Used Lotus Elise 2011-2022 review review

If we told you that a 250bhp Lotus Elise can outrun a 500bhp Dodge Viper, would you believe us? Well, that's the benefit of low weight, people. While the Viper exceeds 1500kg, the Elise (in all guises) undercuts 1000kg, making it an incredibly rapid and agile sports car despite its modest power outputs.

But wait, the engine range gets much humbler. In fact, it kicks off with a 134bhp 1.6-litre unit. That's in the entry-level Club Racer (CR) version, which has a 0-60mph time of 6.0sec, rivalling many hot hatches in a straight line and beating what the previous entry-level Elise can do.

While the CR is quick, the Elise S is really quick. With 217bhp from a supercharged 1.8-litre engine, it has a 0-60mph time of just 4.6sec. You'll get this engine and performance with later Sport 220 cars too. Sport 240 models provide a similarly sharp driving experience, but increase power to 240bhp.

Speaking of later and more powerful cars, there's also the Cup 250 and Cup 260. They produce 245bhp and 250bhp respectively for 0-60mph in 3.9sec and 3.8sec. Both are very track-focused and have lairy rear wings.

Performance figures only tell half the story, though, because this is one of the best driver's car money can buy. It's incredibly engaging, from its precise steering to its satisfying gearshift, and the cherry on top is its rev-happy engine range.

You'll also find that it has exceptional body control while providing an impressively compliant ride. As a result, you can cover an immense amount of ground very quickly without ever feeling ruffled or bounced about. The Elise feels wonderfully alive to drive, yet remains surprisingly approachable.

There's not a lot going on with regards to its interior – it's a very simplistic setup. This car is about excitement rather than comfort, so if you want even basic amenities such as floor mats, a stereo, sound insulation, cruise control, metallic paint or air conditioning, you'll have to actively seek out those features when searching the used car sites.

The steering wheel is fixed but the seat is comfortable and the driving position superb. In terms of build quality, the Elise feels pretty well put together. Yes, the switches are basic but there are examples with various carbon-fibre option packs and style extras out there.

While practicality isn't the Elise's forte, you will find a boot behind its engine. It's big enough for two soft bags, and there’s enough passenger space for two six-footers. However, there's nothing in the way of a glovebox or door bins, and while the shelf below the dashboard can hold a large smartphone, a wallet and a few other odds and ends, it's not lined with non-slip material, so you'll have to drive carefully or suffer the consequences of items flying out.

If you're interested in buying a used Lotus Elise or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site here.

For an early 1.6-litre Elise, have a budget of around £27,000 at least – you'll get an example in good condition with under 30,000 miles (most models have low mileage) for the money. Increase your budget to around £35,000 for an Elise S of a similar quality, or a 2018 1.6-litre with little mileage.

Around £40,000 will buy you a 2017 Sport 220, while around £45,000 will get you a 2019, 2020 or 2021 one. You'll need around £50,000 to upgrade to a Cup 250. Its Cup 260 sibling is rare and will likely send you north of £60,000.

Check the value of a used Lotus Elise with What Car? Valuations

Find a used Lotus Elise for sale here

MPG

Despite its high level of performance, the Elise features some relatively small engines. When driven conservatively, you should see upwards of 30mpg. The 217bhp 1.8-litre has an official average of 35.8mpg, for example. The lesser 1.6-litre is better still. Its average is 44.8mpg.

Road tax

If your Elise was registered before April 2017, how much it will cost you in road tax will be based on CO2 emissions. Cars registered after that date will receive the current flat rate fee of £155 per year – that's for all petrol cars. If your example was listed at more than £40,000 when new, you'll also be charged an additional £335 per year for years two to five of the car's life. Find out more about current road tax costs here

Insurance and servicing

The Elise's small engines provide it with cheap insurance, right? In terms of insurance groups, not quite – most variants tend to lie in the high 40s. Lotus does offer fixed price service plans.

All Elise variants make for compelling sports car buys, and deciding which one to go for mostly depends on your price and performance preferences. At the time of writing, most used examples are Sport 220s. That version is an excellent middle way between the lesser CR and the hardcore Cup cars, so it's our go-to Elise.

Our favourite Lotus Elise: Sport 220

The Elise is more hardcore than many other sports cars, including the Alpine A110 and Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster. It's lighter and less luxurious than they are, but will probably delight the purist inside you more.

On the other hand, it's heavier and more luxurious than road-legal track toys such as the Caterham Seven and Ariel Atom. The Elise will certainly be more useable everyday than those two, though.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? Newsletter here

If you're interested in buying a used Lotus Elise or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site here