So I had a test drive in one
Discussion
Omaruk said:
Julian Thompson said:
Interesting comments. I’ve ordered one for almost the opposite reasons!
I have manual cars already and they’re great but there is something interesting to have an example of each of the transmission types. Being able to concentrate on the corner with your hands on the wheel is very exciting in a modern race car, and I think the enjoyment can definitely be found with that process, though it seems mandatory to install aftermarket shift levers for some of the tactility you miss.
I also have no other heavily boosted turbo cars, and miss that elastic throttle feeling that needs different corner planning, along with the noise a turbo makes. I plan to fit an aftermarket exhaust to my car, but don’t want the sound pipe thing so I’ve ordered it with the standard exhaust.
In the end it’s great we all like different stuff, and I think it’s fun to state a position and then discuss it like this - it’s what makes cars such a fascinating hobby.
So, here is the big question - it sounds like the A110 isn’t for you - what’s next on your shopping list and why?
Manual Lotus Exige I have manual cars already and they’re great but there is something interesting to have an example of each of the transmission types. Being able to concentrate on the corner with your hands on the wheel is very exciting in a modern race car, and I think the enjoyment can definitely be found with that process, though it seems mandatory to install aftermarket shift levers for some of the tactility you miss.
I also have no other heavily boosted turbo cars, and miss that elastic throttle feeling that needs different corner planning, along with the noise a turbo makes. I plan to fit an aftermarket exhaust to my car, but don’t want the sound pipe thing so I’ve ordered it with the standard exhaust.
In the end it’s great we all like different stuff, and I think it’s fun to state a position and then discuss it like this - it’s what makes cars such a fascinating hobby.
So, here is the big question - it sounds like the A110 isn’t for you - what’s next on your shopping list and why?
To address some of the points raised about the A110:
Yes oddment space is abysmal - but it doesn't cost much using Alpine sill boxes and ebay cargo nets to make a major improvement.
I don't like the flatulence of the sports exhaust either - but save yourself £1500 and don't have to specify it. Even if your car has it a £200 remap from Life 110 will get rid of the offensive noises.
Luggage comes in for a lot of criticism - and it isn't the most conveniently accessed I must agree. That said total capacity is very competitive - far more than an Exige, Elise, 4c, mx5 and most of the sports cars of my youth. It's actually comparable with an Emira - which is even more inconveniently arranged.
If you don't like autos full stop, then of course the car is a non-starter. But as an auto it is very good imo - not quite as slick or smooth as a PDK, but much preferable by virtue of its great ratio choice and reduced creep (creep makes braking smoothly to a halt almost impossible in a Cayman) . Put the A110 in manual and you will make FAR more gearchanges than you would in either an auto OR manual Cayman. Someone mentioned that changing the paddles would make the change more tactile - it won't, they are just longer which is a boon on track. Not sure what "feedback" some would like - the paddles are pretty positive. I know some like a bit of a kick in the back on a gearchange - but personally I prefer a gearchange to be seamless.
bcr5784 said:
But as an auto it is very good imo
Fully agree. Also, what should be taken into account is the gearing: The A110 is short geared, which adds to the enjoyment.Have to say I don't see the Exige as a competitor. First of all, the Exige is a very old design, with an old engine. And secondly, the A110 is much more understated and sophisticated. I would not feel comfortable driving around with an Exige, with the wing and the noisy exhaust. Could be an age thing of course
Julian Thompson said:
Most GT cars - 300kg = Boxster
Boxster - 300kg = Alpine
Alpine - 300kg = Elise
Elise - 300kg = 7
7 - 300kg = Motorbike
This pretty much works to be a good window on the experience you’re going to get.
Perfect way of putting it, I use a sliding scale…Boxster - 300kg = Alpine
Alpine - 300kg = Elise
Elise - 300kg = 7
7 - 300kg = Motorbike
This pretty much works to be a good window on the experience you’re going to get.
Caterham - Elise/Exige - A110 - Cayman/Boxter - 911
Each a step down in fun on the road but with improved usability etc.
I was considering an exige before I went for the
alpine.
Always been a lotus fan but always found it a PITA getting in and out of Elise/Europa/Exige and realised I’d rarely use it. I do love the exhaust note on an Exige.
The Alpine is so easy to live with in comparison - to me the best car is the one I want to use all the time.
alpine.
Always been a lotus fan but always found it a PITA getting in and out of Elise/Europa/Exige and realised I’d rarely use it. I do love the exhaust note on an Exige.
The Alpine is so easy to live with in comparison - to me the best car is the one I want to use all the time.
Gary C said:
'apparently' it can't take a manual which is a shame as a manual would be lighter and more fun.
Alpine have explained this.A manual would require a mechanical connection from the gearbox to the cabin. That would result in more weigh to achieve the same stiffness, so the auto ends up lighter.
They didn't have the budget to develop both, and Porsche sales make it clear that autos outsell manuals. The only real consequence is that a handful of people who wouldn't have bought one anyway complain on the internet about the lack of a manual.
Try to get one with the storage bin that goes between the seats, I find it very useful. I know it's not the easiest thing to access while in the seat, but you can store phone, wallet, sunglasses, even a 500ml bottle in there. I'm so glad I spec'd one for my car despite many people (even the dealer!) saying it wasn't worthwhile.
Great to see all the comments and the debate, pretty interesting that’s the sports exhaust silly pops and bangs is pretty much universally disliked.
Gearbox some love, sorry I don’t, just too game like with not even a decent click and certainly no feeling of what the power train is doing through the paddles. Only other paddle shift I’ve tried is on a Radical SR3 very different animal different gearbox and experience too, but strange as it sounds I could feel what the power train was doing through the paddles in that car.
Yes agree you could do something about cabin storage but why should I at this price point? Luggage capacity is more than good enough for me, and yes it’s very easy to get in and out.
Yes exige has an old engine but so have many very desirable cars. Chassis is old but it’s still bloody good today. Yes getting in an out is a royal PITA but use case is toy for euro tours, as track days are somewhat dull and again lots of sitting around and racing is now just too many £££ for a whole weekend and at best 50 mins of qualifying and racing combined.
Crux of the matter is Alpine it ticks some boxes but not enough of them, biggest being 3 pedals. If there was a manual option and this car is screaming out for one then the remaining boxes would be inconsequential.
On another positive what a nice bunch of owners you are, incredibly hospitable, able to have a great discussion on both merits and challenges.
Gearbox some love, sorry I don’t, just too game like with not even a decent click and certainly no feeling of what the power train is doing through the paddles. Only other paddle shift I’ve tried is on a Radical SR3 very different animal different gearbox and experience too, but strange as it sounds I could feel what the power train was doing through the paddles in that car.
Yes agree you could do something about cabin storage but why should I at this price point? Luggage capacity is more than good enough for me, and yes it’s very easy to get in and out.
Yes exige has an old engine but so have many very desirable cars. Chassis is old but it’s still bloody good today. Yes getting in an out is a royal PITA but use case is toy for euro tours, as track days are somewhat dull and again lots of sitting around and racing is now just too many £££ for a whole weekend and at best 50 mins of qualifying and racing combined.
Crux of the matter is Alpine it ticks some boxes but not enough of them, biggest being 3 pedals. If there was a manual option and this car is screaming out for one then the remaining boxes would be inconsequential.
On another positive what a nice bunch of owners you are, incredibly hospitable, able to have a great discussion on both merits and challenges.
Edited by Omaruk on Monday 25th September 21:37
Re the Exige/Elise comparison: In my book, if you have reached a certain age or mindset, Elise and Exige do not work as everyday cars, they are just too specialised. On the right road, on the right day and in the right mood they are fantastic, yes, and even more engaging than the A110.
But on all other occasions the A110 is the better proposition (for me at least) and it can be driven everyday without any sacrifice. I am speaking from experience, having owned an Elise for quite some time. The A110 is better in every way than the Elise - which is understandable because there are 20 years between them. Things have moved on....
But on all other occasions the A110 is the better proposition (for me at least) and it can be driven everyday without any sacrifice. I am speaking from experience, having owned an Elise for quite some time. The A110 is better in every way than the Elise - which is understandable because there are 20 years between them. Things have moved on....
Euro tour?
Just had a quick poke in the Elise to remind myself where we are here as it’s been a while…
Got to say, you’re definitely hardcore or I’m getting old. Well I know I am, it’s been a while since we drove a bike powered Westfield to the Nurburgring. (and even then I confess that “we” means that I sat in my coupe and laughed at my best mate when the heavens opened in Belgium. We had to stop and drill a hole in the seat under his bum so the water would drain out
)
But yeah, honestly? I think you’re mad to consider an Exige as a tourer. What about an Evora/Emira? Wouldn’t they be better?
Just had a quick poke in the Elise to remind myself where we are here as it’s been a while…
Got to say, you’re definitely hardcore or I’m getting old. Well I know I am, it’s been a while since we drove a bike powered Westfield to the Nurburgring. (and even then I confess that “we” means that I sat in my coupe and laughed at my best mate when the heavens opened in Belgium. We had to stop and drill a hole in the seat under his bum so the water would drain out
)But yeah, honestly? I think you’re mad to consider an Exige as a tourer. What about an Evora/Emira? Wouldn’t they be better?
Julian Thompson said:
I think you’re mad to consider an Exige as a tourer.
Fully agree, there is only car even less suited for touring than the Elise/Exige and that is the Caterham Seven.The A110 one the other hand is perfectly acceptable on long journeys
Much less noise and harshness, more comfort, longer range and 7th gear for cruising... Having come from an Evora and Evora 400 I can definitely say that these are the Lotuses that are comparable with the A110, not the Exige. I could not live with an Exige as my main car. I did the Evora 400 and am with the Alpine.
The problem with the Exige/Evora however is the speed you need to be going to exercise the car. The only place I ever got to do that was on the Isle of Man. The Alpine can be enjoyed at responsible speeds on the road, the Exige/Evora (and Porsches etc for that matter) can't.
Noise - Yes, the Exige/Evora noise if far more engaging and this is disappointing and this years trip to the IOM with the SELOC crowd reminded me of this
Gearbox - The A110 is comparable with the Evora Auto, but I regularly find myself in too high a gear, which I didn't in the Evora - I think this may be because I always kept the Evora in a lower gear listening the the exhaust! Absent that it is engaging and I am struggling to understand the complaints.
Comfort - different league to an Exige or Elise. Definitely closest to an Evora. Personally I think it is as comfortable as the S1 Evora and more comfortable than the 400. My wife thinks is a little less comfortable than either Evora.
Suspension - it's too soft. Great in the wet, but not great when pressing on in the dry. I will be making changes via Life110 parts.
Cabin storage - I do agree a glovebox would be useful. Lack of cupholders does help reinforce my no eating/drinking in the car rule and in any case if you are driving properly drinks just get spilled. I can just about get what I need in the little bin at the back of the centre consul. Sunglasses, microfibre cloth, blood glucose kit and in case the last item necessitates.........a packet of Extra Strong mints).
The phone goes in the slot at the front of the centre consul, plugged into the carplay.
The problem with the Exige/Evora however is the speed you need to be going to exercise the car. The only place I ever got to do that was on the Isle of Man. The Alpine can be enjoyed at responsible speeds on the road, the Exige/Evora (and Porsches etc for that matter) can't.
Noise - Yes, the Exige/Evora noise if far more engaging and this is disappointing and this years trip to the IOM with the SELOC crowd reminded me of this
Gearbox - The A110 is comparable with the Evora Auto, but I regularly find myself in too high a gear, which I didn't in the Evora - I think this may be because I always kept the Evora in a lower gear listening the the exhaust! Absent that it is engaging and I am struggling to understand the complaints.
Comfort - different league to an Exige or Elise. Definitely closest to an Evora. Personally I think it is as comfortable as the S1 Evora and more comfortable than the 400. My wife thinks is a little less comfortable than either Evora.
Suspension - it's too soft. Great in the wet, but not great when pressing on in the dry. I will be making changes via Life110 parts.
Cabin storage - I do agree a glovebox would be useful. Lack of cupholders does help reinforce my no eating/drinking in the car rule and in any case if you are driving properly drinks just get spilled. I can just about get what I need in the little bin at the back of the centre consul. Sunglasses, microfibre cloth, blood glucose kit and in case the last item necessitates.........a packet of Extra Strong mints
).The phone goes in the slot at the front of the centre consul, plugged into the carplay.
Edited by Colin P on Tuesday 26th September 09:51
Edmund Dorf said:
Fully agree, there is only car even less suited for touring than the Elise/Exige and that is the Caterham Seven.
The A110 one the other hand is perfectly acceptable on long journeys Much less noise and harshness, more comfort, longer range and 7th gear for cruising...
Totally agree with this. I've done a 2500 mile tour into France in mine, last summer in the 40degree+ heat. Fitted perfectly into the Le Mans Classic environment with all the other boys with toys, perfectly comfortable and civilised for two on autoroutes and fun on the smaller roads. Sufficient space for luggage for a couple of weeks, plus the obligatory bottles of champagne back home. The A110 one the other hand is perfectly acceptable on long journeys
Much less noise and harshness, more comfort, longer range and 7th gear for cruising... This summer at least 1000 mile long weekend round trip to the cotswolds (I'm in Scotland) and at home quietly cruising on the M74 as it was nipping around the Cotswold countryside and even the odd muddy field car park at events.
Last weekend, a near 500 mile couple of days enjoying the Cairngorms and Argyll & Bute twisty's.
Other than cupholders and a bit of interior stowage space, it's almost without fault or compromise in all situations in my view. Quite an achievement.
I wouldn't want mine as a manual for what it's worth, now I'm getting to grips with driving it in manual on the paddles, although I'll admit I mostly default to letting it get on with changing its own gears.
I dare say if I wanted a 10/10ths track car, its adaptability would be seen as a weakness and too compromised, but thats not my use case.
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