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Lotus Exige Gallery
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| RELIABILITY AND QUALITY RATING: |
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The biggest reliability issue with the S1 Exige was mostly centred around its Rover-sourced K-Series engine. It doesn't hold much excess coolant, so if the level gets low, the engine can quickly overheat. Now, however, the Exige gets an off-the-shelf engine with the same level of power as a highly-tuned K; but because it's built by Toyota, it should work indefinitely.
Otherwise, the Exige's quality should be fine; it's a lightweight car, with an advanced, bonded aluminium chassis, unstressed plastic bodywork and proven mechanicals. The exterior finish is excellent, and there are some neat touches, too, such as well-finished aluminium hinges which become exposed when you open the doors and engine cover.
For a low-volume car, Lotus has chosen some fine, unique switchgear. No slapped-in buttons from a Ford Mondeo inside, and the Vauxhall column stalks look entirely at home. The instruments are clear and well-styled and the font on the dials matches the heater's and the numbers on the gearlever. Interior fit is impressive, too. Materials are of high quality all round, although the gear linkage cover wobbled a bit on our test car and the rear window, sited between the cabin and the engine bay, in some lights reflects your left-hand on the steering wheel, which then reflects back into the rear-view mirror, a little distractingly.
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