Country & Base – UK - Norfolk
Key Models:
- Evora
- Elise
- Exige
- Exige S
- Europa
RAC Cars Need To Know:
Colin Chapman, what a guy he was! From small time to the big time, Chapman is the reason why Lotus is who they are today. His vision, technical genius and ability to create a seriously fast racing car are the reasons why Lotus is such a renowned name in the world of motoring.
If you don’t who what type of cars Lotus produces, then all you need to know is they’re quick, light, go-kart-like sports cars. The Elise has been the company’s flag-bearer for years, and while it may not be the manufacturer’s quickest car anymore, it is still the most well-known motor in the line-up.
Lotus’s ethos has always circled around ‘lightness’. Chapman was obsessed with creating cars which were seriously lightweight, because you can then exploit smaller engines, which are better for economy and acceleration. It’s an ideology which still lives true to this day with cars like the Lotus Exige.
If you want a family motor with a big boot, get another car. If you want a comfortable ride to work and loads of optional extras, get another car. A Lotus is not a family runabout; it’s a car for blasting down B-roads on a Sunday morning; a car to light up your life on a track. If you’re a serious driver, then a Lotus is a mighty fine partner.
There is one car with a small amount of comfort and practicality; the Europa. Just please be aware; while it may be slightly more comfortable and practical, it’s anything but a BMW 5-Series or Jaguar XJ.
Apart from that though, buying a new or used Lotus is sort of a no-brainer for drivers who want to be thrilled on a daily basis. Just make sure you buy one that’s been looked after!