Car Reviews > Lotus > Europa > Lotus Europa Car Review
Two Seat Sports car
Are you a driving enthusiast, and have that space in your garage waiting to receive its first sports car? Have you drooled over that Lotus Elise as it vroomed past you on the freeway, but have been unable to get into its cabin because you are not a champion gymnast? Fret no more - Lotus have come up with a variant that doesn't require us mortals to be contortionists to be able to drive it, and they call it the Lotus Europa S. In accordance with the original Lotus design principle of ?performance because of lightness?, it weighs in at just under a 1000lbs, yet can attain 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, and maxes out at 140mph. Powered by a variant of the four-stroke Vauxhall VX220 Turbo engine, it delivers 220bhp and 90% of its 194lb/ft torque comes from a low 2000rpm.
Entry and exit difficulties are alleviated to a large extent by cutting down the sills of the Elise chassis, but the balance is regained by adding a rigid fixed roof - thus enabling it to retain the same wheelbase as the Elise. But the Europa is four inches longer, and a little higher, thus giving it a bigger profile than other cars from the Lotus stable. The lines are a bit flashier and the trim a little more pompous, but it definitely carries the Lotus lineage of minimalist comfort, raw power and superb handling around curves. Aimed mainly at the European market, it meets Euro emission norms at CO2 emission levels of 220g/Km.
The interior comes with optional leather trim, but still conforms to the razor sharp lines of a true Lotus, with the familiar small steering and instrument cluster, absence of fancy electronic screens, and an ignition key - as opposed to a button start. The power to weight ratio of 200bhp per ton lets it handle superbly on both dry and wet roads, with hardly a hobble or skid even under severe downpours. The ABS takes over smoothly in an emergency, and doesn't judder the car even when you come down hard on the brake. The steering responds to your slightest hand movement, and driving is more about thinking where you will go than maneuvering the car. A wide band of torque, from 2,500 to 5,500 rpm, means you wouldn't need to shift gears much, but the gearbox works smoothly when you do. Wish to overtake? Squirt the throttle, listen to the animal scream as the rev reaches 8000rpm, shoot past your hapless fellow traveler, and relax back into the form-fitting bucket seat.
So what are the minus points of the Europa? Getting in and out is still a bit of an effort, and for the business class, lack of electronics - and GPS assist - is a minus. The cabin can be uncomfortably hot and noisy for a long drive, and there is no power steering.
Yet, if you are a Lotus fan, or are just a looking for a small, compact, lightweight racing car, this is the one for you.
by Autoweb
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