2010 Lotus Europa Review
Price
RM298,700
Installment
RM2,849/mth
2010 Lotus Europa at a glance
Based on the same chassis as the Lotus Elise, the 2010 Lotus Europa remains top-notch in handling and performance. However against supposed premium rivals, the 2010 Lotus Europa pales too much by comparison in terms of comfort or refinement.
2010 Lotus Europa quick specs
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Class | Sports/GT |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
2010 Lotus Europa ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
As a car created to fight luxury rivals such as the Audi TT, BMW Z4 and the like, the 2010 Lotus Europa looks like nothing else on the roads. And not in a good way. The 2010 Lotus Europa is awkward-looking at best, and inelegant when compared to supposed rivals.
Handling
Based on the same chassis as the Lotus Elise, the 2010 Lotus Europa drives equally well, exhibiting a fine balance between ride quality and handling prowess. The 2010 Lotus Europa needs a challenging, twisty road to bring the best out of the well-balanced chassis. The agile response, amazing grip, and precise, sharp and full-of-feel steering are hallmarks of a great drivers' car.
Comfort
While the ride is supple, refinement is still poor with no lack of wind and road noise at cruising speeds, although the engine noise is lesser than in the Lotus Elise. Compared to other Lotus models, ingress and egress are easier due to a lower door sill. But city driving can be tedious with the ultra-direct steering. Driving position is perfect even if there are no steering adjustments. Against premium rivals though, the 2010 Lotus Europa is miles behind in comfort levels.
Quality + Reliability
Lotus has used tough-feeling materials for the dashboard, and the fixtures of dash items seem solid enough. But the finishing is in need of much improvement, especially when competing in this premium segment. The Vauxhall-sourced engine and the proven Lotus Elise chassis should keep Lotus's credible reliability reputation intact.
Performance
The Vauxhall-sourced turbocharged 2.0-litre engine is capable of 197 bhp at 5400 rpm and 272 Nm at 5000 rpm. The power output may not be impressive, but thanks to the 2010 Lotus Europa's light-weight, the straight line performance is, taking 5.8 seconds to 100 km/h from rest. The engine soundtrack is however coarse and unpleasant.
Roominess
Relative to premium rivals such as the Audi TT, the 2010 Lotus Europa is cramped and less practical. There are two seats like in the TT, but in the Lotus Europa, driver and passenger should be prepared for constant bumping of their limbs. The boot—a small compartment behind the mid-mounted engine—can fit a suitcase at most.
Running Costs
The fuel economy is reasonable for an outright sports car, returning 10.8 km/litre. Servicing and repair costs should range between that for mainstream and luxury brands. Depreciation could well be substantial, but we expect the residual values to be supported by the small number of Europa and other Lotus used cars in Malaysia, given that there is a following for such niche sports cars.
Value for Money
The 2010 Lotus Europa offers the Lotus handling and performance which are supercar-like, at a much more affordable price. Yet against supposed rivals such as the Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK, the 2010 Lotus Europa pales by comparison in terms of luxury, comfort, practicality, room, equipments and brand prestige. Handling purists should be looking at the cheaper and equally capable Lotus Elise instead.
Equipment
The 2010 Lotus Europa 2.0 S comes with air conditioning, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), driver and passenger airbags, central door locking, leather steering wheel, leather seats, electric windows, immobiliser, Blaupunkt satellite navigation head unit with CD/MP3 playback and four speakers.
Environment
The 2010 Lotus Europa 2.0 S emits 220 grams/km of carbon dioxide and consumes 10.8 km/litre of petrol. Plus the engine will be high-revving most of the time, thus denting the fuel economy, but few sports cars out there can offer the same performance at such numbers.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Handling at its best
High performance level
Ride remains supple
Poor refinement
Cramped and impractical
Few safety equipments
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