Lotus Elise 1.6i
What is it?
FACELIFTED update of the classic Elise with new four-cylinder, 1.6 litre engine and dramatically lowered emissions and fuel consumption. Priced from £28,100.
What’s hot?
- The looks, once you’ve got over how petite it is…
- …compared to almost anything else on the road
- The superb driver environment and handling, handling, handling
- From a standing start: 0-60 in 6.0 seconds
- Amazing fuel consumption of 45mpg…
- …for a track ready, petrol driven racing machine
- CO2 emissions 149g/km
- Which means a company car tax band of 18% in 2010/11
- And a benefit-in-kind value of £5026
- New Toyota derived engine
- Very comfortable ProBax seats
- Purity – it’s a no-frills driving machine
What’s not?
- Numerous options for basic stuff (like traction control) pile on cost
- Happy on motorway but B-roads are happiest hunting ground
- Never practical, aside from excellent fuel consumption and BIK
What you need to Know?
P11D Value: | 27,920 |
Monthly Rental*: | n/a |
Tax Band when posted: | 18%, 19%, 20% |
Monthly BiK: | Click link for BIK |
Engine: | 1.6-litre 4cyl petrol |
CO2 Emissions: | 149g/km |
Power/torque: | 136bhp/160Nm |
Economy: | 45mpg |
Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.
Business Car Manager Road Test Rating
On sale since April 2010, the new Elise incorporates subtle but deep aesthetic changes ranging from a new front clamshell and engine cover to telltale, daytime LED running lights. But the real story concerns slashed emissions, now below the 150g threshold, making this by far the purest drive at this benefit-in-kind tax level.The new Toyota engine is far superior to the old, Rover unit, but still has to be worked hard. Not an easy car to get into or out of, the new Elise would suit someone who has a rural commute and loves driving to be reduced to its barest essentials of performance and handling. Finally – we liked the very practical, no nonsense canvas, ‘targa’ roof which can be taken down in a trice and stored in the boot, which is actually a bit bigger than it at first appears.