Lotus Exige S coupe
/5
- PROS:
- Fantastic handling on track
- Stunning looks
- Impressive performance
- CONS:
- Very hard ride
- Lack of practicality
- Poor standard equipment levels
pictured:
Lotus Exige S coupe 2012 front quarter
reviewed by Carbuyer
"The Exige S is hugely desirable and is one of the best handling cars Lotus has ever made."
The new Lotus Exige S is longer and wider than any Exige before, resembling a mini supercar. It is powered by a mid-mounted 345bhp 3.5-litre supercharged V6, borrowed from the Lotus Evora S, and is very rapid - the 0-62mph sprint is completed in 4.0 seconds dead. Built using a mix of Evora and Exige parts and featuring a six-speed manual gearbox, the Exige S offers sports car fans a very involving drive. Gaping air-intakes, a large rear spoiler and massive alloy wheels hint at the performance on offer, while the glass engine cover means that there is some rear visibility. The cabin is well built but feels cramped and is very spartan. Start the engine however and begin to drive the Exige and it all begins to make sense. The grip available in corners is incredible, permitting huge cornering speeds. The Exige S also allows the driver to place the car on the road with pin-point accuracy. It feels very special and is one of the best handling cars Lotus has ever made.
Drive
A true driver's car
The Lotus Exige is all about driver engagement and the V6 powered S takes this to a new level. Few cars can match the amount of grip on offer in the corners, while body movement is tightly controlled. The un-assisted steering is heavy but it's direct and offers lots of natural feel. The supercharged V6 engine has a broad spread of power making for loads of usable on road performance. Plus, with the highest power to weight ratio ever seen in an Exige, the S accelerates to 62mph in just four seconds.
Comfort
Firm ride and noisy cabin
Designed with driver appeal and performance in mind the Exige isn’t ideal for the daily commute. The stiff chassis means ridges in the road vibrate up into the cabin, while the firm ride makes long journeys tiring. As do the high levels of road noise and cramped confines of the cabin. Even clambering in over the thick side sill and under the low roof is a little tricky, however the sports seats are supportive. Without the optional air conditioning the cabin can get pretty hot, while the heavy steering is hard work at low speed.
Reliability
The Exige S is powered by a Toyota engine
It's fair to say that in the past Lotus has had a slightly dubious reputation when it comes to reliability but the Exige/Elise chassis is very simple and its components are well proven. The V6 engine comes from Toyota, while the Exige S’ traction control system has been developed with industry experts Bosch. The Exige S comes with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty.
Practicality
Tiny boot is located behind the engine
Practicality isn’t a big priority for a focused sports car like the Exige S but the simply laid out cabin is easy to use. There's a tiny boot behind the engine but heat from the V6 will roast your belongings on a long trip. The sparse cabin doesn’t offer much in the way of storage, either. Still, the optional convenience pack adds a trinket tray and a cup holder, while rear parking sensors; air conditioning and heated seats are also on the options list.
Value for money
Its one of the most expensive Lotus' on sale
A price tag of over £50,000 is pretty hefty for an Elise based Lotus but to find a car with similar performance, handling and track based focus you’d need to buy a far more expensive offering like the Porsche 911 GT3. Nevertheless, with its limited day-to-day usability the Exige S is still a very expensive second car. Especially, when you consider the items like air conditioning, metallic paint and leather trim are on the options list. As is the adjustable traction control and performance brake upgrade.
Running costs
Regular use on track will result in costly servicing
Lotus has a small but enthusiastic dealer network so with just 22 garages you may have to travel for maintenance. A service on the Exige S will cost around £400. Emissions of 236g/km mean this racy Lotus will be a costly and unlikely company car choice while a combined economy of 28mpg will mean regular and costly trips to the fuel station
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