The Europa uses a similar extruded aluminium tub, double-wishbone suspension and mid-engine/rear-wheel-drive architecture as the Elise and Exige, but with a longer wheelbase, bigger boot, broader door apertures, softer set-up and a torquier turbocharged engine.
In truth, the Europa is more closely related to the now-defunct Vauxhall VX220 Turbo. The Lotus also uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre Vauxhall engine (similar but not identical to that used in the VX220) with 197bhp and 200lb ft of torque.
