Finally came round to replacing the S1 Elise I got a few years ago, and I had more trouble finding something to replace it with than I did with the S.

Originally I had my heart set on a TVR of some description - always wanted one, and figured it was going to be more comfortable than the Elise and would have a certain sense of occasion to it......

Test drove a few Tamora's and T350's and was expecting to be blown away by them, but came away feeling somewhat underwhelmed, dont know if it was the ones I drove, or if the Elise had been fettled with too much (which it probably has) but I just didnt get thrown back into the seat like I would expect, I knew the handling wouldnt be as good as the Elise, but I had read great things about the Tamora and T350, and while they werent exactly bad handling, they just didnt do it for me for some reason

Anyway - after a fair bit of hunting and test driving other things, I decided to stay with Lotus for the time being, and have elected for a Europa.

Speed wise, its probably on par if not a bit quicker than my S1 (its got the 225 upgrade on it), but it is sooo much more comfortable, I no longer wince when I see a stone in the road I cant avoid, or book an appointment with the Chiropractor whenever I need to go over a Cats eye

The dealer I have to say was fantastic, and a welcome change to some of the ones I have dealt with recently, It'll be turning up next week, and I'll get some photos of it up when I can, but here are a few from the existing advert

 

Excellent choice, I flirted with the idea of a Europa last year when I bought the Exige.

As far as I can see, Lotus got the marketing wrong for this car, they should have sold it as the Elise you can use everyday, rather than a Cayman rival. It's just not got the power or the badge to compete with Porsche on their turf, Lotus seemingly forgot that they do best in their own market.

In the end it was only the depreciation aspect that put me off, they're an excellent alternative to the Elise/Exige, 90% of the drive but 10% of the inconvenience and discomfort.

I see Hoffmans are soon to be offering a (supposedly) reliable 400bhp upgrade for the car, that would be a very interesting prospect....

 

Yes, I've read about their upgrades, and have been closely following the build of the one thats running in the current Lotus Cup, which has had a hell of lot of work done to it.

I agree that Lotus got the marketting wrong, and was put off the idea because of all the bad reviews it had, but after having driven one, I can honestly say that it is a fantastic car, and I think a lot of the damage done was because it was reviewed and touted as a GT instead of being reviewed as a comfy Lotus.

Already started working on a list of things I need to get done to it, first being to shorten the throw a little, as it is quite long, but there doesnt seem to be anything like the short shift on the Elise available at the moment, that being said, the gearbox is excellent, and certainly not as vague as the one in my Elise

Really looking forward to it arriving now

 

Whats the build quality like? I remember sitting in an exige and it felt very flimsy and well..er light (exactly what it is supposed to be) but with the europa I think its aimed more as said above to be a Cayman rival.
I still like the look of the Artega GT with a vw v6 paired to dsg but it appears their price goal has somewhat moved.

 

I've owned a S1 for 2 1/2 years, so anything with carpets that doesnt leak is a vast improvement in build quality to me, so my judgement has to be taken with a pinch of salt....

having said that, the interior is a very pleasant place to be, the dash is solidly built and there were no squeeks or rattles to be heard, the stereo can be heard above the road noise, and the leather interior is nicely finished.

The 2008 SE version has an improved interior, but the starting prices are still quite high for them, and with the 225 pack fitted to the basic S, there is not much difference in my mind.

 

Is there not something from the VX220 you could use?

 

Looks very nice , having had a ride in an S1? (Ciderboy's) I can see how some comfort for everyday driving would be appreciated

 

Thats a bloody good idea, hadn't even thought of that for some reason....

There is one available, will have to see if anyone know if its compatible with the Europa

 

I went to visit these guys near the Ring this year...

http://www.komo-tec.com/LOTUS-Europa:::217...16bf21c9d6dd9bc

They are a superb outfit, owned by an old guy who races an early elan. He had some 20k Cosworth engine on a bench dyno which he showed us round.

Anyway, they also had the nicest Europa i've seen, in black. It had some nice wheels and a turbo - looked like a mini Gallardo!

Some of the modifed Loti there was most impressive.

 

That'll be an S2 thanks James! Whilst the Europa has more comfort once your in, don't expect getting in/out to be any easier than my Elise (which is for sale if any one is interested!)

Interesting choice... been thinking these must be a good second hand buy for some time.

But.... does it take the golf clubs?