Swapped Elise for Europa
Discussion
I've taken the plunge!
After 6 years in my Elise S1 135, I've gone for a Europa.
After intially not seeing the point of the Europa (like most non-buyers) I'd set my heart on an Elise S2 R, but having driven both standard and performance pack upgrade Europas on test drives, I realised it is a much-maligned car in Performance pack form.
I'm sure it will have a few Thorney-style tweaks before long including Milltek Exhaust and Dunlop Direzza rubber, making it Exige-quick for much less money.
I'm nervous about missing the Elise S1 purity, but I think this could be a whole new adventure.
It would be good to hear the experiences of other Europa owners on here.
After 6 years in my Elise S1 135, I've gone for a Europa.
After intially not seeing the point of the Europa (like most non-buyers) I'd set my heart on an Elise S2 R, but having driven both standard and performance pack upgrade Europas on test drives, I realised it is a much-maligned car in Performance pack form.
I'm sure it will have a few Thorney-style tweaks before long including Milltek Exhaust and Dunlop Direzza rubber, making it Exige-quick for much less money.
I'm nervous about missing the Elise S1 purity, but I think this could be a whole new adventure.
It would be good to hear the experiences of other Europa owners on here.
Redlake27 said:
I've taken the plunge!
After 6 years in my Elise S1 135, I've gone for a Europa.
After intially not seeing the point of the Europa (like most non-buyers) I'd set my heart on an Elise S2 R, but having driven both standard and performance pack upgrade Europas on test drives, I realised it is a much-maligned car in Performance pack form.
I'm sure it will have a few Thorney-style tweaks before long including Milltek Exhaust and Dunlop Direzza rubber, making it Exige-quick for much less money.
I'm nervous about missing the Elise S1 purity, but I think this could be a whole new adventure.
It would be good to hear the experiences of other Europa owners on here.
Interesting that you have driven both standard and 'performance pack' versions - how much difference does the performance pack make? My Europa is still standard, and I'm trying to decide whether or not to fork out for the upgrade. As a S1 driver for 6 years, I would consider your opinion on this to be very valuable!!After 6 years in my Elise S1 135, I've gone for a Europa.
After intially not seeing the point of the Europa (like most non-buyers) I'd set my heart on an Elise S2 R, but having driven both standard and performance pack upgrade Europas on test drives, I realised it is a much-maligned car in Performance pack form.
I'm sure it will have a few Thorney-style tweaks before long including Milltek Exhaust and Dunlop Direzza rubber, making it Exige-quick for much less money.
I'm nervous about missing the Elise S1 purity, but I think this could be a whole new adventure.
It would be good to hear the experiences of other Europa owners on here.
Cheers
Jerry
I don't have the car yet, so my feedback is based on 10 mile test drives only.
The performance pack gives 25bhp more, which wasn't that noticeable as I wasn't going to thrash a car that wasn't run-in. However, the standard car had quite a lumpy power delivery, and the PP version was more linear.
www.thorneymotorsport.co.uk have rolling road graphs on their website that show how their +25bhp ECU upgrade is much smoother than the standard.
To read some of the comments on herev from the hardcore, you would expect the Europa to handle like a Cadillac. It doesn't. It was sharper than a Boxster and felt like a real Lotus. I have read Thorney's claims that with the upgrade (255bhp) decent tyres (I've ordered Dunlop Direzza already) and possibly a damper upgrade it will be the fastest Lotus (excepting 211)
I get the car in ten days, will give more feedback then.
The performance pack gives 25bhp more, which wasn't that noticeable as I wasn't going to thrash a car that wasn't run-in. However, the standard car had quite a lumpy power delivery, and the PP version was more linear.
www.thorneymotorsport.co.uk have rolling road graphs on their website that show how their +25bhp ECU upgrade is much smoother than the standard.
To read some of the comments on herev from the hardcore, you would expect the Europa to handle like a Cadillac. It doesn't. It was sharper than a Boxster and felt like a real Lotus. I have read Thorney's claims that with the upgrade (255bhp) decent tyres (I've ordered Dunlop Direzza already) and possibly a damper upgrade it will be the fastest Lotus (excepting 211)
I get the car in ten days, will give more feedback then.
Hi James / Jerry
I’m also considering a Europa, I currently have a standard Elise S2 which I love but I do a fair bit of traverling for work so at 6 foot 5 it can be hard work, I do have a second car just for work use but fancy running a Europa as a everyday car . Are you planning or do you run your Europa’s everyday or are they just weekend cars?? How do you find them for everyday use, is there much difference in handling, I’ve not tracked my S2 I just use it for road use. I’ve not test drove one yet or even sat it one but love the look of them and with the mods it can be made a quick car.
Would be very interested to hear your thoughts.
Regards
I’m also considering a Europa, I currently have a standard Elise S2 which I love but I do a fair bit of traverling for work so at 6 foot 5 it can be hard work, I do have a second car just for work use but fancy running a Europa as a everyday car . Are you planning or do you run your Europa’s everyday or are they just weekend cars?? How do you find them for everyday use, is there much difference in handling, I’ve not tracked my S2 I just use it for road use. I’ve not test drove one yet or even sat it one but love the look of them and with the mods it can be made a quick car.
Would be very interested to hear your thoughts.
Regards
Nice one Redlake,
I have a Europa with brake and power upgrade and love it. Thorney have done the suspension goemetry for me and it is a good change for little cash. I have had a lot of Lotii over the years and think the Europa inherits all the classic Lotus DNA. I use mine for work every day and have given it a hard day around Silverstone with no problems.
I am thinking of getting some of the other upgrades from Thorney but to tell the truth I am enjoying the standard car so much I have not bothered yet. Yes it would be nice to have a quicker car but I do most of my driving on bunpy country roads and a compliant ride is pretty nice to have and it still feels pin sharp. They are easily quick enought to blow a Cayman S away. I have a track day at Donnington booked so will be interested to see how it compares agains an Exige.
What colour combo did you go for?
cheers
Christian
I have a Europa with brake and power upgrade and love it. Thorney have done the suspension goemetry for me and it is a good change for little cash. I have had a lot of Lotii over the years and think the Europa inherits all the classic Lotus DNA. I use mine for work every day and have given it a hard day around Silverstone with no problems.
I am thinking of getting some of the other upgrades from Thorney but to tell the truth I am enjoying the standard car so much I have not bothered yet. Yes it would be nice to have a quicker car but I do most of my driving on bunpy country roads and a compliant ride is pretty nice to have and it still feels pin sharp. They are easily quick enought to blow a Cayman S away. I have a track day at Donnington booked so will be interested to see how it compares agains an Exige.
What colour combo did you go for?
cheers
Christian
Boggy said:
May sound like German, but it isn't. More like Dutch or something.My Elise S1 had only done 20,000 miles in 5 years and as much as I loved it, I wanted something a bit more usable for business use as well. I have another car for truly awful days, but I expect to use the Europa three days a week, not three a month like my Elise.
Having driven VXR 220s on track (which have all the Europa ingredients) I realised it was an Exige-beater, so I've decided to get a set of track day wheels and tyres, and maybe a Thorney exhaust. 255 bhp and sticky rubber should do just fine on track.
I went for a blue/black one, just like the Castles advert above.
I must admit I have been tempted to do this. However I just cant get on with the engine. Its just not revy enough for my preference and doesnt feel sporty enough. Sure its quick but it will never give me the same feel as my elise and for that reason, I'd never buy one. Shame cause I love the way it looks.....
Have you sold your 135 was looking for one of these
Redlake27 said:
My Elise S1 had only done 20,000 miles in 5 years and as much as I loved it, I wanted something a bit more usable for business use as well. I have another car for truly awful days, but I expect to use the Europa three days a week, not three a month like my Elise.
Having driven VXR 220s on track (which have all the Europa ingredients) I realised it was an Exige-beater, so I've decided to get a set of track day wheels and tyres, and maybe a Thorney exhaust. 255 bhp and sticky rubber should do just fine on track.
I went for a blue/black one, just like the Castles advert above.
Having driven VXR 220s on track (which have all the Europa ingredients) I realised it was an Exige-beater, so I've decided to get a set of track day wheels and tyres, and maybe a Thorney exhaust. 255 bhp and sticky rubber should do just fine on track.
I went for a blue/black one, just like the Castles advert above.
Gilesie Boy said:
Hi James / Jerry
I’m also considering a Europa, I currently have a standard Elise S2 which I love but I do a fair bit of traverling for work so at 6 foot 5 it can be hard work, I do have a second car just for work use but fancy running a Europa as a everyday car . Are you planning or do you run your Europa’s everyday or are they just weekend cars?? How do you find them for everyday use, is there much difference in handling, I’ve not tracked my S2 I just use it for road use. I’ve not test drove one yet or even sat it one but love the look of them and with the mods it can be made a quick car.
Would be very interested to hear your thoughts.
Regards
I've only had the car just over a week but yes, it is my daily driver and yes, I use it pretty much every day and it fits the bill perfectly. The only question I would have is wether or not you would fit in it at 6'5" - I'm just over 6' and it's fine but there is not a lot of extra headroom and I have the seat all the way back.I’m also considering a Europa, I currently have a standard Elise S2 which I love but I do a fair bit of traverling for work so at 6 foot 5 it can be hard work, I do have a second car just for work use but fancy running a Europa as a everyday car . Are you planning or do you run your Europa’s everyday or are they just weekend cars?? How do you find them for everyday use, is there much difference in handling, I’ve not tracked my S2 I just use it for road use. I’ve not test drove one yet or even sat it one but love the look of them and with the mods it can be made a quick car.
Would be very interested to hear your thoughts.
Regards
Fuel consumption on short trips looks like being around 27mpg so not that great but OK given the performance on offer!
HTH
Cheers
Jerry
I get my Europa at the end of march, got to wait til then as I have a bonus that's paying for it!
Cracking deal, will come with power upgrade etc and 'luxury' interior, basically the new leather one that everyone has seen.
Really great car, went back and had three separate test drives to make sure and truly cannot understand the criticisms of the car. Its easiest the best looking in the Lotus range, makes the Elise look dated and just a bit cooler and understated than the Exige [that was what I was going to buy]. It goes well and definetly feels as Lotus-like as my old S1 Elise; it is however, much much better built!
Can't wait!
Cracking deal, will come with power upgrade etc and 'luxury' interior, basically the new leather one that everyone has seen.
Really great car, went back and had three separate test drives to make sure and truly cannot understand the criticisms of the car. Its easiest the best looking in the Lotus range, makes the Elise look dated and just a bit cooler and understated than the Exige [that was what I was going to buy]. It goes well and definetly feels as Lotus-like as my old S1 Elise; it is however, much much better built!
Can't wait!
Twit said:
I get my Europa at the end of march, got to wait til then as I have a bonus that's paying for it!
Cracking deal, will come with power upgrade etc and 'luxury' interior, basically the new leather one that everyone has seen.
Really great car, went back and had three separate test drives to make sure and truly cannot understand the criticisms of the car. Its easiest the best looking in the Lotus range, makes the Elise look dated and just a bit cooler and understated than the Exige [that was what I was going to buy]. It goes well and definetly feels as Lotus-like as my old S1 Elise; it is however, much much better built!
Can't wait!
Good luck with that, let us know how you get on... Gotta love that new interior!Cracking deal, will come with power upgrade etc and 'luxury' interior, basically the new leather one that everyone has seen.
Really great car, went back and had three separate test drives to make sure and truly cannot understand the criticisms of the car. Its easiest the best looking in the Lotus range, makes the Elise look dated and just a bit cooler and understated than the Exige [that was what I was going to buy]. It goes well and definetly feels as Lotus-like as my old S1 Elise; it is however, much much better built!
Can't wait!
Redlake27 said:
I've taken the plunge!
After 6 years in my Elise S1 135, I've gone for a Europa.
After intially not seeing the point of the Europa (like most non-buyers) I'd set my heart on an Elise S2 R, but having driven both standard and performance pack upgrade Europas on test drives, I realised it is a much-maligned car in Performance pack form.
I'm sure it will have a few Thorney-style tweaks before long including Milltek Exhaust and Dunlop Direzza rubber, making it Exige-quick for much less money.
I'm nervous about missing the Elise S1 purity, but I think this could be a whole new adventure.
It would be good to hear the experiences of other Europa owners on here.
Not heard of those dunlops before. What's with them then? Are they equivilent to toyo 888's or R1's or something? After 6 years in my Elise S1 135, I've gone for a Europa.
After intially not seeing the point of the Europa (like most non-buyers) I'd set my heart on an Elise S2 R, but having driven both standard and performance pack upgrade Europas on test drives, I realised it is a much-maligned car in Performance pack form.
I'm sure it will have a few Thorney-style tweaks before long including Milltek Exhaust and Dunlop Direzza rubber, making it Exige-quick for much less money.
I'm nervous about missing the Elise S1 purity, but I think this could be a whole new adventure.
It would be good to hear the experiences of other Europa owners on here.
Phil-CH said:
Boggy said:
May sound like German, but it isn't. More like Dutch or something.GTRene
Well, I've got the Europa 225 now and done my first 100 miles!
I love it. Feels like the Elise on a B road and very comfortable and smooth at motorway (+) speeds.
It is very rapid in 4th/5th gear overtaking manoeuvres
It lacks the sharp turn in of the Elise S1, but I'm solving that with a set of 195 or 205 front Goodyear Eagle F1s on Rimstock wheels next month. The 175 Bridgestones give a nice level of steering feedback, but understeer does come too soon. I felt the same about the Elise S2 (My s1 had 195 fronts which cured this).
I can understand why a Cayman buyer wouldn't like the Europa, but for those weaned on Elises it is positively luxurious!
PS: If anyone wants a nice low mileage Elise S1 with a 135 upgrade, go to carbridge.co.uk !
I love it. Feels like the Elise on a B road and very comfortable and smooth at motorway (+) speeds.
It is very rapid in 4th/5th gear overtaking manoeuvres
It lacks the sharp turn in of the Elise S1, but I'm solving that with a set of 195 or 205 front Goodyear Eagle F1s on Rimstock wheels next month. The 175 Bridgestones give a nice level of steering feedback, but understeer does come too soon. I felt the same about the Elise S2 (My s1 had 195 fronts which cured this).
I can understand why a Cayman buyer wouldn't like the Europa, but for those weaned on Elises it is positively luxurious!
PS: If anyone wants a nice low mileage Elise S1 with a 135 upgrade, go to carbridge.co.uk !
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