Lotus is launching the four-pot Emira Turbo SE in the UK, yours from £89,500

Six months after revealing its shiny new entry-level Emira ‘Turbo SE’, Lotus has confirmed its availability for British customers with prices starting at £89,500. That’s three grand cheaper than the full-fat supercharged 3.5-litre V6.

Its revised AMG-pinched four-pot now has 400bhp and 354lb ft, pinning it level with the V6 in terms of power but providing an extra 44 torques. As such, the SE is actually quicker to 62 by three-tenths (4s) and tops out at a slightly higher 182mph. The balance has finally shifted, it seems.

There are a few other key differences too: the SE gets an eight-speed DCT while the V6 has a choice of six-speed auto/manual transmissions. You’ll also get the Driver’s Pack as standard with the SE, which adds a stiffer sports suspension, launch control, a more versatile exhaust for a wider vocal range and a bespoke ‘Track Mode’ setting. Both cars will come with Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres and cross-drilled brakes.

Lotus has also used the opportunity to reshuffle the Emira lineup, doing away with the First Editions and the previous entry-level ‘Turbo’. It means the SE and the V6 are currently the only models available for order on the Lotus website.

Reckon the four-pot is now the more attractive option?