Lotus Evora 2+0

By Sam Hardy

January 2010

• Rating:

Less really is more! This is the new entry-level version of the Lotus Evora. Called the 2+0, it loses the rear seats of the standard car and weighs in at £47,500 – saving buyers £2,375.

While that doesn’t sound much of a discount, the 2+0 is the pick of the range. Given that the Evora 2+2’s back seats are only really suitable for small children, replacing them with a shelf that’s large enough to store a couple of squashy bags is a welcome move. Add this to the 160-litre boot that’s behind the 276bhp 3.5-litre V6 engine, and the Evora now has decent carrying capacity.

Up front, the cabin is one of the best Lotus efforts to date. And while it’s not up to Porsche Cayman standards, the Recaro seats are stylish, and build quality is better than on the Elise. 

As well as providing extra storage, Lotus has improved the gear linkage. But although the six-speed set-up is now slightly more positive, its throw is still too long. As for the rest of the car, it’s a big thumbs-up. The steering is beautifully weighted, with plenty of feel, the ride compliant and the handling superb.

Rival: Porsche Cayman S
Magnificent in every way, the 320bhp Cayman S is still our pick in this sector. It’s also £3,400 cheaper than the Evora 2+0, and more practical to boot.

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