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Lotus Exige

Lotus Exige S

Billed as the quickest ever Lotus, the Exige S's price tag of only £33,995 means that it's unlikely to hang around in showrooms.

By Ross Pinnock

June 2006

Billed as the quickest ever Lotus, the Exige S's price tag of only £33,995 means that it's unlikely to hang around in showrooms. If you want to go as quickly as you can for as little money as possible, it's a package that's hard to beat. But what else does it offer?

Despite its visual similarity to the popular Elise, the Exige uses a super-charged version of its stablemate's Toyota-sourced 1.8-litre engine, which develops 218bhp... and improbable thrust. And where the Elise thrives on revs, the supercharger provides plenty of low-down torque, making it a blistering performer.

Direct steering and ultra-stiff suspension provide pin-sharp handling, and body roll is virtually absent. However, the firm set-up produces a crashy ride over uneven tarmac. The permanent top doesn't offer much in the way of noise insulation, but it looks the part, while the rear diffuser produces genuine downforce at high speed.

Admittedly, there's not much of a view out the back, and all you can see through the rear view mirror is the top of the engine. However, the cabin does boast the improved seats of the Elise, making it a reasonably comfortable place to spend time, although it's worth specifying air-conditioning, as it can get hot inside, even on cool days.

Due to the lack of storage, cramped interior and firm ride, few Exiges will be used as daily transport. But when they find the right road, buyers won't care.

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FIRST OPINION

    The Exige S is one of those cars that does exactly what it says on the tin: it looks like a mini GT race car, and it drives like one, too. Its pin-sharp responses and terrific performance will undoubtedly please hardcore enthusiasts, but owners will have to put up with an impractical package in order to enjoy those days when it's a thrill to get behind the wheel.
 

AT A GLANCE

    SpoIlers aren't purely for show on the Lotus pocket rocket, although the low chin is vulnerable to scrapes. Trendy black alloys are standard fit.
    Engine: 1.8 4cyl, 218bhp
    0-62mph/price: 4.3 secs/£33,995
     
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