Category: Roadsters 
Price Range: £25,712 to £32,067
Supremely capable and entertaining handling, comfortable ride, eager performance and unexpectedly low running costs.
A bit noisy, a bit uncomfortable and the hood is a small but cumbersome device.
Wonderful, if a machine for driving is what you want.
It might be blisteringly quick, but the Elise can still return 40mpg thanks to its low weight. It's Rover engine means reasonable servicing costs, and its depreciation record is superb. The only downer is the - oof - group 20 insurance. Not that long ago this Lotus was one of the most sought-after sports cars. Demand is still there, but the large number around and the advent of a new version means values have dropped, and used sellers can no longer charge near-retail price for them. Considering the amount of physical vehicle you get, not great - it's when you understand its abilities that it looks better value. And the low depreciation make the sums a bit more reasonable.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Lotus Elise
wrote on 22 12 2007
wrote on 18 09 2007
wrote on 30 03 2007