Lotus Emira review

You’ve never sat in a Lotus like this before. You’ve never breathed in a Lotus that smelled this expensive before. That Lotus can build a great-to-drive car is never a shock, but Lotus building one you’d enjoy inviting passengers into, and spending every day in, proves that Geely’s investment is money well spent. 

Is it practical for a sports car?

The Emira is a strict two-seater, Lotus having learned its lesson from the Evora not to bother with pointless ‘+2’ rear seating in a vain effort to be as practical as a Porsche 911. Instead the Emira uses the space behind the seats as a 211-litre shelf to compliment the boot aft of the engine bay, which is big enough for a small suitcase and a medium-sized gym bag, but does get a bit warm if you’re driving with spirit. There’s no front boot under the bonnet as per a Cayman or A110. 

Entry and exit is miles easier than any recent Lotus: the sill is low and much narrower than you’ll find in the now-discontinued cars and the door opens wide enough so you don’t need to crouch before you fall in. We haven’t yet tested a car with finished seats so judgement on the supportiveness has to wait. The view out over the front is framed by the tops of the wheelarches which helps place the car beautifully.

The centre console houses the engine start button, gearshift and a slim storage tray below the tactile climate controls. Underneath there’s a single USB socket and space for a mobile device.

The cabin feels spacious, and visibility forward and to the side is decent for a mid-engined car, though the view over your shoulder is poor and you’ll be glad of the reversing camera. Storage is ample: there’s twin cupholders, carpeted door bins and a proper glovebox.

What about the tech?

Ahead of the driver is an info-rich 12-inch screen, while a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the middle of the cabin houses the infotainment. It’s an impressive interface: not shared with any other car, and yet it doesn’t feel anything like as half-baked as the screens in a VW these days.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are built in, and the hi-fi is mostly punchy enough to overcome the severe road and engine noise on the motorway. Steering wheel controls are a touch fiddly, especially as the buttons are touch-sensitive; a mistake, as they’re too easy to accidentally interfere with when turning.