Lotus Exige (04 on) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on 15 August 2006

Last Updated: 20 March 2009

The Exige is the perfect car for the track-day racer or sports car enthusiast. It offers a potent mix of pace and excitement that few other cars - at any price - can match. Current models offer up to 260bhp and a 0-62mph time as low as 4.1 seconds - quick enough to rival supercars that cost five times as much. Much of this is down to its lightweight body which means it's lightning quick off the line and superbly responsive, even at higher speeds. Then there's the sublime handling, precise steering and excellent body control. It's not a car you can live with every day as it's difficult to drive around town, noisy and has little interior space. But as an undiluted sports car, it's difficult to beat.

5 out of 5

Other Lotus reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

The Exige isn't as expensive to run as you may imagine. A steady demand and limited production keeps values high, so depreciation is slow. It also uses a light and modern Toyota engine, which means it's surprisingly fuel efficient. Average fuel consumption is 31mpg. Insurance is arguably the biggest burden as it falls into the highest rating - group 20. Repairing the body is a highly specialised - and expensive - job.

Summary Running Costs
Servicing period	Every 9000 miles.
Warranty	Two years/unlimited mileage.
Road tax (12 months)	£250.00 - £270.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO₂ emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO₂ emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

2 out of 5