Lotus Exige S
2012-present
THE EXIGE S is essentially an Elise with the Evora’s V6 supercharged engine – the bonded aluminium tub at the centre of the car is shared with the Elise, but there’s new bodywork front and rear. You notice that the suspension is still resolutely firm and focused, but the damping seems even more sophisticated than the Elise’s, perhaps because the Exige S weighs over 250kg more. A faster steering rack adds extra energy to direction changes but demands even more of your attention – it’s not nervous, but every input elicits a response. Most of all, though, you notice the grumble of the single-mass flywheel at idle, the didgeridoo exhaust and the visceral thump of that 345bhp V6. It’s a whole new level of performance versus the Elise, and comes closest to the intense buzz of a quick Caterham in a more sensible package.
Priced from £52,900 new, Exige S coupes now typically hold firm at around the high £30k to mid £40k mark – the car we’re driving is up for grabs at Bell & Colvill for £44,995, with 5000 miles. But sales manager Jamie Matthews also highlights what great value the roadsters are. ‘The coupe has a 172mph top speed, but the roadster is limited to 142mph,’ he explains. ‘That puts off some people and makes the roadster really good value, with most in the mid-to-high £30k bracket.’
Coupes are also easily converted to roadster-spec – basically you’re just swapping the roof panel for a fabric alternative – which brings the open-air experience without the limited top end, though, clearly, that speed was restricted for a reason.
The Exige stepped up a notch in late 2015, with an exposed gear linkage and a better shift quality, less weight, and a range that stretched from Sport 350 to Sport 380 and 430 Cup, with those numbers reflecting the power outputs. The torque converter IPS auto was offered too.
These later Exiges start from at least £45k for a Sport 350, but even if £35k is your max, the Exige S roadster makes an excellent choice for Sundays and trackdays.