2010 Lotus Exige Review
Price
RM338,800
Installment
RM3,231/mth
2010 Lotus Exige at a glance
The coupe version of the Lotus Elise, the 2010 Lotus Exige boasts the same impressive handling purity and high performance no cars at the same price level can—this is quite simply a supercar for the relatively poor.
2010 Lotus Exige quick specs
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Class | Sports/GT |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
2010 Lotus Exige ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
With looks unlike any other cars on the roads, the 2010 Lotus Exige is not the most attractively styled but is certainly distinctive, and definitely able to get you noticed. Given Lotus' focus on performance and handling, we suspect all exterior elements are for aerodynamics than styling purposes.
Handling
The Lotus brand has become synonymous with handling purity, and that is exactly what the 2010 Lotus Exige offers. By all measures, whether the stupendous grip, brilliant body control, well-balanced chassis or the precise, informative steering, the 2010 Lotus Exige provides driving pleasure no cars at the same price level can; this is a supercar for the relatively poor.
Comfort
The 2010 Lotus Exige comes with a fairly basic cabin with no steering column adjustments, and suffers from excessive engine, wind and road noise intrusion. However, the ride remains reasonably comfortable over most surfaces. Designed not to distract drivers, the controls are well-placed and easy to use, too. And once you have managed to get into the car, you will find a perfect driving position accompanied by supportive bucket seats.
Quality + Reliability
Previous Lotus models have a negative reputation for poor build quality and even worse reliability. The new crop of Lotus models are changing that perception. After years of sales, Lotus should have ironed out any mechanical problems, and we expect the Toyota-sourced engine and aluminium chassis to remain reliable under hard use. The simple cabin should last, too, boasting solid construction and tough-feeling materials.
Performance
The Toyota-sourced 217 bhp 1.8-litre engine propels the 2010 Lotus Exige from rest to 100 km/h in a supercar-rivalling 4.1 seconds, thanks to the lightweight construction. Paired to a slick six-speed manual gearbox, the engine is at its strongest and loudest after 6000 rpm.
Roominess
Room and practicality are the 2010 Lotus Exige's biggest weaknesses. There is adequate room for taller people in the two seats, but the boot—a small compartment behind the mid-mounted engine—can fit in few tiny bags. Let's not start to discuss the difficulty involved in both ingress and egress.
Running Costs
The 11.8 km/litre fuel economy is reasonable for an outright sports car. 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 Lotus Exiges in Malaysia, given that there is a following for such niche sports cars.
Value for Money
Like for other Lotus models, the Exige is not about luxury, practicality or the equipments on offer. Lotus has stood for handling purity and high performance, and the 2010 Lotus Exige remains true to what the brand promises. It will not serve well as a city car or miles-cruncher, but for driving pleasure in the purest sense, look no further than the 2010 Lotus Exige. Having said that, the Lotus Elise offers the same wonderful package for significantly less money.
Equipment
The equipment level is rather basic with alloy wheels, air-conditioning, central door locking, leather steering wheel, radio/CD player with four speakers, immobiliser, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and dual airbags.
Environment
As sports cars go, not many are “greener” than the 2010 Lotus Exige. Constant high-revving engine action will surely dent the decent fuel economy, but relative to many other outright sports cars, the 11.8 km/litre fuel economy and 199 grams/km carbon dioxide emissions are better than average.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Handling purity
High performance
Still comfortable ride
Poor refinement
Hard to get in and out
Practicality not high on the list
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