Category: Roadsters 
Price Range: £24,500 to £29,945
Still one of the best driver's cars on sale at any price. Now, with the availability of the S model, there's a great-value entry-level model too, complementing the high-performance R. The Elise is more desirable than ever.
It can't match 'softer' rivals for comfort, but then, that's not its remit. Just be aware that it's noisier, less cosseting and harder than a Boxster.
The perfect example of evolution. It just gets better as the years pass.
You don't get a single airbag with an Elise, and ESP is a pipe dream. Seatbelt pre-tensioners are a no-no and traction control... well, it's available as a £300 option and is tuned by Lotus' own handling genius'. ABS, developed by them, is standard too. Plus, don't forget, the Elise is brilliantly responsive and maneuverable, so may well avoid accidents in the first place. Its aluminium chassis is also ultra-strong, and having the engine sat behind you will help frontal impacts and aid pedestrian safety. Not as lacking in safety as first seems, then. Standard central locking helps security, as does a better, more secure roof nowadays. Though thieves will still find it easy to access. A Thatcham category 1 alarm really should be standard.
