Lotus Europa S

Lotus Europa S at a glance

The Europa S belongs to the Elise-based generation of Lotus cars; see our Lotus Elise article and all models in the Lotus catalogue.

Launch in 2006 and production numbers

The Europa S went on sale in 2006. Its name revived Colin Chapman's Europa of 1966, but CAR magazine stressed that it was a clean-sheet design rather than a modern version of the original. The SE was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008 and sold in 2009 and 2010.

Sales were modest. PistonHeads counts 456 Europa S and only 48 SE cars — just over 500 in total, compared with more than 9,200 examples of the original Europa of the 1960s and 1970s.

Engine and gearbox

The engine is a 1,998 cc turbocharged four-cylinder from General Motors' Ecotec family, coded Z20LER and also used by Vauxhall. CAR magazine quotes 147 kW (197 bhp) at 5,400 rpm and 271 Nm at 5,000 rpm. PistonHeads gives 149 kW (200 hp) for the S and 168 kW (225 hp) with 300 Nm at 4,000 rpm for the SE. Power goes to the rear wheels through a six-speed Getrag manual gearbox, which PistonHeads describes as light and precise.

The SE had a higher turbo boost and a revised engine management system.

Chassis and driving

The chassis is the bonded aluminium structure of the Elise, extended by about 100 mm in the wheelbase, with double-wishbone suspension. With Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs, Lotus tuned the Europa for more comfort than the Elise or Exige. At 995 kg it is about 135 kg heavier than an Elise but still under a tonne.

CAR magazine found the steering direct and communicative, the brakes strong with good feel and the body control tight, with mild understeer only at very high cornering speeds. The throttle response was quick and the turbo built boost smoothly. On the other hand, the reviewer found the power modest for the price. Sixth gear was awkward for relaxed cruising and that the gear lever could catch the driver's leg. PistonHeads adds that the S tends to understeer. The SE largely cured this with stiffer springs, revised damping, softer anti-roll bars, a lower ride height, lighter wheels and larger AP Racing front brakes (308 mm discs).

Design and practicality

The body uses aluminium and composite panels. CAR magazine felt that the shape did not flow as well as the Elise or Exige, but the car attracted attention on the road. Inside, the Europa is less claustrophobic than its sister models. Lower sills make getting in and out easier, and there is more storage space and a 42-litre boot — about 50 per cent larger than in an Elise or Exige. The S came with air conditioning, an audio system, carpets and electric windows; a Luxury Touring Pack added better leather.

What to check when buying

PistonHeads lists the typical points to inspect:

• Body: chips, deformation or spider-web stress cracks in the glass-fibre panels.
• Electrics: battery condition first; an ABS warning light can come from a broken or corroded wire to the wheel hub; central locking modules often fail.
• Suspension: the drop-link tab on the wishbone can tear with stiffer anti-roll bar settings; rear springs for the SE are no longer available from Lotus.
• Engine: cars with removed balancer shafts can vibrate at around 4,000 rpm.
• Comfort items: noisy air-conditioning compressors and flickering start buttons; the steering column is not adjustable.
• Service: the official schedule is every 12 months or about 14,500 km.
• Everyday details: the engine tends to hold its revs between gear changes. The single wiper smears washer fluid, the door mirrors vibrate at idle, and the real-world fuel consumption is often disappointing.

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