Skip advert
Advertisement

Lotus Exige S RGB

Special gives extreme Brit supercar final flourish

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Lotus Exige
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 Exige goes out with a bang. The RGB special edition neatly summarises everything that’s good about this Lotus, while also highlighting its shortcomings – such as the extremely limited rear visibility. But those gripes melt away when you sample the acceleration and handling: we can’t think of a car that’s faster around a twisting circuit, or as much fun on a B-road. This last-of-the-line model looks set to become a future classic. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Roger, over and out! Lotus’ long-serving engineering director, Roger Becker, is retiring – and to mark the occasion, the firm has built two scorching special editions. 

The limited-run RGB Elise and Exige S RGB also mark the end of the Toyota-sourced 1.8-litre petrol engine. This has powered a variety of memorable Lotus models, and disappears from the range at the end of the year as it falls foul of Euro V emissions rules – leaving the 1.6-litre Elise to soldier on. 

Both newcomers are based 
on the supercharged S models, and we drove the Exige. It inherits elements from the hardcore 260 Cup version, including a stiff rear subframe, lightweight wheels and 257bhp engine, which 
offers amazing acceleration.

The chassis really shines, 
too. The RGB is incredibly nimble and agile through corners, and while the steering is delicate in your hands, it’s super sharp and accurate. Also included are the Touring, Sport and Performance option packs, so this car has just about every creature comfort Lotus offers – even air-con. 

Other distinctive features 
are a numbered plaque, Becker’s signature on the rear end and a monochrome Lotus badge on the nose. There are only four colours: white, black, yellow and grey.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £12,420
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025