Lotus Elise Convertible interior, tech and comfort
You won’t be disappointed by the Elise’s snug driving position, as the low stance gives you a great feel for the road and visibility is also fine. The dash isn’t too groundbreaking, but it’s certainly adequate, while the long gear lever is a little cumbersome and gangly – not quite the short gear-stick that you’d expect in such a sportscar.
Although longer journeys are surprisingly relaxed, the overall comfort levels are poor. There’s no radio or carpet as standard, and the bucket seats are thinly padded. The hood is a nightmare to use, slow to assemble, draughty and not very watertight. Comfort is hardly the Elise’s strong point, but it isn’t the reason to buy one anyway. All other aspects outweigh this blemish, and you should be so bowled over by the driving experience that comfort isn’t a concern.