Lotus magni icence for MX 5 money

Looks like a Siamese ighting ish. Similarly feisty

THE ORIGINAL Exige S1 was a rowdy cafe racer, the current S3 a V6 borderline supercar. For many, the middle one was the sweet spot: an Elise after a protein shake and a high-definition driving experience.

The S2 launched in 2004, with the original K-series engine replaced with Toyota’s unburstable 1.8. Initially it was in naturally aspirated form with 190bhp, then jumped to 240bhp in 2005 when the rare 240R brought supercharging to the party. In 2006 supercharging became the norm and the 218bhp Exige S replaced the old naturally aspirated base model, also gaining upgraded seats and a fly-by-wire throttle.

The car pictured here has belonged to Phil Wing for six years, in which time he’s covered 15,000 miles. ‘I’ve been lucky to drive quite a few things – Caymans, 991s, BMW M2 – but I really wanted an S2 Exige. It took a while to find a good one. A lot of them are trashy, with scuffed sills, or they’re modified.’

Service intervals are 12 months/9000 miles. ‘They’re pretty bulletproof,’ says Jamie Matthews, sales manager at Bell & Colvill. ‘The biggest problems are caused by lack of use. A lot of cars have had prangs, but don’t be put off if they’ve been repaired by authorised body shops.

‘Values haven’t really moved in the last couple of years,’ he continues. ‘Trouble is getting hold of them. Pre-2006 non-supercharged cars are worth £20k-£25k. Post-2006 supercharged cars command mid-to-high 20s for 218bhp versions, and high 20s into the 30s for 240bhp-up.’4

Thanks to Jamie Matthews at Bell & Colvill (bellandcolvill.co.uk),

Phil Wing and thelotusforums.com