Version review

Lotus Emira 3.5 V6 400 First Edition 2dr Review

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The range-topping Emira has a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine that produces 400bhp at 6800rpm and 310ft Ib of torque at 3500rpm, for 0-62mph in 4.3sec.

3.5 V6

Coupe

Fancy something small, lightweight and fast? Then Lotus possibly has the right car for you. In fact ‘simplify then add lightness’ was the mantra of company founder Colin Chapman as far back as 1952.

These days, Lotus sells four models, with the core of the range being the Elise. Then there’s the more hardcore 3-Eleven, the sporty Exige and the Evora – which is pitched as a rival to the Porsche Cayman.

Big changes are afoot, though, because Lotus plans to build its own SUV in the near future, with the hope of broadening the brand’s appeal to families. The planned car will use Volvo underpinnings and will tackle rivals such as the Porsche Macan and Maserati Levante.

LOTUS

EMIRA

First Edition cars get lighter forged 20in alloy wheels (rather than cast), a Napa leather interior (rather than leather and ‘technical fabric’), electrically adjustable heated seats (rather than four-way manually adjustable seats), a premium sound system, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a dimming rearview mirror and aluminium sports pedals.

400 First Edition

3.5 V6 400 First Edition 2dr

35-v6-400-first-edition-2dr

12 way electrically adjustable front seats with driver's memory function

Lotus Emira

The Emira impresses with its fine handling, luxurious interior and plush ride, but its Toyota-derived V6 engine is starting to feel its age and the gear change could be a whole lot slicker. Thankfully, an AMG-engined four-cylinder Emira is on the horizon, and we suspect that car will be an absolute riot.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> Practicality is not essential but nice to have </li></ul>

Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.

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Lotus Emira 3.5 V6 400 First Edition 2dr Review

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25

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258

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