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Lotus Exige Coupe 1.8i

For:
Phenomenal grip and handling poise; rev-hungry Toyota engine mated to slick, snappy six-speed gearbox.

Against:
You need to be as supple as a wet rag to get in and out. Noisy and uncomfortable when you're not in full attack mode.



Performance

The 1.8-litre Toyota engine demands revs, and only really comes alive once the counter swings past 6000rpm, which is when the full 218bhp comes into play, flinging the car to 60mph from rest in just 4.3sec. The acceleration continues until the car tops out at 148mph.

Ride & handling

Show the Exige 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. This is how a car should behave. It's not the sort of car you'd want to cross continents in, but the ride is only a bit harsher than the Elise's.

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.

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.

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 it's extremely light at just 875kg. However, this means that owners forego luxury equipment, which would add flab and remove the car's handling edge. You get central locking, alloy wheels and a CD player, but no air-conditioning.

Running Costs

Town mpg

23

Out of Town mpg

41

Average mpg

32

Tank Capacity (gallons)

8.8

CO2 Rating (g/km)

208

Insurance Group

20

Typical Insurance Quote

£963

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

N/A

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£0

Pence Per Mile

0

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£0

Servicing Intervals

9,000

Manufacturers Warranty

2yr/UL

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Coupe

Number of Doors

2

Number of Seats

2

Engine (cc/type)

1796/4

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

189/7800

Engine Position

M

Driven Wheels

Rear

Length (mm)

3797

Width (mm)

1727

Height (mm)

1159

Boot Space (min ltr)

112

Boot Space (max ltr)

112

Turning Circle (m)

10.9

Towing Weight(kg)

N/A

Kerb Weight (kg)

875

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