Just drove an Evora...
Discussion
Thanks to Silverstone Lotus, and their launch day - i got to drive an Evora today 
My first thoughts were it was a lot better looking in the flesh - I couldnt make my mind up from seeing pictures of it, but walking around it I really liked it, good proportions, and nicely styled.
What impressed me most was the build quality - the inside felt very german - and while it only had a couple of thousand miles on it, this was one of the press cars, so its not been well treated, and seems to have held up fantasticly. Of course, it'll be interesting to see what its like in 20,000 miles...
You still have a sill to climb over and drop into the car, but its much less so than on the elise - its not quite as easy as a 996 for instance, but a massive improvement, and most people (except nervy i imagine) will have no problems.
The rear seats, or rather bench, left more to be desired... it was there, but unless the front seats were all the way forward legroom was none existant... so unless your friends with douglas bader, or just have small kids, your not going to get much use of out of them.
The boot too is very small, i'd say no bigger than an elise's, so while it'll take a weekend away in soft bags, you'll be using the back bench for anything additional you want to take.
To drive...
Well, its lovely, it really is... the steering is light but direct, the front end grips and reacts like an elise... its so light and nimble, it really is a delight to drive.
And the ride is hugely impressive, even on really bumpy roads it seemed to soak them up, but at the same time stay flat and composed... i even did some heavy braking on a downhill entrance to a roundabout with lots of bumps and while i could feel them through the steering the Lotus was composed and easy to control.
The downsides... well its not that fast... that isn't to say its slow... i'd say its about the same as a 997 Carrera, but it just felt like it could do with about another 50-100bhp, which the "s" version will no doubt have.. The noise was quite impressive too, though quite quiet, it did have a nice bark when you gave it some beans, though the rev limiter came in far too early at 6,500 RPM, though that could do with the low miles and the fact its a press car.
Also the car I drove was a left hooker, and didnt have a clutch rest, or anywhere to put your foot, but apparantly the RHD versions fix this.
All in all, im very impressed with the car, its a massive leap for Lotus, and its good to see the British building a good, well built and quality car.
The downside though, the price. The car I drove, specced up (with nice features such as the reversing camera, which you need as you can see more engine than road in the rear view mirror) is about £60k... thats a lot... and while i think it can tempt some 911 buyers, with cars like the GTR at the same price point, its a tough sell.
Overall, i really liked the car, but its not that practical, and not that fast, but it is a joy to drive, and once they release a supercharged version, and some other poor soul has paid for the depreciation, i might just buy one.
My first thoughts were it was a lot better looking in the flesh - I couldnt make my mind up from seeing pictures of it, but walking around it I really liked it, good proportions, and nicely styled.
What impressed me most was the build quality - the inside felt very german - and while it only had a couple of thousand miles on it, this was one of the press cars, so its not been well treated, and seems to have held up fantasticly. Of course, it'll be interesting to see what its like in 20,000 miles...
You still have a sill to climb over and drop into the car, but its much less so than on the elise - its not quite as easy as a 996 for instance, but a massive improvement, and most people (except nervy i imagine) will have no problems.
The rear seats, or rather bench, left more to be desired... it was there, but unless the front seats were all the way forward legroom was none existant... so unless your friends with douglas bader, or just have small kids, your not going to get much use of out of them.
The boot too is very small, i'd say no bigger than an elise's, so while it'll take a weekend away in soft bags, you'll be using the back bench for anything additional you want to take.
To drive...
Well, its lovely, it really is... the steering is light but direct, the front end grips and reacts like an elise... its so light and nimble, it really is a delight to drive.
And the ride is hugely impressive, even on really bumpy roads it seemed to soak them up, but at the same time stay flat and composed... i even did some heavy braking on a downhill entrance to a roundabout with lots of bumps and while i could feel them through the steering the Lotus was composed and easy to control.
The downsides... well its not that fast... that isn't to say its slow... i'd say its about the same as a 997 Carrera, but it just felt like it could do with about another 50-100bhp, which the "s" version will no doubt have.. The noise was quite impressive too, though quite quiet, it did have a nice bark when you gave it some beans, though the rev limiter came in far too early at 6,500 RPM, though that could do with the low miles and the fact its a press car.
Also the car I drove was a left hooker, and didnt have a clutch rest, or anywhere to put your foot, but apparantly the RHD versions fix this.
All in all, im very impressed with the car, its a massive leap for Lotus, and its good to see the British building a good, well built and quality car.
The downside though, the price. The car I drove, specced up (with nice features such as the reversing camera, which you need as you can see more engine than road in the rear view mirror) is about £60k... thats a lot... and while i think it can tempt some 911 buyers, with cars like the GTR at the same price point, its a tough sell.
Overall, i really liked the car, but its not that practical, and not that fast, but it is a joy to drive, and once they release a supercharged version, and some other poor soul has paid for the depreciation, i might just buy one.
Hi all,
The next version of the Evora will be an Automatic for the American market, there will be no S or supercharged version for some time yet
Simple if you want a cheaper car don't tick all the boxes, you can get a reasonable Evora for around 54k not cheap but there's nothing else in the price range in my view
Boggy
The next version of the Evora will be an Automatic for the American market, there will be no S or supercharged version for some time yet
Simple if you want a cheaper car don't tick all the boxes, you can get a reasonable Evora for around 54k not cheap but there's nothing else in the price range in my view
Boggy
sorry boggy, i completley disagree... at £54k there is an awful lot in the price range, yes it drove lovely, but performance wise it was very dissapointing, and you can get some much quicker, and more practical cars for that money that maybe arent quite as sublime as the Evora, but certainly as much fun!
Fidgits said:
sorry boggy, i completley disagree... at £54k there is an awful lot in the price range, yes it drove lovely, but performance wise it was very dissapointing, and you can get some much quicker, and more practical cars for that money that maybe arent quite as sublime as the Evora, but certainly as much fun!
Agree completely. I am going to test drive it but no way I'd buy it, unless it is radically better than I think it will be. With no rear seats, those seats really are a joke and there are no ISO-fix points!? Big mistake, that is one of the key benefits of having tiny seats for those with very small children. Take the seats out then the whole world of two seat cars comes in as competition, used GT3RS...? Bye bye Evora! I agree with the person that said about the supercharged version, that needs to come out now, forget some poxy auto (although I can see that the US needs it) and get the proper engine in!
I still think if you need four seats, you'll surely buy an M car,an AMG, the GTR or even an XKR; they will all knock the Evora into a cocked hat in terms of the blend of four seat useability and performance.
Test drive will tell I guess, I really want to love it but I suspect I just don't 'get' it!
Edited by Twit on Monday 8th June 19:30
Just back from looking at an Evora and ... oh dear, oh dear what have they done?
Everything from the B-pillar forwards looks great. Very nice styling, good fit and finish, excellent interior, easy enough to get in and out, controls just where you want them.
The look of the tail end of the car is absolutely fine.
But what have they done in between?! Absolutely hopeless rear seats. Quite a narrow bench with limited headroom and, get this, absolutely no room for legs at all if there's a human being in the driver's seat! It's also like the black hole of Calcutta in there with dark materials, virtually no window and a very claustrophobic feel. Complete and utter waste of time. The engine is buried somewhere in there and topped with a ridiculous plastic cover (visible of course) which makes it look as though the engine is mounted high in the air when it isn't. Side appearance of the car behind the B-pillar is "clumpy" at best.
Luggage space is just a joke. A slot running the width of the car behind the engine and no more than a foot wide. Yes, golfers might get their clubs in there but no-one else will be able to use it for even a weekend bag. Presumably that has to rattle about inside the car on the useless rear seat. I didn't find any oddments space inside the car at all. Nothing.
In summary, a Cayman for 911 money. I just don't understand who's going to buy the thing once the initial flurry of excitement has subsided. You might almost say, "Europa II - the sequel". I fear it's an opportunity missed.
Everything from the B-pillar forwards looks great. Very nice styling, good fit and finish, excellent interior, easy enough to get in and out, controls just where you want them.
The look of the tail end of the car is absolutely fine.
But what have they done in between?! Absolutely hopeless rear seats. Quite a narrow bench with limited headroom and, get this, absolutely no room for legs at all if there's a human being in the driver's seat! It's also like the black hole of Calcutta in there with dark materials, virtually no window and a very claustrophobic feel. Complete and utter waste of time. The engine is buried somewhere in there and topped with a ridiculous plastic cover (visible of course) which makes it look as though the engine is mounted high in the air when it isn't. Side appearance of the car behind the B-pillar is "clumpy" at best.
Luggage space is just a joke. A slot running the width of the car behind the engine and no more than a foot wide. Yes, golfers might get their clubs in there but no-one else will be able to use it for even a weekend bag. Presumably that has to rattle about inside the car on the useless rear seat. I didn't find any oddments space inside the car at all. Nothing.
In summary, a Cayman for 911 money. I just don't understand who's going to buy the thing once the initial flurry of excitement has subsided. You might almost say, "Europa II - the sequel". I fear it's an opportunity missed.
Ozzie Osmond said:
Just back from looking at an Evora and ... oh dear, oh dear what have they done?
Everything from the B-pillar forwards looks great. Very nice styling, good fit and finish, excellent interior, easy enough to get in and out, controls just where you want them.
The look of the tail end of the car is absolutely fine.
But what have they done in between?! Absolutely hopeless rear seats. Quite a narrow bench with limited headroom and, get this, absolutely no room for legs at all if there's a human being in the driver's seat! It's also like the black hole of Calcutta in there with dark materials, virtually no window and a very claustrophobic feel. Complete and utter waste of time. The engine is buried somewhere in there and topped with a ridiculous plastic cover (visible of course) which makes it look as though the engine is mounted high in the air when it isn't. Side appearance of the car behind the B-pillar is "clumpy" at best.
Luggage space is just a joke. A slot running the width of the car behind the engine and no more than a foot wide. Yes, golfers might get their clubs in there but no-one else will be able to use it for even a weekend bag. Presumably that has to rattle about inside the car on the useless rear seat. I didn't find any oddments space inside the car at all. Nothing.
In summary, a Cayman for 911 money. I just don't understand who's going to buy the thing once the initial flurry of excitement has subsided. You might almost say, "Europa II - the sequel". I fear it's an opportunity missed.
But you didn't drive it?Everything from the B-pillar forwards looks great. Very nice styling, good fit and finish, excellent interior, easy enough to get in and out, controls just where you want them.
The look of the tail end of the car is absolutely fine.
But what have they done in between?! Absolutely hopeless rear seats. Quite a narrow bench with limited headroom and, get this, absolutely no room for legs at all if there's a human being in the driver's seat! It's also like the black hole of Calcutta in there with dark materials, virtually no window and a very claustrophobic feel. Complete and utter waste of time. The engine is buried somewhere in there and topped with a ridiculous plastic cover (visible of course) which makes it look as though the engine is mounted high in the air when it isn't. Side appearance of the car behind the B-pillar is "clumpy" at best.
Luggage space is just a joke. A slot running the width of the car behind the engine and no more than a foot wide. Yes, golfers might get their clubs in there but no-one else will be able to use it for even a weekend bag. Presumably that has to rattle about inside the car on the useless rear seat. I didn't find any oddments space inside the car at all. Nothing.
In summary, a Cayman for 911 money. I just don't understand who's going to buy the thing once the initial flurry of excitement has subsided. You might almost say, "Europa II - the sequel". I fear it's an opportunity missed.
Ozzie Osmond said:
Didn't want to waste their time driving a car I wouldn't buy. Genuinely, I was that disappointed by the overall package. Frustrating when there was such potential to get it right.
Without wishing to labour point I have made elsewhere, this is exactly what Lotus have under-estimated. It is a flawed concept let alone a failure to meet the concept, it won't matter how well it drives if it does not meet a buyers needs! Simply being good to drive will not sell cars in this market segment.I think these two reviews have been more balanced and 'real world' than the journalistic waffle in the mags, the basis that they judge the car on is not the same as buyers will use.
Twit said:
Ozzie Osmond said:
Didn't want to waste their time driving a car I wouldn't buy. Genuinely, I was that disappointed by the overall package. Frustrating when there was such potential to get it right.
Without wishing to labour point I have made elsewhere, this is exactly what Lotus have under-estimated. It is a flawed concept let alone a failure to meet the concept, it won't matter how well it drives if it does not meet a buyers needs! Simply being good to drive will not sell cars in this market segment.I think these two reviews have been more balanced and 'real world' than the journalistic waffle in the mags, the basis that they judge the car on is not the same as buyers will use.
Edited by kevin ritson on Wednesday 10th June 21:22
That isnt what I said, everyone who spends 50K plus would want a car that drives well! Thats a given, but people will also want decent boot space, rear space etc- that is why you would be considering an Evora over other options. If it drives well (which it seemingly does) but does not deliver the other requirements then people wont buy the car!
Journalists are very good at assessing how a car drives etc, but what they cant do is assess how the car will be in everyday life as it's not why they exist. I think the poster that said they didnt drive it was sensible; if it doesnt deliver the basic personal requirements then what is the point?
Everyone wants the car to succeed, but I am not some sad Lotus fanboy that will fawn over it despite it looking a bit of mess and not actually delivering some of its core aims, E.g, a genuine / useable 4 seater when required and, as been a Lotus boast, a sub 50K car!
Journalists are very good at assessing how a car drives etc, but what they cant do is assess how the car will be in everyday life as it's not why they exist. I think the poster that said they didnt drive it was sensible; if it doesnt deliver the basic personal requirements then what is the point?
Everyone wants the car to succeed, but I am not some sad Lotus fanboy that will fawn over it despite it looking a bit of mess and not actually delivering some of its core aims, E.g, a genuine / useable 4 seater when required and, as been a Lotus boast, a sub 50K car!
kevin ritson said:
Twit said:
Ozzie Osmond said:
Didn't want to waste their time driving a car I wouldn't buy. Genuinely, I was that disappointed by the overall package. Frustrating when there was such potential to get it right.
Without wishing to labour point I have made elsewhere, this is exactly what Lotus have under-estimated. It is a flawed concept let alone a failure to meet the concept, it won't matter how well it drives if it does not meet a buyers needs! Simply being good to drive will not sell cars in this market segment.I think these two reviews have been more balanced and 'real world' than the journalistic waffle in the mags, the basis that they judge the car on is not the same as buyers will use.
Edited by kevin ritson on Wednesday 10th June 21:22
Sorry how can you comment if you haven't even driven the Car
Boggy
kevin ritson said:
So everyone (that's every single person) with £50K to spend on a car doesn't care how it drives? But those with £25K or £75K or £100K I assume do? That's a very strange point of view. But even that pales into insignificance with you laughable comment about someone who can't even be arsed to test drive a car (someone who moans about rear seat and boot space despite being interested in buying a Noble!) having a better opinion than pretty much all of the motoring press...
Of course I care how my cars drive but I'm not going to buy any car whose packaging makes no sense regardless of how well it might drive. A Noble is as a Noble does. A 911 is as a 911 does. I'm just not clear what the Evora is trying to be or do. Right now I have access to a 2 seater and a 4 seater, both of which have a clear purpose. I don't feel the need to acquire a large and expensive car with compromised styling and rear accomodation fit only for diminutive amputees. Show me an attractive Lotus 2-seater with the same V6 engine and a sensible price tag and I'll be right there at the front of the queue. Meantime I'm looking elsewhere.
Gassing Station | Evora | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff