Lotus Elise Open 1.6 2dr Review

For The engine may look small on paper, but it's enough to send the Elise to 60mph in just 6.0 seconds. Fuel economy is an impressive 46mpg.

Against This is a very basic car, with little in the way of creature comforts.

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

The simplest, cheapest Elise is our favourite model in the range. It's plenty quick enough and very exciting. Why pay more?

What Car? readers say

4.333333

Key facts

0–60mph: 6 secs
Top speed: 127 mph
Average mpg: 44.8
Tank range: 430 miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole Lotus Elise Open range

The full Lotus Elise review

Performance
3 out of 5 stars
1.6-litre is a bit slow
Ride & Handling
5 out of 5 stars
A brilliant blend of grip and comfort
Refinement
2 out of 5 stars
Prepare to be deafened
Buying & Owning
4 out of 5 stars
Now with a three-year warranty
Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Built to survive hard driving
Safety & Security
2 out of 5 stars
Below average on both counts
Behind The Wheel
4 out of 5 stars
Dash is simple but effective
Space & Practicality
2 out of 5 stars
Spoilt by hood design
Equipment
1 out of 5 stars
This car is about handling, not toys

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Make sure you know what you're letting yourself in for with the Lotus Elise. There's no great effort here to make it especially – or at all – luxurious. Instead, the opposite is true, and this is a car designed purely with the driver in mind. It's stripped back to basics, and pretty much all that's fitted is what is necessary to make this one of the best-driving cars on the market.

It may not be that easy to get in and out, but once you've driven an Elise, getting out will be the last thing on your mind - it's that good. Even the most basic version is thrilling, so there's no need to spend any more.

Perhaps the only reservation is that the prices are now on the high side. Start hitting the options list, and you'll be spending close on Porsche Boxster money.

Reader test team says:

Lotus Elise Open 1.8 2dr

Had a Lotus Elise base 120bhp on a 52 plate from new. Drives great, minimal weight allowing you to drive quickly with little effort. Sticks to the…

darren parker

2 out of 5 stars

Lotus Elise Open 1.8 2dr

Having owned an S2 for over 2 years,I have enjoyed its ownership for many reasons. The running costs are quite reasonable as long as you know where to…

Justin Sheldon

4 out of 5 stars