Skip advert
Advertisement
Car group tests

Lotus Elise 1.8 (220) S, 67.8%

Who’d have thought one of the oldest models on sale would have the best residual value figure on the new car market?

Lotus Elise

Who’d have thought one of the oldest models on sale would have the best residual value figure on the new car market?

The Lotus Elise was launched way back in 1996, and although it’s been subject to constant development ever since then, its popularity as a no-frills track day car has helped to keep values high.

Advertisement - Article continues below

You can get the Elise in standard 1.6-litre form, or with a 1.8-litre engine if you choose the Elise S. Pick the latter to make your money go furthest, as it’s predicted to hold on to nearly 20 per cent more of its price when new, at 67.8 per cent.

No other new car currently on sale can match that. Why is the Lotus so resistant to depreciation? Well, it has desirability on its side, is built in limited numbers and provides a clear edge in performance. While an output of 217bhp is put to shame by most hot hatchbacks, the Elise S tips the scales at only 924kg, so the rev-happy Toyota-sourced 1.8 catapults it from 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds.

But the Lotus comes into its own in corners. The agile chassis and communicative steering combine for a hugely entertaining driving experience that upholds Lotus tradition.

Price now: £37,150

Value after three years: £25,188

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £9,812 off RRP*Used from £11,300
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,679 off RRP*Used from £12,299
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,033 off RRP*Used from £12,100
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs

The new Land Rover Defender Sport is set to sit below the existing Defender in the Land Rover range, with our exclusive images previewing how it could…
News
12 Oct 2025
Manufacturers aren’t selling enough electric cars, and that’s excellent news for buyers
Opinion - EV sales

Manufacturers aren’t selling enough electric cars, and that’s excellent news for buyers

Editor Paul Barker explains why serious EV discounts are now starting to appear on the market
Opinion
9 Oct 2025
Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help
Number plates

Illegal number plates are out of control, as parliament asks motorists for help

Cross-party committee is asking motorists to help solve the issue of illegal number plates
News
8 Oct 2025