Lotus Elise 1.6 (M) Review
27 Sep 2010|24,805 views
With a CO2 figure of 149g/km, which is an approximate 15% reduction compared to the previous generation of the Elise S, Lotus has just produced a new Elise boasting a class leading CO2 rating of any sports car on sale and fuel economy to match most superminis.
On top of that, a six-speed gearbox is now standard, meaning all that power is more accessible than ever. Not bad for a 1.6-litre powerplant that does 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
Exterior
Measuring at just over 3.7 metres long, the outstanding lean exterior is impressively sleek and powerful, boasting Lotus's ability of creating some very moving car designs.
Four headlights is a thing of a past now with the new Elise as the fascia reminds one of the Evora, with a bonnet curved sharply over the slightly smaller tear-drop-shaped headlights.
The styling changes, which include a new front grille, new oil cool and radiator vents and LED running day lights and indicators (first in the history of Lotus) not only help to freshen up the looks but give it a bolder and wider stance.
On top of that, a six-speed gearbox is now standard, meaning all that power is more accessible than ever. Not bad for a 1.6-litre powerplant that does 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
Exterior
Measuring at just over 3.7 metres long, the outstanding lean exterior is impressively sleek and powerful, boasting Lotus's ability of creating some very moving car designs.
Four headlights is a thing of a past now with the new Elise as the fascia reminds one of the Evora, with a bonnet curved sharply over the slightly smaller tear-drop-shaped headlights.
The styling changes, which include a new front grille, new oil cool and radiator vents and LED running day lights and indicators (first in the history of Lotus) not only help to freshen up the looks but give it a bolder and wider stance.
 |
Staring from the side, the styling is nowhere near fussy. In fact, at first glance, it comes as no surprise of it being a Lotus car. A huge indented curve across the side door gives the Elise a sense of pride, making it seem almost like a Lotus signature.
Round the back, the tail lights are still rounded with the new bumper neatly incorporating the number plate recess. A more pronounced rear diffuser can also be observed while the twin exhaust sits by the bottom centre, ready to fire off.
With its antagonistic yet lustrous styling, it will never ever be mistaken for something in the same league as the MX-5 or the Honda S2000.
 |
Interior
Being my first time in a Lotus, getting into the car is a hilarious business. Much easier entry and egress with the roof off, but it could prove to be a pain to replace quickly if there's a snap rain shower.
Thanks to the Aftersales Manager, proper demonstrations were done to show us how getting in and out (with the roof intact) can be accomplished with ease. Additionally, he went through the trouble of showing us how the roof can be replaced in a zippy.
But like most sports cars, I reckon there's a lot of getting use to.
Having a good reputation for its simplicity and its performance through light weight, one cannot expect much from the interior of the all-new Lotus Elise. Audio system with the usual six-presets is as straightforward as any other basic car. It has a single CD player instead of a six-disc changer.
Being my first time in a Lotus, getting into the car is a hilarious business. Much easier entry and egress with the roof off, but it could prove to be a pain to replace quickly if there's a snap rain shower.
Thanks to the Aftersales Manager, proper demonstrations were done to show us how getting in and out (with the roof intact) can be accomplished with ease. Additionally, he went through the trouble of showing us how the roof can be replaced in a zippy.
But like most sports cars, I reckon there's a lot of getting use to.
Having a good reputation for its simplicity and its performance through light weight, one cannot expect much from the interior of the all-new Lotus Elise. Audio system with the usual six-presets is as straightforward as any other basic car. It has a single CD player instead of a six-disc changer.
But then again, who needs a changer when the system is MP3, WMA, and iPod compatible?
Three quarter of the car's interior was filled with silver and black. Seats were upholstered in black leather and the cupholder as well as air-conditioning controls were neatly chromed to match the gear stick and handbrake. Apart from the audio system, everything else exuded a sense of style and felt expensive to the touch.
The tiny cockpit for two exudes mechanical purpose, and although everything might not quite fit together like a Swiss watch, you'll have the constant feeling like you're being held in the rib cage of the car's metallic skeleton.
That sensation is the key to Lotus charm, and the update has done nothing to detract from the simple pleasure of getting comfortable on the ultra-firm seats and nudging that pretty nose out onto the road.
Three quarter of the car's interior was filled with silver and black. Seats were upholstered in black leather and the cupholder as well as air-conditioning controls were neatly chromed to match the gear stick and handbrake. Apart from the audio system, everything else exuded a sense of style and felt expensive to the touch.
The tiny cockpit for two exudes mechanical purpose, and although everything might not quite fit together like a Swiss watch, you'll have the constant feeling like you're being held in the rib cage of the car's metallic skeleton.
That sensation is the key to Lotus charm, and the update has done nothing to detract from the simple pleasure of getting comfortable on the ultra-firm seats and nudging that pretty nose out onto the road.
 |
Drivetrain
Twist the ignition key for power, press the start button and the sports car bursts into life with a convincing bark. Almost immediately, the 1.6-litre engine feels peppy and alert.
No other car connects to the road as well as Lotus and the all-new Elise is no exception. The car's six-speed close ratio gearbox is a perfect match for its beefy heart. The car thrives on revs, and it had no qualms piling on it with constant utter smoothness. Swapping cogs in an Elise is, for the first time in my memory, something approaching enjoyable.
Clutch take-up and smooth engine response portray its willingness to attain and hold high revs. Coming from a car that weighs at 876kg (half a Porsche Panamera), the gear change is crisp, satisfying and precise and responses immediately to the driver's inputs.
Being a 1.6-litre engine, the car launches with no great aural elaboration. But it certainly moves out of its lot and merges well with the fast flowing traffic.
Turning into corners, the Lotus Elise has a good grip and a steering that is not only decisive but also more communicative, giving the driver the confidence to drive harder. It's the purity of response that remains the defining factor of the Elise.
Twist the ignition key for power, press the start button and the sports car bursts into life with a convincing bark. Almost immediately, the 1.6-litre engine feels peppy and alert.
No other car connects to the road as well as Lotus and the all-new Elise is no exception. The car's six-speed close ratio gearbox is a perfect match for its beefy heart. The car thrives on revs, and it had no qualms piling on it with constant utter smoothness. Swapping cogs in an Elise is, for the first time in my memory, something approaching enjoyable.
Clutch take-up and smooth engine response portray its willingness to attain and hold high revs. Coming from a car that weighs at 876kg (half a Porsche Panamera), the gear change is crisp, satisfying and precise and responses immediately to the driver's inputs.
Being a 1.6-litre engine, the car launches with no great aural elaboration. But it certainly moves out of its lot and merges well with the fast flowing traffic.
Turning into corners, the Lotus Elise has a good grip and a steering that is not only decisive but also more communicative, giving the driver the confidence to drive harder. It's the purity of response that remains the defining factor of the Elise.
The chassis remains as composed and faithful as you'd expect from Lotus. The precision, weighting and feel of the steering are a delight, while the ride manages to isolate the worst bumps in the road without diminishing the Elise's remarkable poise. Stamp on the brakes and you can be confident the car will stop sharply and predictably every time.
All cars could learn from how the Elise rides and steers.
Conclusion
The engine may look small on paper, but it's enough to send the Lotus Elise to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. It may not be the fastest in its class, but it has one of the best steering control and chassis.
Of course, with Lotus ensuring the high performance of their machines through light weight, you may have to overlook the fact that this is a very basic car.
At the price of $155,800 without COE (as of 18 Aug 2010), not only will you get an eye-catching car, satisfaction will be yours to keep.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
All cars could learn from how the Elise rides and steers.
Conclusion
The engine may look small on paper, but it's enough to send the Lotus Elise to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. It may not be the fastest in its class, but it has one of the best steering control and chassis.
Of course, with Lotus ensuring the high performance of their machines through light weight, you may have to overlook the fact that this is a very basic car.
At the price of $155,800 without COE (as of 18 Aug 2010), not only will you get an eye-catching car, satisfaction will be yours to keep.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
With a CO2 figure of 149g/km, which is an approximate 15% reduction compared to the previous generation of the Elise S, Lotus has just produced a new Elise boasting a class leading CO2 rating of any sports car on sale and fuel economy to match most superminis.
On top of that, a six-speed gearbox is now standard, meaning all that power is more accessible than ever. Not bad for a 1.6-litre powerplant that does 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
Exterior
Measuring at just over 3.7 metres long, the outstanding lean exterior is impressively sleek and powerful, boasting Lotus's ability of creating some very moving car designs.
Four headlights is a thing of a past now with the new Elise as the fascia reminds one of the Evora, with a bonnet curved sharply over the slightly smaller tear-drop-shaped headlights.
The styling changes, which include a new front grille, new oil cool and radiator vents and LED running day lights and indicators (first in the history of Lotus) not only help to freshen up the looks but give it a bolder and wider stance.
On top of that, a six-speed gearbox is now standard, meaning all that power is more accessible than ever. Not bad for a 1.6-litre powerplant that does 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
Exterior
Measuring at just over 3.7 metres long, the outstanding lean exterior is impressively sleek and powerful, boasting Lotus's ability of creating some very moving car designs.
Four headlights is a thing of a past now with the new Elise as the fascia reminds one of the Evora, with a bonnet curved sharply over the slightly smaller tear-drop-shaped headlights.
The styling changes, which include a new front grille, new oil cool and radiator vents and LED running day lights and indicators (first in the history of Lotus) not only help to freshen up the looks but give it a bolder and wider stance.
|
Staring from the side, the styling is nowhere near fussy. In fact, at first glance, it comes as no surprise of it being a Lotus car. A huge indented curve across the side door gives the Elise a sense of pride, making it seem almost like a Lotus signature.
Round the back, the tail lights are still rounded with the new bumper neatly incorporating the number plate recess. A more pronounced rear diffuser can also be observed while the twin exhaust sits by the bottom centre, ready to fire off.
With its antagonistic yet lustrous styling, it will never ever be mistaken for something in the same league as the MX-5 or the Honda S2000.
|
Interior
Being my first time in a Lotus, getting into the car is a hilarious business. Much easier entry and egress with the roof off, but it could prove to be a pain to replace quickly if there's a snap rain shower.
Thanks to the Aftersales Manager, proper demonstrations were done to show us how getting in and out (with the roof intact) can be accomplished with ease. Additionally, he went through the trouble of showing us how the roof can be replaced in a zippy.
But like most sports cars, I reckon there's a lot of getting use to.
Having a good reputation for its simplicity and its performance through light weight, one cannot expect much from the interior of the all-new Lotus Elise. Audio system with the usual six-presets is as straightforward as any other basic car. It has a single CD player instead of a six-disc changer.
Being my first time in a Lotus, getting into the car is a hilarious business. Much easier entry and egress with the roof off, but it could prove to be a pain to replace quickly if there's a snap rain shower.
Thanks to the Aftersales Manager, proper demonstrations were done to show us how getting in and out (with the roof intact) can be accomplished with ease. Additionally, he went through the trouble of showing us how the roof can be replaced in a zippy.
But like most sports cars, I reckon there's a lot of getting use to.
Having a good reputation for its simplicity and its performance through light weight, one cannot expect much from the interior of the all-new Lotus Elise. Audio system with the usual six-presets is as straightforward as any other basic car. It has a single CD player instead of a six-disc changer.
But then again, who needs a changer when the system is MP3, WMA, and iPod compatible?
Three quarter of the car's interior was filled with silver and black. Seats were upholstered in black leather and the cupholder as well as air-conditioning controls were neatly chromed to match the gear stick and handbrake. Apart from the audio system, everything else exuded a sense of style and felt expensive to the touch.
The tiny cockpit for two exudes mechanical purpose, and although everything might not quite fit together like a Swiss watch, you'll have the constant feeling like you're being held in the rib cage of the car's metallic skeleton.
That sensation is the key to Lotus charm, and the update has done nothing to detract from the simple pleasure of getting comfortable on the ultra-firm seats and nudging that pretty nose out onto the road.
Three quarter of the car's interior was filled with silver and black. Seats were upholstered in black leather and the cupholder as well as air-conditioning controls were neatly chromed to match the gear stick and handbrake. Apart from the audio system, everything else exuded a sense of style and felt expensive to the touch.
The tiny cockpit for two exudes mechanical purpose, and although everything might not quite fit together like a Swiss watch, you'll have the constant feeling like you're being held in the rib cage of the car's metallic skeleton.
That sensation is the key to Lotus charm, and the update has done nothing to detract from the simple pleasure of getting comfortable on the ultra-firm seats and nudging that pretty nose out onto the road.
|
Drivetrain
Twist the ignition key for power, press the start button and the sports car bursts into life with a convincing bark. Almost immediately, the 1.6-litre engine feels peppy and alert.
No other car connects to the road as well as Lotus and the all-new Elise is no exception. The car's six-speed close ratio gearbox is a perfect match for its beefy heart. The car thrives on revs, and it had no qualms piling on it with constant utter smoothness. Swapping cogs in an Elise is, for the first time in my memory, something approaching enjoyable.
Clutch take-up and smooth engine response portray its willingness to attain and hold high revs. Coming from a car that weighs at 876kg (half a Porsche Panamera), the gear change is crisp, satisfying and precise and responses immediately to the driver's inputs.
Being a 1.6-litre engine, the car launches with no great aural elaboration. But it certainly moves out of its lot and merges well with the fast flowing traffic.
Turning into corners, the Lotus Elise has a good grip and a steering that is not only decisive but also more communicative, giving the driver the confidence to drive harder. It's the purity of response that remains the defining factor of the Elise.
Twist the ignition key for power, press the start button and the sports car bursts into life with a convincing bark. Almost immediately, the 1.6-litre engine feels peppy and alert.
No other car connects to the road as well as Lotus and the all-new Elise is no exception. The car's six-speed close ratio gearbox is a perfect match for its beefy heart. The car thrives on revs, and it had no qualms piling on it with constant utter smoothness. Swapping cogs in an Elise is, for the first time in my memory, something approaching enjoyable.
Clutch take-up and smooth engine response portray its willingness to attain and hold high revs. Coming from a car that weighs at 876kg (half a Porsche Panamera), the gear change is crisp, satisfying and precise and responses immediately to the driver's inputs.
Being a 1.6-litre engine, the car launches with no great aural elaboration. But it certainly moves out of its lot and merges well with the fast flowing traffic.
Turning into corners, the Lotus Elise has a good grip and a steering that is not only decisive but also more communicative, giving the driver the confidence to drive harder. It's the purity of response that remains the defining factor of the Elise.
The chassis remains as composed and faithful as you'd expect from Lotus. The precision, weighting and feel of the steering are a delight, while the ride manages to isolate the worst bumps in the road without diminishing the Elise's remarkable poise. Stamp on the brakes and you can be confident the car will stop sharply and predictably every time.
All cars could learn from how the Elise rides and steers.
Conclusion
The engine may look small on paper, but it's enough to send the Lotus Elise to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. It may not be the fastest in its class, but it has one of the best steering control and chassis.
Of course, with Lotus ensuring the high performance of their machines through light weight, you may have to overlook the fact that this is a very basic car.
At the price of $155,800 without COE (as of 18 Aug 2010), not only will you get an eye-catching car, satisfaction will be yours to keep.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
All cars could learn from how the Elise rides and steers.
Conclusion
The engine may look small on paper, but it's enough to send the Lotus Elise to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. It may not be the fastest in its class, but it has one of the best steering control and chassis.
Of course, with Lotus ensuring the high performance of their machines through light weight, you may have to overlook the fact that this is a very basic car.
At the price of $155,800 without COE (as of 18 Aug 2010), not only will you get an eye-catching car, satisfaction will be yours to keep.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho & Siddiq Bin Sulaiman
Thank You For Your Subscription.
