Lotus Evora review - verdict

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Lotus Evora 3.5 V6 +2 Road Test

Test Date 14 August 2009 Price When New £54,980

Verdict

So the Evora wins our Britain’s Best Driver’s Car contest by a country mile two weeks ago, and then scores only four stars in our road test. But there is logic to this. In its ride and handling, the Evora is quite exceptional, as are its brakes. The engine is more than up to the job too, both in pure performance and aural appeal. If these were all that mattered in this assessment, the Evora would score a full five stars with ease.

However, Lotus is positioning the Evora as a GT, rivalling not only the Cayman but also the 911, and it has priced it accordingly. As such, we must consider a broader set of criteria, including interior functionality and perceived quality. We give Lotus credit for what it has achieved — the Evora being a big step up from the Elise — but the cold reality is that the Evora still asks its buyer to accept compromises in exchange for its excellence in other areas.