Other aspects of the car-driver interface work far better, including the redesigned seat, whose shoulder support gives welcome location in high-g corners. Our car also came with air conditioning (a £1295 option) and the Touring Pack (£1995) that brings extra sound insulation, carpets, full leather trim, electric windows and a Blaupunkt digital radio/CD player to lift the ambience above that of the slightly spartan base Elise.
What such niceties don’t do is magically transform the Lotus into something capable of giving a Boxster a run for its money in the refinement stakes. Wind and engine noise are constant companions, stowage space is minimal, there are no airbags or traction-control systems and getting in and out with the roof in place should only be tackled after a yoga class.