to the Cayman, Z4M, and indeed the Exige S and Elise SC.
Redlake27 said:
I disagree Frank.
I wanted a car to replace my Elise S1, with more usability....and pace.
Lotus' marketing of the car was very poor, and it slipped under my radar, despite being a Lotus fan. After shortlisting and test driving a range of cars including a 2 year old Cayman S, 5 year old 996 C2S and a 5 year old Maserati 4200GT I came back to Lotus after my first drive in a Europa 225.
Reading some of the tests, one would think it was the SUV of the Lotus range. It was still closer to the pure driving DNA of Lotus than the somewhat podgier, but still very capable, Porsches and any lack of sharpness compared to the Elise (which is not evident on the road, but I guess maybe on track) will be fixed with a geometry change, if indeed I need to.
At 23K - 28K depending on age and miles, I think the Europa is the sportscar bargain of the year, compared to the Cayman, Z4M, and indeed the Exige S and Elise SC.
Very good point's indeedI wanted a car to replace my Elise S1, with more usability....and pace.
Lotus' marketing of the car was very poor, and it slipped under my radar, despite being a Lotus fan. After shortlisting and test driving a range of cars including a 2 year old Cayman S, 5 year old 996 C2S and a 5 year old Maserati 4200GT I came back to Lotus after my first drive in a Europa 225.
Reading some of the tests, one would think it was the SUV of the Lotus range. It was still closer to the pure driving DNA of Lotus than the somewhat podgier, but still very capable, Porsches and any lack of sharpness compared to the Elise (which is not evident on the road, but I guess maybe on track) will be fixed with a geometry change, if indeed I need to.
At 23K - 28K depending on age and miles, I think the Europa is the sportscar bargain of the year, compared to the Cayman, Z4M, and indeed the Exige S and Elise SC.
Boggy
Redlake27 said:
I disagree Frank.
I wanted a car to replace my Elise S1, with more usability....and pace.
Lotus' marketing of the car was very poor, and it slipped under my radar, despite being a Lotus fan. After shortlisting and test driving a range of cars including a 2 year old Cayman S, 5 year old 996 C2S and a 5 year old Maserati 4200GT I came back to Lotus after my first drive in a Europa 225.
Reading some of the tests, one would think it was the SUV of the Lotus range. It was still closer to the pure driving DNA of Lotus than the somewhat podgier, but still very capable, Porsches and any lack of sharpness compared to the Elise (which is not evident on the road, but I guess maybe on track) will be fixed with a geometry change, if indeed I need to.
At 23K - 28K depending on age and miles, I think the Europa is the sportscar bargain of the year, compared to the Cayman, Z4M, and indeed the Exige S and Elise SC.
Spot on, my view exactly. Before I went down the Europa route I looked at the Cayman s, Z4m and 350z and the Europa is better than all of those, especially when you consider the price. Residuals will firm in the next year or so as there are so few cars about. Lotus bodged the launch but its a car that will find its niche, much like the first Europa.I wanted a car to replace my Elise S1, with more usability....and pace.
Lotus' marketing of the car was very poor, and it slipped under my radar, despite being a Lotus fan. After shortlisting and test driving a range of cars including a 2 year old Cayman S, 5 year old 996 C2S and a 5 year old Maserati 4200GT I came back to Lotus after my first drive in a Europa 225.
Reading some of the tests, one would think it was the SUV of the Lotus range. It was still closer to the pure driving DNA of Lotus than the somewhat podgier, but still very capable, Porsches and any lack of sharpness compared to the Elise (which is not evident on the road, but I guess maybe on track) will be fixed with a geometry change, if indeed I need to.
At 23K - 28K depending on age and miles, I think the Europa is the sportscar bargain of the year, compared to the Cayman, Z4M, and indeed the Exige S and Elise SC.
As for the Eagle, I hope its great. But looking at SELOC discussions it may be a 50-60k car. If that's true, its dead now, you really would have to be brave to spend 60k on a Lotus, I wouldnt; that's 996 gt3 type cash. Porsche every time. The Eagle has to be 40k top whack and fully specd in my view.
Christian43 said:
While I agree it is worth going for all the upgrades if you have to give way on one to get the deal done then ditch the brake upgrade. I have done a fair amount of mileage in cars with and without the brake upgrade and the difference is very small. I did a load of laps around a short circuit which I know is hard on brakes and I never got the standard brakes to fade. And judging by the ABS activity into most corners I was using them pretty hard!
good luck
C
Well the ABS function on the Europa certainly can't be any worse than it is in my VXT! good luck
C
JJ
Redlake27 said:
I disagree Frank.
I wanted a car to replace my Elise S1, with more usability....and pace.
Lotus' marketing of the car was very poor, and it slipped under my radar, despite being a Lotus fan. After shortlisting and test driving a range of cars including a 2 year old Cayman S, 5 year old 996 C2S and a 5 year old Maserati 4200GT I came back to Lotus after my first drive in a Europa 225.
Reading some of the tests, one would think it was the SUV of the Lotus range. It was still closer to the pure driving DNA of Lotus than the somewhat podgier, but still very capable, Porsches and any lack of sharpness compared to the Elise (which is not evident on the road, but I guess maybe on track) will be fixed with a geometry change, if indeed I need to.
At 23K - 28K depending on age and miles, I think the Europa is the sportscar bargain of the year, compared to the Cayman, Z4M, and indeed the Exige S and Elise SC.
Redlake, those are my feelings exactly! I wanted a car to replace my Elise S1, with more usability....and pace.
Lotus' marketing of the car was very poor, and it slipped under my radar, despite being a Lotus fan. After shortlisting and test driving a range of cars including a 2 year old Cayman S, 5 year old 996 C2S and a 5 year old Maserati 4200GT I came back to Lotus after my first drive in a Europa 225.
Reading some of the tests, one would think it was the SUV of the Lotus range. It was still closer to the pure driving DNA of Lotus than the somewhat podgier, but still very capable, Porsches and any lack of sharpness compared to the Elise (which is not evident on the road, but I guess maybe on track) will be fixed with a geometry change, if indeed I need to.
At 23K - 28K depending on age and miles, I think the Europa is the sportscar bargain of the year, compared to the Cayman, Z4M, and indeed the Exige S and Elise SC.
Europa is a no-brainer choice for an existing Elise driver needing more everyday useability or for a VX220 driver needing a newer replacement (seeing as GM decided not to bother).If I get one, I think it will be either in cayman red, nightfall blue or black, with the cream/black stitching interior upgrade
Coincidentally, the front runner alternative for me getting a new(ish) Europa is a Maser 4200GT, preferably a manual (Porsches generally leave me cold I'm afraid). I'd be interested to hear about your driving impressions!
JJ
Edited by jazzyjeff on Tuesday 12th February 11:44
Twit said:
Redlake27 said:
I disagree Frank.
I wanted a car to replace my Elise S1, with more usability....and pace.
Lotus' marketing of the car was very poor, and it slipped under my radar, despite being a Lotus fan. After shortlisting and test driving a range of cars including a 2 year old Cayman S, 5 year old 996 C2S and a 5 year old Maserati 4200GT I came back to Lotus after my first drive in a Europa 225.
Reading some of the tests, one would think it was the SUV of the Lotus range. It was still closer to the pure driving DNA of Lotus than the somewhat podgier, but still very capable, Porsches and any lack of sharpness compared to the Elise (which is not evident on the road, but I guess maybe on track) will be fixed with a geometry change, if indeed I need to.
At 23K - 28K depending on age and miles, I think the Europa is the sportscar bargain of the year, compared to the Cayman, Z4M, and indeed the Exige S and Elise SC.
Spot on, my view exactly. Before I went down the Europa route I looked at the Cayman s, Z4m and 350z and the Europa is better than all of those, especially when you consider the price. Residuals will firm in the next year or so as there are so few cars about. Lotus bodged the launch but its a car that will find its niche, much like the first Europa.I wanted a car to replace my Elise S1, with more usability....and pace.
Lotus' marketing of the car was very poor, and it slipped under my radar, despite being a Lotus fan. After shortlisting and test driving a range of cars including a 2 year old Cayman S, 5 year old 996 C2S and a 5 year old Maserati 4200GT I came back to Lotus after my first drive in a Europa 225.
Reading some of the tests, one would think it was the SUV of the Lotus range. It was still closer to the pure driving DNA of Lotus than the somewhat podgier, but still very capable, Porsches and any lack of sharpness compared to the Elise (which is not evident on the road, but I guess maybe on track) will be fixed with a geometry change, if indeed I need to.
At 23K - 28K depending on age and miles, I think the Europa is the sportscar bargain of the year, compared to the Cayman, Z4M, and indeed the Exige S and Elise SC.
As for the Eagle, I hope its great. But looking at SELOC discussions it may be a 50-60k car. If that's true, its dead now, you really would have to be brave to spend 60k on a Lotus, I wouldnt; that's 996 gt3 type cash. Porsche every time. The Eagle has to be 40k top whack and fully specd in my view.
For heaven's sake listen Lotus! Don't make the same mistake you made with the Europa. No one in their right mind's going to spend 50 - 60k on an Eagle forget it! Has anybody paid list price for a Europa? I think they sold about 5 at list, don't do it!
Boggy
I got a lift home from a very competitive GP2 driver and he was complaining how a hot hatch he had driven felt really rubbish on the circuit. This surprised me a little as it was one of the new hot hatches that is really rated by the magazines. However on a positive he was still raving on about how good the Europa S felt around Silverstone. This car did have the increased camber setup but it just shows how good these cars can be when you don’t have to worry about lawyers and litigation. The Europa certainly has lots of Lotus DNA as far as I can see.
C
C
Redlake27 said:
I've been too busy driving to take a picture ....be patient with me!
It is blue. Does that help?
I nearly bought a blue one but went for Canyon Red, car looks great in either colour. Does yours have the performance update? if you want to see pictures of mine pop over to seloc.It is blue. Does that help?
jon
Just got back from a 200mile blast across Herefordshire and Mid Wales with two mates in their Boxster S and SLK350.
After a bit of car-swapping, it was great to get back in the Europa. Great though the others were, the Europa has all of that precision and finesse that my old Elise had, with the benefit of much more usability.
When sitting in the Porsche I did think that if Porsche did a 1000kg Cayman 2.7 as a 'ClubSport' it would be acclaimed as a brilliant, agile, responsive (and even economical) sportscar.
The Europa is the very same as that ideal Porsche, (save for a less charismatic, but equally effective powerplant) but most Lotus forums criticise it for being a podgy Elise rather than 300kgs lighter than any rival.
I think the Europa and I are going to get on just fine.
PS: Yes, it is the 225bhp model.
After a bit of car-swapping, it was great to get back in the Europa. Great though the others were, the Europa has all of that precision and finesse that my old Elise had, with the benefit of much more usability.
When sitting in the Porsche I did think that if Porsche did a 1000kg Cayman 2.7 as a 'ClubSport' it would be acclaimed as a brilliant, agile, responsive (and even economical) sportscar.
The Europa is the very same as that ideal Porsche, (save for a less charismatic, but equally effective powerplant) but most Lotus forums criticise it for being a podgy Elise rather than 300kgs lighter than any rival.
I think the Europa and I are going to get on just fine.
PS: Yes, it is the 225bhp model.
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