Sports car that can be your everyday driver
Julie Marshall spends a day with the lotus Evora GT410 and enjoys every minute
Early last year Lotus launched the second model in the Evora range. The GT410 is broadly based on the 410 Sport but is far easier to drive comfortably at slow speeds - should the need arise.
Even though it’s considerably cheaper, in fact at £82,900 it costs £3,000 less,Evo ra GT410 features an enhanced standard spec over the GT410 Sport.
Visibility both front and rear are excellent and if it wasn’t for the snarl of the 3.5-litre V6 you could almost be in a top of the range saloon rather than a 410 bhp muscle car with a top speed of 186 mph and a 0-60mph time of 4.1 seconds.
Lotus class the Evora GT 410 as a usable everyday car and, to be honest, I wouldn’t necessarily disagree.
The Sparco sport seats are forgiving and comfortable even for the relatively broad of beam and the whole driving experience is relaxing.
There’s air conditioning, cruise control, heated seats and rear parking sensors to make life on board as comfortable and safe as possible.
In keeping with the need for everyone to be connected at all times, as standard is an integrated 7in touch-screen infotainment system with AppleCarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth compatibility; satellite navigation and reversing camera can also be specified.
Lotus held its driving event at a cracking little place near Stratford-upon-Avon just as lockdown restrictions were easing somewhat.
Caffeine & Machine is a stylish biker-style cafe for motorists and bikers who, in normal times flock there at weekends and evenings to drink coffee, talk everything automotive and show off their prize machines to admirers.
It’s not easy getting the most out of a Lotus on UK roads. They are either congested or low speed limits allow little in the way of progress’ but a stint on the M40 allowed us to let rip - even if it was just for a short time.
Surprisingly getting in and out was easy - even for these old bones and luggage space is decent if you make use of the two rear seats. They are not much use for passengers unless children or child-like in stature so you might as well utilise them.
The Evora GT 410 looks fabulous without being overly flashy.
Everything is solid and well put together with nice touches inside and out.
It has a body-coloured roof, side sills, tailgate, front access panel and mirror backs and red AP Racing brake callipers to add a bit of bling.
Seats have contra sting stitching and come in a variety of different colours. There are integrated arm rests and storage bins for great practicality.
Paint colours have been tweaked and new options added, including some historic ones.
Wheels are silver or gloss black V-spoke cast alloy wheels, 19in at the front and 20in at the rear and shod with all weather Michelin Pilot Sport 4S they give great allyear-round traction.