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Used Car Expert Rating

Lotus Elise (2010 to 2021)

Expert Rating

Used car score:

62
%
C

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

76
%
B

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

55
%
C

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

47
%
D

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

Used car score:

62
%
C

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

76
%
B

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

55
%
C

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

47
%
D

Summary


The Lotus Elise is a lightweight, mid-engined, two-seat roadster. The current model is known as the Series 3 and was launched in 2010 2010, although it is a direct evolution of the original Elise that started production way back in 1996. Production finally came to an end in late 2021.

Over the years, the Elise was available in a variety of trim levels and special editions. All of them very much prioritised performance and driver engagement over comfort, so don’t expect

Being a very focussed driver’s car, the Lotus Elise was universally praised for its driving dynamics throughout its entire 25-year lifespan. However, the other compromises required to achieve this have inevitably resulted in mixed reviews overall from the motoring media. Enthusiast titles like Evo and Car have given it outstanding scores, while consumer titles have marked it much more harshly.

The Lotus Elise finally ended production in December 2021 after 25 years. To mark the occasion, Lotus launched one last limited-edition model, the Final Edition, in either Sport 240 or Cup 250 variants.

As of May 2024, the Lotus Elise holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 62%. It was popular with journalists, but its running costs are high and its eco performance is nothing special. But then the Elise is a very niche sports car that doesn’t aim to be a family car, so that’s not surprising.

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Key specifications


Body style: Two-door roadster
Engine: petrol
Price: From £41,655 on-road

Launched: Spring 2010
Last updated: Autumn 2017
Ended production: Autumn 2021


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

+

Autocar

+

Car

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Evo

+

Honest John

+

Motoring Research

+

Parkers

+

The Sunday Times

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

The Lotus Elise was never crash tested by Euro NCAP during its lifespan, which is not surprising given its tiny sales volumes.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Lotus Elise was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

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Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of May 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Lotus Elise to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops. 

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Elise, we’ll publish the results here.

Running cost rating

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Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models36 mpgD36 – 36 mpgD – D
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models177 g/kmC177 – 177 g/kmC – C
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£48A
Overall£48A

The Lotus Elise is a relatively expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data. However, due to its age, we only have limited data available.

Fuel consumption is not great, especially for such a small and light car. Given that this is the largest running cost of any car, that’s worth considering. We don’t have insurance group data or servicing costs beyond the first year.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Lotus Elise has received

2019

  • Autocar Awards – Icon of Icons Award

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Lotus Elise, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Abarth 124 Spider | Alfa Romeo 4C | Alpine A110 | Ariel Atom | Audi TT RS | Caterham Seven | Porsche 718 Boxster | Zenos E10


More news, reviews and information about the Lotus Elise at The Car Expert

Classic Heritage Edition Elise is latest Lotus special edition

Classic Heritage Edition Elise is latest Lotus special edition

Fastest Lotus Elise yet unveiled

Fastest Lotus Elise yet unveiled

Lightweight Lotus Elise Sprint leads range update

Lightweight Lotus Elise Sprint leads range update

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The Lotus Elise received universally praise for its driving dynamics. However, the compromises required to achieve this resulted in mixed media reviews.Lotus Elise (2010 to 2021)