Lotus Europa (06-10) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on
Last Updated: 20 March 2009
The Europa is quite a curious model from Lotus. It's supposedly a more useable and comfortable alternative to the Elise and Exige. The firm describe it as a 'Grand Tourer' but while it does offer slightly more interior space than other Lotus models, it's still cramped compared to alternative sports cars. In essence there's no hiding what the Europa is - basically an Exige or Elise underneath, but with a slightly different body on top. What this does mean is that it's great to drive with superb handling, wonderful steering and cracking performance. But it doesn't deliver the refinement or comfort Lotus promises. It does come well equipped but ultimately it's simply too similar to the rest of the Lotus line-up and not sophisticated enough to rival cars like the Porsche Cayman or BMW Z4.
3 out of 5

Other Lotus reviews

5 out of 5

Performance

The Europa is available with one engine in two different outputs. The 2.0-litre petrol is actually borrowed from Vauxhall (unlike the Elise and Exige which use a Toyota unit) but is less manic than the Japanese engine and offers stronger in-gear acceleration. The standard model produces 200bhp and manages 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds while the more powerful 225bhp version on the SE model can sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds - faster than a Porsche Cayman. It does still need to be worked hard though, in order to deliver its best performance and as a result it spends much of its time at high revs, where it's noisy. The Europa comes with a positive shifting (if little clunky) six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Fuel economy is good with the 200bhp able to average 30mpg.

5 out of 5

Handling

The Europa delivers a typical Lotus driving experience. It may not be hugely powerful, but it handles exceptionally well and feels incredibly agile due to its light weight. There's no power steering (like all Lotus models) which does make parking difficult, but also means superb feedback and feel on the move. It's pin sharp through corners, although you can feel every single bump which is unnerving if you are used to more insulating cars. It's hugely involving which makes any journey on twisting roads enjoyable but on the downside it can be quite draining on a long run. It's also noisy and hectic on the motorway.