MattR32 Posted November 5, 2005 Report Share Posted November 5, 2005 Well I did my Lotus Driving Day" today and came back with mixed feelings. Firstly Alistair McQueen, an extremely down to Earth and amiable Lotus test driver took me out in it. These were public roads so he didn't go mad but still gave it some stick, then we swapped over. Getting in was rather challenging even for a smallish guy like me - Very low with a very high sill but once I got in, the seats, which look almost devoid of any padding, fitted me perfectly. The visibility was also pretty good and once I got used to the high clutch bite point and the revvy engine, I gave it some stick. The gearbox is superb - One of the best I've tried and the low torque output of the 1.8 Toyota engine actually suits the car and keeps it friendly. The engine needs a lot of revs but I was suprised how easy the car was to drive - No intimidation whatsoever, just instantly available power and the most connected feeling I have ever felt in a car. The steering tells you everything that's going on, the rock hard suspension makes a drain cover feel like a big kerb but keeps the car totally flat and the brakes are superb. I thought the engine sound (this has an optional sports exhaust) was a little average - More chav Nova than refined sports car but it's purposeful at least. The interior both delights and disappoints - The dash is lovely, as is the micro steering wheel but the doors feel very flimsy indeed - Almost like chocolate box vacuum mouldings. But the car is very, very easy to drive very quickly with no intimidation found in some seriously quick cars and the best feedback I have ever felt in any car. I didn't push it hard enough for opposite lock antics but I'm sure it would respond perfectly. My only real gripe is the price - The £16k Corolla comes with the same engine but is better made. Yes it's a totally different car but the Elise just didnt FEEL like a £30k motor. One to hire for a trackday but not to buy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattR32 Posted November 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2005 A review of the Meriva gets 5 replies, an Elise one gets none! Either I write terribly or this isn't a sports car enthusiasts website! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ritey Posted November 6, 2005 Report Share Posted November 6, 2005 I think the issue being is that the Elise isn't an every day car. As you've mentioned, an excellent toy, or track weapon. Personally I prefer, and would love to have an exige, but hey that's in the same dream as owning a TVR! Nothing wrong with the review, but you have to remember, its not an Audi, BMW or VW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted November 7, 2005 Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 Only just seen the review... Mmm Well Toyota make a few Corollas every year to keep the costs down, however making a hydroform Elise in limited run it a very expensive job. I can't afford one new but some of the S2s are getting into great money used and are well worth a look. Get an average car for the road, lets face it they aren't exactly easy places to put your foot down and enjoy yourself anymore and get something like and Elise for the odd early morning on a Sunday and trips to the track. Don't forget the Elise is available in other engines, and when you compare it to a Westfield or Caterham it is positively luxurious and well built. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattR32 Posted November 7, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 It was a good car, just a little plasticky. It's the sort of car I'd want a friend or relative to own and let me use! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisBuer Posted December 30, 2005 Report Share Posted December 30, 2005 The 111R is probably the best car I've driven for pure driving involvment and I've driven a lot of good cars! I'd have one in an instant if it was slightly more practical, but as an only car (and yes I've run and Caterham and a previous Elise as only cars), I just couldn't go back to one. As a second car it would be sensational! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alastair_A3 Posted December 30, 2005 Report Share Posted December 30, 2005 The Elise or Exige are fantastic cars to have as a second car. Its like i wouldnt dream of driving my Caterham everyday. I think in afew years time I will be replacing the Caterham with an Exige. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisBuer Posted December 30, 2005 Report Share Posted December 30, 2005 Yep totally agree. I've currently got an R300 as a second car and it's fantastic, however, it hasn't seen much of the road recently due to this weather Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alastair_A3 Posted December 30, 2005 Report Share Posted December 30, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Yep totally agree. I've currently got an R300 as a second car and it's fantastic, however, it hasn't seen much of the road recently due to this weather [/ QUOTE ] Fantastic stuff! Yes mine hasnt seen much of public roads this years, done lots of trackdays instead!! Any pics of your R300? Mines a Rover K 1.8 Supersport British Racing Green with areo screens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turrican Posted December 30, 2005 Report Share Posted December 30, 2005 Very nice, What are caterhams like for tall people. I'm 6"3 and find the elise too tight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alastair_A3 Posted December 31, 2005 Report Share Posted December 31, 2005 Fine im 6"2. If you want even bigger, they do an SV version which has more cockpit space and legroom. Fantastic fun for the money Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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