I think part of the problem if you want to call it that, is there were previews just a few weeks ago with the white VP 007 car, so the actual reviews today were kind of old hat to these guys, and that's what comes across.
In my opinion Lotus would have done better if they had not done the preview exercise, but instead let today's results be the first preview/review. I think the reaction would have been different for the most part. However, Harry's is the one I found most valuable. It isn't a clinical analysis by the numbers, it's an honest review of what it feels like to be in and drive the Emira.
At the beginning of Harry's video when you look at what's in his garage, the fact that he's grinning, laughing and that delighted with the Emira speaks volumes to me. It isn't a numbers car; it's a Lotus. I'm not buying a numbers car. I'm buying what Harry is buying, and for pretty much the same reasons.
For those disappointed that it's not perfect... it's a Lotus. It has the same dynamic an Alfa Romeo has. Would a perfect Lotus still be a Lotus? Would a perfect Alfa Romeo still be an Alfa Romeo? Cars like this AREN'T perfect in every way, but what they do right is so endearing, you don't really care that much about anything else. They have soul. They have character. If they were perfect, they'd be soulless machines, like a Porsche; something that doesn't really need you. A Lotus and an Alfa require your involvement, your participation to make the magic happen. You become part of the machine, while a Porsche IS the machine; you just get to sit inside and ride in it.
The Emira reminds me in a lot of ways of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia. They both strive to be a bit more civilized, a bit more 'modern', yet they still have their trademark soul. They both have gorgeous looks; unlike anything else in their class. They're both under $100k, and there's nothing else quite like them. They're not for everybody, and we're starting to see some of that with those that are now waffling because of what some paid reviewers are saying.
Every time I get in the Giulia and drive it, I'm reminded of what it was that compelled me to buy it. Though I haven't driven an Emira yet, I have the same feeling about it as I did the Alfa. The AWD Alfa is my 4 season daily driver. The Emira is going to be my fun car. At 70 years of age, I'll have a modern Alfa and a Lotus; what a way to finish out the days of my life, and the ICE era.