Skip advert
Advertisement

Lotus Evora IPS

We give our verdict on paddleshift automatic version of sharp-handling British sports car

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Lotus Evora
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The IPS option will satisfy markets that simply must have an automatic gearbox. It is smooth during gentle driving, and gives away only 1.1mpg to the manual version in combined fuel economy. The chunky paddles are a joy to use, too. However, up the pace in auto mode and the box often becomes confused. As a result, it’s not the version we would recommend to keen drivers – and that’s most Lotus buyers.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Lotus hopes that its new automatic gearbox is what it needs to crack the lucrative American and Asian markets. Called Intelligent Precision Shift (IPS), the unit will make its debut in the Norfolk company’s grown-up sports car, the Evora.

Despite Lotus’ aim to boost overseas sales, it is offering IPS to UK buyers looking for an altogether more relaxed driving experience; the Evora IPS is as close to a genuine grand tourer as the firm makes these days.

The gearbox is a six-speed automatic torque convertor sourced from Toyota, and is the same unit as found in the Lexus RX. Lotus has reprogrammed its management software to remove the ‘slushy’ action associated with luxury automatics.

So, out go silky, slow changes, and in their place is a noticeable thump when shifting ratios. Bosses say they have done this to improve driver involvement, and retain the racy nature for which the firm’s cars are famous.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

20,034 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £23,497
View Range Rover Evoque
Sandero Stepway

2022 Dacia

Sandero Stepway

11,302 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,197
View Sandero Stepway
MG 5 EV

2021 MG

MG 5 EV

26,798 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £11,197
View MG 5 EV
C3 Aircross

2023 Citroen

C3 Aircross

51,375 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £10,097
View C3 Aircross

It certainly feels sporty, and with light use of the throttle in standard ‘D’ mode, upshifts are fluent. When driving gently, the box will search for the highest gear smoothly and quickly.

However, disappointingly, it’s when pushing the car harder that the IPS gets caught out. The gearbox can be switched to Sport mode via a button on the centre console, which makes it behave more aggressively – it holds gears for longer, and blips the throttle on downshifts.

The set-up uses information on the throttle and steering wheel positions to determine whether you are cornering, and is programmed not to change ratios mid-bend.

Unfortunately, at regular road speeds, the gearbox does shift in corners. It’s an irritation rather than a problem, but it’s enough to distract from a driving experience that’s otherwise among the very best.

The issue can be solved by using the paddles to change gears manually, and it helps that they have a high-quality feel – chunky and with a well weighted click. Ultimately, though, those moments of frustration leave a lingering feeling that IPS is a thorn in the Evora’s side.

While it’s clever and smooth, it’s at odds with the model’s basic nature. IPS is at its best during relaxed driving – but the Evora thrives when being worked hard.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,495
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,274 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,372
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,674 off RRP*Used from £8,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Hyundai slashes prices across its entire EV range
Hyundai Ioniq 5 - front cornering

Hyundai slashes prices across its entire EV range

Korean brand acts swiftly to cut prices on all its electric cars, amid confusion over Government’s grant scheme
News
25 Jul 2025
Dacia’s baby EV due in 12 months with a tiny £15k price tag
Dacia £15k EV design render

Dacia’s baby EV due in 12 months with a tiny £15k price tag

Dacia's new model will be developed in double-quick time, and it'll be built in Europe to avoid China tariffs
News
24 Jul 2025
Renault will “stick to the plan” as it hits number 2 in Europe
Renault 5 - front static

Renault will “stick to the plan” as it hits number 2 in Europe

Renault has no plans to fight Volkswagen for sales supremacy, despite huge growth in EV sales due to new Renault 5
News
23 Jul 2025