The great big "all the customer test drives" thread

[K_Squared]

In all fairness, on a short test drive with a bad route or with limited revs, most drivers would not get enough of a chance to explore the Emira's nuisances and dynamics, especially if they were not searching or interested in said nuisances.

That's not a knock on the car. The Emira's learning curve is higher than most (i.e. clutch takeup / brake feel / unassisted shifter / power band at the top of rev range) and an extended amount of time is needed to become familiar with it, as with anything.

This is EXACTLY what I was telling my father-in-law during our 2 hour drive home from the test drive. He kept asking, "did it blow you away like you'd hoped?" and I couldn't help but respond with almost exactly what you said. You just can't learn/appreciate this car in 15-20 minutes. However, the dramatic enjoyment factor increase from minute 5 to 15 was what I had to focus on in terms of the future potential excitement/enjoyment of the car. It absolutely has a higher learning curve because, well, it's a driver's car that you need to learn to truly appreciate. I can't wait to have that opportunity!

 

[TomE]

Posts about KEF audio moved to this thread:
https://www.emiraforum.com/threads/more-details-for-kef-audio.1017/post-86518

 

[R1272]

In all fairness, on a short test drive with a bad route or with limited revs, most drivers would not get enough of a chance to explore the Emira's nuisances and dynamics, especially if they were not searching or interested in said nuisances.

That's not a knock on the car. The Emira's learning curve is higher than most (i.e. clutch takeup / brake feel / unassisted shifter / power band at the top of rev range) and an extended amount of time is needed to become familiar with it, as with anything.

This is true. I had a chance to drive the car twice and the second time was 10x more fun than the first.

 

[BeHappy]

In all fairness, on a short test drive with a bad route or with limited revs, most drivers would not get enough of a chance to explore the Emira's nuisances and dynamics, especially if they were not searching or interested in said nuisances.

That's not a knock on the car. The Emira's learning curve is higher than most (i.e. clutch takeup / brake feel / unassisted shifter / power band at the top of rev range) and an extended amount of time is needed to become familiar with it, as with anything.

This is so why Lotus need to offer extended test drives bringing them in line with what is readily available across most brands and also not be prescriptive about the route - In UK now that the fuss has settled will Lotus be open to this ?

 

[Yachtie]

This is true. I had a chance to drive the car twice and the second time was 10x more fun than the first.

Agreed I’ve got to 500 miles in mine and even limited to 4000 rpm it just gets better every day, there will be a whole new learning curve once full revs can be used. Not sure the smile can get any bigger!!

 

[VL3X]

Anyone in the US have an upcoming test drive scheduled? I was supposed to have an extended test drive this morning with the magma red Emira that was at the recent NYC Auto Show , but I cancelled last minute. Just wasn't worth the 4 hour round trip drive for me today. Hopefully I can catch it at some point since I'd really like to see Magma red and the silver calipers in person.

 

[GetawayDriving]

Anyone in the US have an upcoming test drive scheduled? I was supposed to have an extended test drive this morning with the magma red Emira that was at the recent NYC Auto Show , but I cancelled last minute. Just wasn't worth the 4 hour round trip drive for me today. Hopefully I can catch it at some point since I'd really like to see Magma red and the silver calipers in person.

I have my eye out for them but haven't heard. No idea where all the demo cars are right now. I have some points, I'd fly anywhere lol

 

[VL3X]

I have my eye out for them but haven't heard. No idea where all the demo cars are right now. I have some points, I'd fly anywhere lol

I'm flying out to AZ through the end of the month. I'm going to take a shot and call McLaren Scottsdale since they're dealing with Lotus now too.

 

[adefeatedman]

I had my test drive last week at my dealership in Summit, New Jersey. It was my first time seeing the car in person. Car was a V6, manual with the sport chassis. My thoughts:

- Car was beautiful in person, even smaller than it appears in pictures. Build quality looked excellent. The only way to describe it is that it looks less like a kit car than an Evora or an Exige and more like a production car. The seats were large and comfortable and the car was easy to get in and out of. I'm a bigger guy (5'9" 260lbs) and had no problem getting comfortable and getting in and out. Nothing like the old Exige I drove. I do wish the seat went down a tad lower, but it's good enough.
-Now, I'm certain about how I want mine fitted except with respect to the chassis. On the one hand, I have a high tolerance for rough suspension and the area I drive in has smoother roads than most in NJ, but on the other hand, I am going to daily drive this with exception to winters. I was leaning towards the tour suspension but the sport chassis was still compliant. I mean, this car is every bit as comfortable as a luxury sedan. I couldn't believe it. It's the one thing that stood out the most to me. Now I'm thinking to myself, why go with the tour chassis if the sport chassis is plenty comfortable? It really only made the decision more difficult for me. But again, what a comfortable car. And despite this, handling was of course excellent with no body roll. It's like witchcraft.
-Steering was excellent. Unlike anything I've ever driven. I was expecting it to be less assisted like an old BMW but luckily it wasn't. It's still light enough to not be arduous but extremely precise and communicative. It was very easy to track down the highway and each bump sent feedback through the steering wheel but not in a jarring, unpleasant way. Other than the ride quality, this was the second most impressive thing about the car to me. I know reviewers have been praising the steering, and I've driven cars with excellent steering before, but this was on another level. And again, I wonder if any of that is attributable to the more aggressive alignment of the sport chassis.
-Brakes were great. Very grabby and strong. I couldn't get used to them. I know the dealer rep was getting annoyed with me but I drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee that has some of the worst brakes I've ever felt in a modern car, a vintage Land Rover, and an old Camaro. I'm used to giving it a healthy amount of force to stop a car. I could have blown on the pedal with a straw and stopped the car. It was impressive, but will take some getting used to for my fat feet.
-Engine sounded great. I tried it in both tour and track mode and it really wakes the exhaust sound up. I did one strong pull merging on the highway and the car pulls well. It's not like the throw you in your seat feel of my Camaro but it's responsive and torquey down low. I don't imagine I'll ever feel wanting for power. I know this is subjective but the car felt plenty strong to me. I know a Cayman GTS can rev higher and has a bespoke sports car engine, but I prefer the Toyota engine for its down low power and sound. There's a straight piped Camry rolling around my office and man that thing sounds good. I always thought Porsches sound terrible to be honest. Again, subjective. But definitely good to me.
-The shifter and clutch on the other hand I wasn't a huge fan of, especially the clutch. It just felt terrible. Not very smooth, the engagement point is too low and abrupt. Not something I can't get used to, but notworthy. The shifter is short and precise, but notchy. Again, subjective, but I prefer the more vague feel of the shifters I've felt in Porsche or VW products. To me Mazda and the older Honda/Acura products have the best shifter feel. But unlike the clutch, I wouldn't say it's bad. Just a matter of preference. I know some people that love a notchy shifter.
-The dealer rep told me the car will need a 1000 mile service and will need to be plugged into a trickle charger if the car will be sitting more than 3 days due to the smaller battery. The car will come with a battery tender but that's just something to keep in mind.

Overall, the drive definitely made me more excited to get the car. I'm reserved for a base car, not a First Edition but if the rumors are true that another round of First Editions are being released, I'll probably jump on that to avoid waiting for a a Base car like I originally wanted (I don't like the First Edition badging). It's very exciting.

 

[Drlonline]

I had my test drive last week at my dealership in Summit, New Jersey. It was my first time seeing the car in person. Car was a V6, manual with the sport chassis. My thoughts:

- Car was beautiful in person, even smaller than it appears in pictures. Build quality looked excellent. The only way to describe it is that it looks less like a kit car than an Evora or an Exige and more like a production car. The seats were large and comfortable and the car was easy to get in and out of. I'm a bigger guy (5'9" 260lbs) and had no problem getting comfortable and getting in and out. Nothing like the old Exige I drove. I do wish the seat went down a tad lower, but it's good enough.
-Now, I'm certain about how I want mine fitted except with respect to the chassis. On the one hand, I have a high tolerance for rough suspension and the area I drive in has smoother roads than most in NJ, but on the other hand, I am going to daily drive this with exception to winters. I was leaning towards the tour suspension but the sport chassis was still compliant. I mean, this car is every bit as comfortable as a luxury sedan. I couldn't believe it. It's the one thing that stood out the most to me. Now I'm thinking to myself, why go with the tour chassis if the sport chassis is plenty comfortable? It really only made the decision more difficult for me. But again, what a comfortable car. And despite this, handling was of course excellent with no body roll. It's like witchcraft.
-Steering was excellent. Unlike anything I've ever driven. I was expecting it to be less assisted like an old BMW but luckily it wasn't. It's still light enough to not be arduous but extremely precise and communicative. It was very easy to track down the highway and each bump sent feedback through the steering wheel but not in a jarring, unpleasant way. Other than the ride quality, this was the second most impressive thing about the car to me. I know reviewers have been praising the steering, and I've driven cars with excellent steering before, but this was on another level. And again, I wonder if any of that is attributable to the more aggressive alignment of the sport chassis.
-Brakes were great. Very grabby and strong. I couldn't get used to them. I know the dealer rep was getting annoyed with me but I drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee that has some of the worst brakes I've ever felt in a modern car, a vintage Land Rover, and an old Camaro. I'm used to giving it a healthy amount of force to stop a car. I could have blown on the pedal with a straw and stopped the car. It was impressive, but will take some getting used to for my fat feet.
-Engine sounded great. I tried it in both tour and track mode and it really wakes the exhaust sound up. I did one strong pull merging on the highway and the car pulls well. It's not like the throw you in your seat feel of my Camaro but it's responsive and torquey down low. I don't imagine I'll ever feel wanting for power. I know this is subjective but the car felt plenty strong to me. I know a Cayman GTS can rev higher and has a bespoke sports car engine, but I prefer the Toyota engine for its down low power and sound. There's a straight piped Camry rolling around my office and man that thing sounds good. I always thought Porsches sound terrible to be honest. Again, subjective. But definitely good to me.
-The shifter and clutch on the other hand I wasn't a huge fan of, especially the clutch. It just felt terrible. Not very smooth, the engagement point is too low and abrupt. Not something I can't get used to, but notworthy. The shifter is short and precise, but notchy. Again, subjective, but I prefer the more vague feel of the shifters I've felt in Porsche or VW products. To me Mazda and the older Honda/Acura products have the best shifter feel. But unlike the clutch, I wouldn't say it's bad. Just a matter of preference. I know some people that love a notchy shifter.
-The dealer rep told me the car will need a 1000 mile service and will need to be plugged into a trickle charger if the car will be sitting more than 3 days due to the smaller battery. The car will come with a battery tender but that's just something to keep in mind.

Overall, the drive definitely made me more excited to get the car. I'm reserved for a base car, not a First Edition but if the rumors are true that another round of First Editions are being released, I'll probably jump on that to avoid waiting for a a Base car like I originally wanted (I don't like the First Edition badging). It's very exciting.

Some interesting remarks from your dealer rep about the 1000 mile service and need for trickle charger if left idle for more than 3 days. According to those who've picked up from Hethel, they were told 10,000 miles for first service, and the handbook states trickle charge is needed if left idle for 18 days.

 

[Pegasi]

I had my test drive last week at my dealership in Summit, New Jersey. It was my first time seeing the car in person. Car was a V6, manual with the sport chassis. My thoughts:

- Car was beautiful in person, even smaller than it appears in pictures. Build quality looked excellent. The only way to describe it is that it looks less like a kit car than an Evora or an Exige and more like a production car. The seats were large and comfortable and the car was easy to get in and out of. I'm a bigger guy (5'9" 260lbs) and had no problem getting comfortable and getting in and out. Nothing like the old Exige I drove. I do wish the seat went down a tad lower, but it's good enough.
-Now, I'm certain about how I want mine fitted except with respect to the chassis. On the one hand, I have a high tolerance for rough suspension and the area I drive in has smoother roads than most in NJ, but on the other hand, I am going to daily drive this with exception to winters. I was leaning towards the tour suspension but the sport chassis was still compliant. I mean, this car is every bit as comfortable as a luxury sedan. I couldn't believe it. It's the one thing that stood out the most to me. Now I'm thinking to myself, why go with the tour chassis if the sport chassis is plenty comfortable? It really only made the decision more difficult for me. But again, what a comfortable car. And despite this, handling was of course excellent with no body roll. It's like witchcraft.
-Steering was excellent. Unlike anything I've ever driven. I was expecting it to be less assisted like an old BMW but luckily it wasn't. It's still light enough to not be arduous but extremely precise and communicative. It was very easy to track down the highway and each bump sent feedback through the steering wheel but not in a jarring, unpleasant way. Other than the ride quality, this was the second most impressive thing about the car to me. I know reviewers have been praising the steering, and I've driven cars with excellent steering before, but this was on another level. And again, I wonder if any of that is attributable to the more aggressive alignment of the sport chassis.
-Brakes were great. Very grabby and strong. I couldn't get used to them. I know the dealer rep was getting annoyed with me but I drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee that has some of the worst brakes I've ever felt in a modern car, a vintage Land Rover, and an old Camaro. I'm used to giving it a healthy amount of force to stop a car. I could have blown on the pedal with a straw and stopped the car. It was impressive, but will take some getting used to for my fat feet.
-Engine sounded great. I tried it in both tour and track mode and it really wakes the exhaust sound up. I did one strong pull merging on the highway and the car pulls well. It's not like the throw you in your seat feel of my Camaro but it's responsive and torquey down low. I don't imagine I'll ever feel wanting for power. I know this is subjective but the car felt plenty strong to me. I know a Cayman GTS can rev higher and has a bespoke sports car engine, but I prefer the Toyota engine for its down low power and sound. There's a straight piped Camry rolling around my office and man that thing sounds good. I always thought Porsches sound terrible to be honest. Again, subjective. But definitely good to me.
-The shifter and clutch on the other hand I wasn't a huge fan of, especially the clutch. It just felt terrible. Not very smooth, the engagement point is too low and abrupt. Not something I can't get used to, but notworthy. The shifter is short and precise, but notchy. Again, subjective, but I prefer the more vague feel of the shifters I've felt in Porsche or VW products. To me Mazda and the older Honda/Acura products have the best shifter feel. But unlike the clutch, I wouldn't say it's bad. Just a matter of preference. I know some people that love a notchy shifter.
-The dealer rep told me the car will need a 1000 mile service and will need to be plugged into a trickle charger if the car will be sitting more than 3 days due to the smaller battery. The car will come with a battery tender but that's just something to keep in mind.

Overall, the drive definitely made me more excited to get the car. I'm reserved for a base car, not a First Edition but if the rumors are true that another round of First Editions are being released, I'll probably jump on that to avoid waiting for a a Base car like I originally wanted (I don't like the First Edition badging). It's very exciting.

Not to put you on the spot but since you wrote such a great review I would love to hear a few of the cars you have driven that you were comparing the Emira to.

 

[Pegasi]

Some interesting remarks from your dealer rep about the 1000 mile service and need for trickle charger if left idle for more than 3 days. According to those who've picked up from Hethel, they were told 10,000 miles for first service, and the handbook states trickle charge is needed if left idle for 18 days.

I have always done a service after the break in miles usually at my expense. And with all the electronics on modern cars I find a trickle charger mandatory for a non daily driver.

 

[adefeatedman]

Some interesting remarks from your dealer rep about the 1000 mile service and need for trickle charger if left idle for more than 3 days. According to those who've picked up from Hethel, they were told 10,000 miles for first service, and the handbook states trickle charge is needed if left idle for 18 days.

Take it with a grain of salt, they were mostly an Aston Martin dealership.

 

[adefeatedman]

Not to put you on the spot but since you wrote such a great review I would love to hear a few of the cars you have driven that you were comparing the Emira to.

I'm certainly no expert. I've driven an Exige S 240 that a buddy of mine owns and I've sat in an Evora when the local Saab dealer merged with a Lotus dealer and I was waiting for my old 9-3 to get repaired. Never got to drive the Evora though. I've driven a few 911s and an original Boxster, but never a newer model Boxster or Cayman. A few older M3s and a lot of VW products. Oh and a NB and NC Miata. But most of my experience is in Camaros, Mustangs and Subarus.

I definitely can say the ride quality of the Porsches and BMWs were firmer. The shifter feel to me is more akin to an old RSX or TSX if you've ever driven one of those. The Emira felt a bit more playful than those types of cars and more akin to a Miata if you've ever driven one.

 

[GreenDeal]

-The dealer rep told me the car will need a 1000 mile service and will need to be plugged into a trickle charger if the car will be sitting more than 3 days due to the smaller battery. The car will come with a battery tender but that's just something to keep in mind.

Hello, I don't understand that with the small battery. I've had my Emira for a few weeks (DV Auto, red leather, black pack and black rims). The car sits for a week and still starts. So no problems in this matter, not even if the Emira is standing for a longer time!

 

[TomE]

From memory I think the handbook says 18 days standing is the guidance before needing to use a charger.

 

[GreenDeal]

From memory I think the handbook says 18 days standing is the guidance before needing to use a charger.

That can be, but 18 days are a few more than 3 days! I'll try it out and report back here in this thread. Until then, greetings from Germany

 

[kitkat]

Just dealers spouting nonsense as usual.

 

[Lotus64]

I'The shifter feel to me is more akin to an old RSX or TSX if you've ever driven one of those.

Excellent review!

I've thought this for so long! The shifter felt exactly like the RSX and the clutch like the Mazdaspeed 6. I think the TSX shifter feels a little heavier and slicker but I agree it's in the same realm.

 

[GetawayDriving]

Finally got around to driving a LHD model on public roads.

I few thoughts still lingering:

Over the past two weeks I’ve been driving an Elise and Exige around Exclusivity, and I spent some time on track (as a passenger) in Exige and Evora. It left me kind of wanting something in the middle, and I think that’s where Emira sits.

Loves:

• The way it looks, obviously. Especially Nimbus with red.
• Visibility, it feels easy to toss around because you can see places you’re tossing it so well.
• The way the car melts around you, and gets smaller.
• Steering, obviously
• Ride on touring suspension just swallowed the road surface. It was lovely but I’ll be glad to have sport and a little more feel.
• Pedal box. Perfect for heel-toe although I did have to switch shoes. It’s tight but it’s the same way on Elige and I love it.
• UX. And I say this as a UX designer. It is very good. Hardware isn’t amazing (a little laggy) but acceptable and the software made everything not more than 2 taps away.
• Really comes alive at higher RPM. Unfortunately I only got a couple of short Bursts.
• Love the light signatures and color-switching tail-lamps and DRLs. Looks premium.
• Red leather was not as bright as photos suggest. It looks fantastic.

Neutral observations:

• KEF system didn’t wow, but it was perfectly good. I had time to play music I like and play with the equalizer. Was satisfied with the result, but it won’t be the best audio system I’ve ever owned in a car. Coming from Elise where the stereo… emits audible information at best, this is a huge upgrade.
• No buffeting with windows down, nice!
• Trunk closed fine
• Gearbox expects you to be precise, many won’t like that but I do. It does take some adjustment. Throws were shorter than Elige which made me think it wasn’t going into gear, so I was a bit clumsy with it on my drive.
• Gear knob engraving was not injuring me

(Very minor!) Things I don’t love:

• Wish it had a little bit more torque from 0. You definitely need to give it a handshake to get it rolling. I remember Evora was strong at 0 and felt like giving it gas was optional. Made it easier to roll around town.
• Clutch is a little light for my tastes but after a while I wasn’t really noticing. I’m sure this was a design decision as a more livable car.
• Maybe a sharper alignment or faster steering rack as a future upgrade. Might be that I’ve been driving a direct unassisted car but felt like I had to give more steering input than Elige. Honestly could just be the larger radius wheel giving that sensation.
• Don’t love the head rests on the seats. Not actually good for resting.
• Could use a little more noise under 4k rpm. It sounds lovely but might need that 3rd cat delete to be exciting. Sounds fantastic at higher RPMs
• Cup holders are… not ideal but atleast they exist! Might look for an aftermarket solution.

Overall it feels like a grown up Exige. It feels like a car I could drive as my only car for the rest of my life and be thrilled about it. No regrets, all in, as excited as ever.