Lotus Exige Coupe

ON THE ROAD

Performance
The 1.8-litre Toyota engine demands revs, and only really comes alive once the counter swings past 6000rpm. That’s when the variable valve timing takes effect and the full 189bhp comes into play, flinging the car to 60mph from rest in just 4.9sec. The acceleration continues until the car tops out at 149mph.

Ride & handling
The Exige is not the sort of car you want to cross Europe in. The motorway ride is knobbly at best, and it crashes and bangs into the worst city potholes. Show it a twisty backroad and it has more cornering ability than the average sheepdog. Grip is stupendous, while the turn-in and steering feel are superb.

Refinement
Not a vehicle for a romantic evening for two. The engine is vocal at all speeds, while tyre and wind noise join the fray once the pace is increased. Recent changes to window seals are designed to make it quieter. The CD player is of little use unless you’re parked.

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
While you don’t enter Exige ownership expecting supermini-rivalling economy and German-exec levels of depreciation, the Lotus is not as scary a financial prospect as you might think. The combined fuel economy of 32.1mpg means a usable range of well over 200 miles from each tankful of petrol, while anticipated residual values of 57% are perfectly reasonable.

Quality & reliability
No longer do Lotuses have a reputation for fragility – the Elise consigned such thoughts to history. The new Exige’s plastic composite body is sturdy, while the aluminium chassis is equally robust. The insertion of the Toyota engine into the back of the Exige brings the promise of even greater mechanical reliability.

Safety & security
The Exige comes with remote central locking, an alarm and an immobiliser, but that’s it in terms of security kit. Front airbags are an expensive option, and side and curtain airbags aren’t available either, although at least the brakes have an anti-lock system to back them up.

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel
Once you’ve mastered the art of falling into the car, the driving position is excellent. The bucket seats hold occupants firmly, although some may find them to be slightly too narrow. The steering wheel is unadjustable, but is in exactly the right place. However, those of shorter stature could find the clutch pedal a bit of a stretch.

Space & practicality
The Exige is built for two – and they’d better be on the best of terms. The cabin is small, verging on claustrophobic, and there’s only a small cubby situated behind the engine for your luggage. This is not a car to take for a two-week camping holiday to the Alps.

Equipment
The Exige is designed to go quickly, and so is extremely light at just 875kg. However, this means that owners forgo luxury equipment, which would add flab and remove the car’s handling edge. That said, the little Lotus is still reasonably well appointed, with air-conditioning, central locking and a CD player all fitted as standard.