Road Test
Lotus Elise 111R
Test date 24 February 2004
Price as tested £27,995
For Handling balance, ride, performance
AgainstWind noise, brake-pedal feel
When Lotus’ original Elise arrived in 1996, it stunned all-comers with levels of agility, performance and driver involvement that simply weren’t available anywhere in the market, let alone on the right side of £20,000. It was usable and refined to boot, which made it an overnight sales success. Paired down it may have been – there was no air con, music system, or heater – but that’s what made it such a true driver’s car and, although it was more reminiscent of the earlier Elan, the modern embodiment of the spirit of Chapman’s Lotus 7.
However, as its popularity grew, so did the calls to team that usable everyday chassis with higher interior spec, so that it became a more viable alternative for Boxster, TT and Z3 drivers. The 111S of ’99 brought improved seats, easier entry and a dealer-fit stereo, as well as a much needed power hike up to 143bhp. Its ’02 replacement added some carpet, air conditioning, and another 13bhp through some Lotus engine management tweakery.
That car is neither powerful nor usable enough any longer though – most significantly because Vauxhall’s Elise-fathered VX220 comes with a turbo. Lotus needs a car to put Luton’s spin-off back it its place – and that’s the task of the 111R.
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