Passenger & boot space
How it copes with people and clutter
Many people will scoff at the concept of a mid-engined sports car being even remotely practical. However, the Lotus Elise does have a boot behind its engine that's big enough for two soft bags, and there’s room in the cabin for two six-footers. That makes it quite a bit more practical than similarly track-focused sports cars such as the Caterham Seven and Ariel Atom.
If you’re planning to do long-distance European road trips or use your car every day, an Alpine A110 or Porsche 718 Boxster S will be more accommodating. You don't get a glovebox or door bins in the Lotus, and while the shelf below the dashboard can easily hold a large smartphone, a wallet and a few other odds and ends, it's not lined with non-slip material so you have to drive very carefully if you want to avoid your belongings being scattered around the interior.