Lotus Europa (2006 - 2010) S Luxury Touring 3d (2007/07) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Different,you know your cars to have even known it exists!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

It generates so many questions and much interest. Everyone loves it but has no idea what it is. Don't buy one if you don't like talking about the car with strangers.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Its a car I would maybe not have bought new. The fact is it was expensive with the options if you compare it to a Cayman as the press usually did. Maybe it should have been looked at as a car in its own right when reviewed, somehow nobody really understood where in the market the car belonged as its no Porsche and only a little less compremised than the hardcore Exige. Fact is its still difficult to get in and out of and ergonomics are not the best. The original version had some mapping floors which generated bad reviews, this initially made it a bad buy new in many potential buyers eyes. Now as a used buy with the mapping ironed out and the fact there are only a handfull on UK roads it's now a gem of a used buy if you can live with the ergonomics and getting in and out issues as I can.

What are you likely to buy next?

Its going to be a hard act to follow without spending much more money.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

May 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes bought private from a Lotus Sport employee. Was a Lotus Press car before he bought it for himself so very highly maintained.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looks special, rare, already owned the Porsche alternative.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Direct, involving, fast and far more exciting than the Porsche. It may be less refined but it more than makes up for that in the way it makes you feel when pressing on.

What's it like to park?

Easy, its a small car, steering is not too heavy at parking pace even though it has no PAS. Rear view is limited being through two layers of glass but you get used to it.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No trouble free so far.

What's most practical about your car?

Its not that sort of car but it does have a boot and uses half the fuel of the Porsche.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The 225bhp map, big brakes