Europa Reviews
Discussion
All
I have started to think about my next car and am thinking about the Europa , main reasons are i loved the elise but need something a little more practical.
Just wondering if any owners on here could give a bit of a review eg , living with it daily, running costs any probs to look out for etc
thanks
I have started to think about my next car and am thinking about the Europa , main reasons are i loved the elise but need something a little more practical.
Just wondering if any owners on here could give a bit of a review eg , living with it daily, running costs any probs to look out for etc
thanks
I drove around 1200 miles in one of the early cars, and I rate it pretty highly.
All that Lotus feel and handling, a tad more practical, and totally different to look at.
Im going to be in the market for a new toy next summer, and I think the Europa may have come down to affordable to me by then, so I would very seriously consider it.
The latest spec cars are very good with the upgraded map and brakes.
Good value to buy, but I think depreciation will always be worse than an Elise.
All that Lotus feel and handling, a tad more practical, and totally different to look at.
Im going to be in the market for a new toy next summer, and I think the Europa may have come down to affordable to me by then, so I would very seriously consider it.
The latest spec cars are very good with the upgraded map and brakes.
Good value to buy, but I think depreciation will always be worse than an Elise.
Thanks, i think it will be next year when i decide hopefully that will have hit the max depreciation by then. It appears they seem to be very underated which is a great shame as i think they look and sound great also unique as i have only seen 1 one the road which is a great selling point
I've just bought one this week after 2 1/2 years with a Boxster S. I think so many people have overlooked this car. I understand how it struggled to sell as a new car as it was always compared to the Porsche Cayman which is priced similarly when new. Drive the two cars for a week and you realise that they are both very different experiences. Issues with early mapping and the press not really getting the cars purpose went against it.
Funny how all the reviews praise the handling, performance, build etc yet still often gave a bad review purely because of the fact the car is not hardcore like an Exige S, nor sanitised like a Cayman/Boxster. Its still hardcore, just not far enough in one direction or another for some. Its a car that if the ingredients work for you its a cracker, you just have to get it. None of the negative reviews are about it being a bad car, only journo's not really getting where its placed in the market.
As a used buy its somewhat of a mini supercar bargain. Mines got the big brakes, 225bhp upgrade, extended leather etc, is two years old and weighed in under £20k privately. This is for a car that goes like fook, handles amazingly and will cost a fraction to run and service over my Porsche. It wont need an expensive warranty either incase of the dreaded Porsche IMS failure. No it don't have the flat 6 of the Porsche but it does have a turbo which is tunable if you want to go even faster. The other benefit as a used buyer is that its really rare, almost the forgotten Lotus and as it looks stunning everyone wants to look at it or ask you about it. Only downside is they are still a pig to get in and out of but that really is it. Turbo sounds awesome in your ear, everything is solid and works as it should and the steering is a world away from my over sanitised Porsche. I think about 25 of these were sold in the UK last year and its could well be phased out now the Evora is here. Its a whole lot of very useable rarity which wont break the bank to run. I really get this car, im amazed more people have not.
Funny how all the reviews praise the handling, performance, build etc yet still often gave a bad review purely because of the fact the car is not hardcore like an Exige S, nor sanitised like a Cayman/Boxster. Its still hardcore, just not far enough in one direction or another for some. Its a car that if the ingredients work for you its a cracker, you just have to get it. None of the negative reviews are about it being a bad car, only journo's not really getting where its placed in the market.
As a used buy its somewhat of a mini supercar bargain. Mines got the big brakes, 225bhp upgrade, extended leather etc, is two years old and weighed in under £20k privately. This is for a car that goes like fook, handles amazingly and will cost a fraction to run and service over my Porsche. It wont need an expensive warranty either incase of the dreaded Porsche IMS failure. No it don't have the flat 6 of the Porsche but it does have a turbo which is tunable if you want to go even faster. The other benefit as a used buyer is that its really rare, almost the forgotten Lotus and as it looks stunning everyone wants to look at it or ask you about it. Only downside is they are still a pig to get in and out of but that really is it. Turbo sounds awesome in your ear, everything is solid and works as it should and the steering is a world away from my over sanitised Porsche. I think about 25 of these were sold in the UK last year and its could well be phased out now the Evora is here. Its a whole lot of very useable rarity which wont break the bank to run. I really get this car, im amazed more people have not.
We purchased our Europa S 225 6 months ago- 2nd hand. Its taken many years to decide on a "special car". We knew it had to be Lotus based, after testing an Elise S1, the handling is unique. Many years later we tried an Elise 111R. Great car with a more powerfull engine than the S1, but the power delivery was all high up the rev range. Kind of a hooligans car. Then tried a VX220T and was blown away by the power. Then noticed that Europas use basicly the same powerplant with a 6 speed box. Prices had dropped to 20K mark. a real bargain IMO for this type of car and so a deal was done.
Ownning has been a revelation most pistonheads will talk about BHP/Ton, but this car has taught me the fun to be had from torque per ton. It will blow away virtualy anything in a standing start and yet does this effortlessly without the need of high revs. Knife through butter, more like hammer through butter.
The conception of the car is somewhat questionable. Talk of Proton involvment and that the car is just a way of getting rid of a few left over VX powerplants have meant it has not been a hit with the press. We picked our car up from the showroom of our local supercar garage. The car did not look out of place with its low coupe shape. Sat there amongst Italian marques it looked like just another supercar in 3/4 scale. Time has been good for the styling of the Europa. It has been mistaken for an R8, kids love it and I am often being asked about it by strangers.
I believe the Europa is a refined development of the VXT. However I do not believe it to be much more pratical than other elise based vehicles. Inside is the same dimensions and the boot is just big enough for a trolly load of goods. Elec windows dont realy seem necessary. Air con is nice, 6 speed box helps MPG, but the GPS stereo isnt great. With the recent nice weather it would be nice for the roof to have come off, which it can't.
The car feels very solid, although have had to tighten a few fixings in places and the paint on the airbag pealed and had to be resprayed. I have also repainted the front grille as this was looking tired. The car is prone to stone chips. I have just done an Oil and filter change, which cost me less than £40 using Lotus specified oil and Bosch filter. There is a lot of knowledge on the VX220.ORG site, which is relevent to this car. Its also worth looking through Hoffmans Europa elise cup project as the stripping of there race car highlighted a few possible issues.
Its a rare beast and should not be regarded as the Lotus-lite! It realy isnt. I love the way it drives even driving slowly feels entertaining. Trying to make smooth gettaways and learning where and when the turbo is going to kick in adds to a feeling of a car that needs to be learned, which in turn makes you feel like you have mastered the car when you get it right.
I was suprised by the economy as I have got 40 MPG on a long run. It likes higher octane fuels when it comes to MPG. 2nd hand I think these cars are a bargain and I see the Europa now starts from 26K new, which is far more realistic. I believe parts should be pretty cheap as a lot of the mechanics are Vauxhall based. This is not our only vehicle, but do not see why it would not be a good single car. I was initialy worried about driving in the wet, but wasnt a problem. Give it a go!
Ownning has been a revelation most pistonheads will talk about BHP/Ton, but this car has taught me the fun to be had from torque per ton. It will blow away virtualy anything in a standing start and yet does this effortlessly without the need of high revs. Knife through butter, more like hammer through butter.
The conception of the car is somewhat questionable. Talk of Proton involvment and that the car is just a way of getting rid of a few left over VX powerplants have meant it has not been a hit with the press. We picked our car up from the showroom of our local supercar garage. The car did not look out of place with its low coupe shape. Sat there amongst Italian marques it looked like just another supercar in 3/4 scale. Time has been good for the styling of the Europa. It has been mistaken for an R8, kids love it and I am often being asked about it by strangers.
I believe the Europa is a refined development of the VXT. However I do not believe it to be much more pratical than other elise based vehicles. Inside is the same dimensions and the boot is just big enough for a trolly load of goods. Elec windows dont realy seem necessary. Air con is nice, 6 speed box helps MPG, but the GPS stereo isnt great. With the recent nice weather it would be nice for the roof to have come off, which it can't.
The car feels very solid, although have had to tighten a few fixings in places and the paint on the airbag pealed and had to be resprayed. I have also repainted the front grille as this was looking tired. The car is prone to stone chips. I have just done an Oil and filter change, which cost me less than £40 using Lotus specified oil and Bosch filter. There is a lot of knowledge on the VX220.ORG site, which is relevent to this car. Its also worth looking through Hoffmans Europa elise cup project as the stripping of there race car highlighted a few possible issues.
Its a rare beast and should not be regarded as the Lotus-lite! It realy isnt. I love the way it drives even driving slowly feels entertaining. Trying to make smooth gettaways and learning where and when the turbo is going to kick in adds to a feeling of a car that needs to be learned, which in turn makes you feel like you have mastered the car when you get it right.
I was suprised by the economy as I have got 40 MPG on a long run. It likes higher octane fuels when it comes to MPG. 2nd hand I think these cars are a bargain and I see the Europa now starts from 26K new, which is far more realistic. I believe parts should be pretty cheap as a lot of the mechanics are Vauxhall based. This is not our only vehicle, but do not see why it would not be a good single car. I was initialy worried about driving in the wet, but wasnt a problem. Give it a go!
Thanks for this , great information , can i ask how it handles in the wet, the elise can be very twitchy is the europa more stable ?
also which model would you reccomend im not looking for a track day car I will be wanting to use it asd a normal day to day car.
the more and more im looking at the europa the more attractive it is becoming , for some reason im swaying to the black with orange interior sounds horrendous but i think it looks superb
also which model would you reccomend im not looking for a track day car I will be wanting to use it asd a normal day to day car.
the more and more im looking at the europa the more attractive it is becoming , for some reason im swaying to the black with orange interior sounds horrendous but i think it looks superb
I bought one similar to your description last October. 2 yr old, 8k on clock, full leather and upgraded brakes/power.
Since then, have added Nitron shocks, which are not necessary, but give added bonus of lowering ride height which looks better IMO, improved rear grip, and option to adjust suspension for track or city potholes.
Either way, I think Europa is a bargain second hand, looks much better in the flesh (I've always liked it though), and gives you 90% of an Elise handling while being different and also more refined. I've driven hundreds of miles in one sitting on motorways without any issues. The only thing I don't like is the brakes, and currently deciding whether to upgrade pads or go whole hog on 4-pots etc.
The good thing about the Europa is that IMO it is almost the perfect speed/size for enjoyment on public roads. My last car was an R8, and it was my daily driver as well. It was too fast (point it, few seconds of throttle, brake) and too conspicuous for roads in my experience, and too expensive on track day consumables, so it always felt like a compromise. I now have a daily driver and Europa, and I find myself wanting to go for an unnecessary blast about the countryside much more often than i did in R8!
If it had been sold as a more comfortable elise at the right price and with leather/bhp at start then it would have been a success, as it is now, it's a good buy for someone willing to ignore the bad press and try it out.
Since then, have added Nitron shocks, which are not necessary, but give added bonus of lowering ride height which looks better IMO, improved rear grip, and option to adjust suspension for track or city potholes.
Either way, I think Europa is a bargain second hand, looks much better in the flesh (I've always liked it though), and gives you 90% of an Elise handling while being different and also more refined. I've driven hundreds of miles in one sitting on motorways without any issues. The only thing I don't like is the brakes, and currently deciding whether to upgrade pads or go whole hog on 4-pots etc.
The good thing about the Europa is that IMO it is almost the perfect speed/size for enjoyment on public roads. My last car was an R8, and it was my daily driver as well. It was too fast (point it, few seconds of throttle, brake) and too conspicuous for roads in my experience, and too expensive on track day consumables, so it always felt like a compromise. I now have a daily driver and Europa, and I find myself wanting to go for an unnecessary blast about the countryside much more often than i did in R8!
If it had been sold as a more comfortable elise at the right price and with leather/bhp at start then it would have been a success, as it is now, it's a good buy for someone willing to ignore the bad press and try it out.
I was going to ask if anyone had fitted the Nitron kit from Thorney but I guess by your comments Footsoldier you have. What do you think? I am running standard setup but with Team Dynamics wheels and the front just looks too high with the 16" rims so am very keen to drop the rhs. What do you think of the ride, did you fit them or did the car come with them.
For the brakes I have fitted the Mintex pads, they are pretty cheep and are a good step better. If you go to the VX forum they talk about the brakes quite a lot as they run the same setup. Another good option if you want to save spending on the AP setup is to fit the bigger discs that Elise parts do and space the callipers out. I know Brooke Kensington will do this setup. I think I am going to wait until my front discs are worn out (not too long) and then fit the AP setup.
cheers
C43
For the brakes I have fitted the Mintex pads, they are pretty cheep and are a good step better. If you go to the VX forum they talk about the brakes quite a lot as they run the same setup. Another good option if you want to save spending on the AP setup is to fit the bigger discs that Elise parts do and space the callipers out. I know Brooke Kensington will do this setup. I think I am going to wait until my front discs are worn out (not too long) and then fit the AP setup.
cheers
C43
Bourj said:
We purchased our Europa S 225 6 months ago- 2nd hand. Its taken many years to decide on a "special car". We knew it had to be Lotus based, after testing an Elise S1, the handling is unique. Many years later we tried an Elise 111R. Great car with a more powerfull engine than the S1, but the power delivery was all high up the rev range. Kind of a hooligans car. Then tried a VX220T and was blown away by the power. Then noticed that Europas use basicly the same powerplant with a 6 speed box. Prices had dropped to 20K mark. a real bargain IMO for this type of car and so a deal was done.
Ownning has been a revelation most pistonheads will talk about BHP/Ton, but this car has taught me the fun to be had from torque per ton. It will blow away virtualy anything in a standing start and yet does this effortlessly without the need of high revs. Knife through butter, more like hammer through butter.
The conception of the car is somewhat questionable. Talk of Proton involvment and that the car is just a way of getting rid of a few left over VX powerplants have meant it has not been a hit with the press. We picked our car up from the showroom of our local supercar garage. The car did not look out of place with its low coupe shape. Sat there amongst Italian marques it looked like just another supercar in 3/4 scale. Time has been good for the styling of the Europa. It has been mistaken for an R8, kids love it and I am often being asked about it by strangers.
I believe the Europa is a refined development of the VXT. However I do not believe it to be much more pratical than other elise based vehicles. Inside is the same dimensions and the boot is just big enough for a trolly load of goods. Elec windows dont realy seem necessary. Air con is nice, 6 speed box helps MPG, but the GPS stereo isnt great. With the recent nice weather it would be nice for the roof to have come off, which it can't.
The car feels very solid, although have had to tighten a few fixings in places and the paint on the airbag pealed and had to be resprayed. I have also repainted the front grille as this was looking tired. The car is prone to stone chips. I have just done an Oil and filter change, which cost me less than £40 using Lotus specified oil and Bosch filter. There is a lot of knowledge on the VX220.ORG site, which is relevent to this car. Its also worth looking through Hoffmans Europa elise cup project as the stripping of there race car highlighted a few possible issues.
Its a rare beast and should not be regarded as the Lotus-lite! It realy isnt. I love the way it drives even driving slowly feels entertaining. Trying to make smooth gettaways and learning where and when the turbo is going to kick in adds to a feeling of a car that needs to be learned, which in turn makes you feel like you have mastered the car when you get it right.
I was suprised by the economy as I have got 40 MPG on a long run. It likes higher octane fuels when it comes to MPG. 2nd hand I think these cars are a bargain and I see the Europa now starts from 26K new, which is far more realistic. I believe parts should be pretty cheap as a lot of the mechanics are Vauxhall based. This is not our only vehicle, but do not see why it would not be a good single car. I was initialy worried about driving in the wet, but wasnt a problem. Give it a go!
I remember when the vx220 turbo came out and everyone was getting all excited, yet somehow the same package with a much nicer interior, much better looking body + 230 hp had everyone shrugging there shoulders, the VX220 was a very well received car hampered by a terrible ad campaign (man in his underpants...) and a downmarket badge, the europa was the same great car reborn with a better badge, better body and better interior i think its very underated and personally would test drive one first over an elise if i was in the market for a new lotusOwnning has been a revelation most pistonheads will talk about BHP/Ton, but this car has taught me the fun to be had from torque per ton. It will blow away virtualy anything in a standing start and yet does this effortlessly without the need of high revs. Knife through butter, more like hammer through butter.
The conception of the car is somewhat questionable. Talk of Proton involvment and that the car is just a way of getting rid of a few left over VX powerplants have meant it has not been a hit with the press. We picked our car up from the showroom of our local supercar garage. The car did not look out of place with its low coupe shape. Sat there amongst Italian marques it looked like just another supercar in 3/4 scale. Time has been good for the styling of the Europa. It has been mistaken for an R8, kids love it and I am often being asked about it by strangers.
I believe the Europa is a refined development of the VXT. However I do not believe it to be much more pratical than other elise based vehicles. Inside is the same dimensions and the boot is just big enough for a trolly load of goods. Elec windows dont realy seem necessary. Air con is nice, 6 speed box helps MPG, but the GPS stereo isnt great. With the recent nice weather it would be nice for the roof to have come off, which it can't.
The car feels very solid, although have had to tighten a few fixings in places and the paint on the airbag pealed and had to be resprayed. I have also repainted the front grille as this was looking tired. The car is prone to stone chips. I have just done an Oil and filter change, which cost me less than £40 using Lotus specified oil and Bosch filter. There is a lot of knowledge on the VX220.ORG site, which is relevent to this car. Its also worth looking through Hoffmans Europa elise cup project as the stripping of there race car highlighted a few possible issues.
Its a rare beast and should not be regarded as the Lotus-lite! It realy isnt. I love the way it drives even driving slowly feels entertaining. Trying to make smooth gettaways and learning where and when the turbo is going to kick in adds to a feeling of a car that needs to be learned, which in turn makes you feel like you have mastered the car when you get it right.
I was suprised by the economy as I have got 40 MPG on a long run. It likes higher octane fuels when it comes to MPG. 2nd hand I think these cars are a bargain and I see the Europa now starts from 26K new, which is far more realistic. I believe parts should be pretty cheap as a lot of the mechanics are Vauxhall based. This is not our only vehicle, but do not see why it would not be a good single car. I was initialy worried about driving in the wet, but wasnt a problem. Give it a go!
Hi all
I'm about to buy a Europa but not sure whether to try to stretch to the SE (on finance) or go for a low mileage secondhand S (with the 225 upgrade). I appreciate the SE has a few extra bits over and above the S, like the 4-pot brakes, touring pack and tweaked suspension.
Anyone had any experience of both? Is it worth paying the extra money for the SE (£19k v £30k+) or am I likely to be just as happy with the S? Reviews for the SE seem much more positive than for the S, but then again all the reviews on the Europa seem a bit confused and lazy.
Thanks
I'm about to buy a Europa but not sure whether to try to stretch to the SE (on finance) or go for a low mileage secondhand S (with the 225 upgrade). I appreciate the SE has a few extra bits over and above the S, like the 4-pot brakes, touring pack and tweaked suspension.
Anyone had any experience of both? Is it worth paying the extra money for the SE (£19k v £30k+) or am I likely to be just as happy with the S? Reviews for the SE seem much more positive than for the S, but then again all the reviews on the Europa seem a bit confused and lazy.
Thanks
C43 - when I first fitted Nitrons, they were too stiff on track setting, and car was not good over speedbumps (or potholes or anything else...), but I have backed off front and rear stiffness in proportion, and it now works well on the roads which are pretty cr@p near me.
It was trickier than it should have been getting info from Throney/Nitron, but got there with help from local lotus specialist, who now also rates car more highly with Nitrons than before. You have to jack car up to make it softer or stiffer for track, but I am more than happy with it, and no doubt there is more rear grip (which can give mid-corner/roundabout understeer) as well as the ride adjustability and lower ride height. In wet weather esp, have a lot more grip now and get power down a lot sooner/harder.
I prefer the look of car as well, not so much space under wheelarches and my next step before or along with brakes is to go for the TD wheels on 888s which should complete the "Thorney R" setup. If I hadn't torn my shoulder ligaments, would have done it by now, but trackdays and oversteer were off agenda for a while!
I hesitate to recommend something which is a bit subjective, and when I first got them I wasn't happy, but dialled-in comfort wise for a road-use bias, I wouldn't take them off now for traction and adjustability alone.
It was trickier than it should have been getting info from Throney/Nitron, but got there with help from local lotus specialist, who now also rates car more highly with Nitrons than before. You have to jack car up to make it softer or stiffer for track, but I am more than happy with it, and no doubt there is more rear grip (which can give mid-corner/roundabout understeer) as well as the ride adjustability and lower ride height. In wet weather esp, have a lot more grip now and get power down a lot sooner/harder.
I prefer the look of car as well, not so much space under wheelarches and my next step before or along with brakes is to go for the TD wheels on 888s which should complete the "Thorney R" setup. If I hadn't torn my shoulder ligaments, would have done it by now, but trackdays and oversteer were off agenda for a while!
I hesitate to recommend something which is a bit subjective, and when I first got them I wasn't happy, but dialled-in comfort wise for a road-use bias, I wouldn't take them off now for traction and adjustability alone.
Hi Footsoldier, thanks for the feedback. I just wanted to make sure the car will go over speedbumps with such a low front and I guess from your comments it should be fine. I actually live close to Nitrons and not far from Thorney or Hoffmans so will see who will give the best service. Did you get any info on spring rates from Thorney?
I currently have the Toyo T1R on the TD wheels and think they are very good in the wet or dry on track. If you have the Nitrons you might want to think about fitting the 888 as the side walls are stiffer and the ride will be worse, or so I have been told. Thorney should be able to give some advice.
I have no experience of the new SE but can confirm that the S is a great car to live with. I guess its just a question of driving both. Also if you buy a new car you can spec it as you want. I was very lucky with mine as its exactly the spec I wanted but it took over a year to find. Also to get a S upto SE spec would cost a fari bit as things like the APs brakes are 1500 on their own so the SE looks not bad value for a new car. Either way you end up with a great car.
Earlier in this thread someone mentioned going from a R8 to an Europa as the R8 was just so over the top. I see a guy driving one of the R8s on the way to work each day and the car is just too big and over the top for normal driving so I can see his point.
cheers
C43
I currently have the Toyo T1R on the TD wheels and think they are very good in the wet or dry on track. If you have the Nitrons you might want to think about fitting the 888 as the side walls are stiffer and the ride will be worse, or so I have been told. Thorney should be able to give some advice.
I have no experience of the new SE but can confirm that the S is a great car to live with. I guess its just a question of driving both. Also if you buy a new car you can spec it as you want. I was very lucky with mine as its exactly the spec I wanted but it took over a year to find. Also to get a S upto SE spec would cost a fari bit as things like the APs brakes are 1500 on their own so the SE looks not bad value for a new car. Either way you end up with a great car.
Earlier in this thread someone mentioned going from a R8 to an Europa as the R8 was just so over the top. I see a guy driving one of the R8s on the way to work each day and the car is just too big and over the top for normal driving so I can see his point.
cheers
C43
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