Introduction to the Lotus Emira

From the posters of the beautiful esprit on our walls as children to the joy of driving the "potable" Elise in the Need for Speed games as a teenager, Lotus vehicles were undoubtedly the less profitable but secretly loved machines of the sports car world. With the arrival of electrified models, the good old days of petrol-hardcore-munchers could soon be over-but there is hope. The Lotus Emira comes on the legacy of Elise, Exige, and Evora: a classic proportional sports car that promises a good time.

Design & Aesthetics

The Emira takes over the new design language, which was presented for the first time on the award-winning Evija Hypercar and brings the Supercar appeal to the sports car segment. Like its direct ancestors, it also has a bad body with a sharp nose and cascading body, defined by a roof line with bubbles and pronounced humps over the wheel arches, giving it a sporty, muscular attitude. Vertical LED headlights with a double leaf design are standard, as are the gaping air intakes at the front and on the doors that add another visual character. In the rear area, C-shaped LED lights are connected by a slim brake light, and the two large round exhaust tips underline its intention to perform. The Seneca Blue Shade, which our test car wore, helps him to emit young energy, while the 10-spoke V design are both sporty and elegant. Overall, the Emira has a beautifully stormy shape with tasteful details that seduce your eyes the more you look at.

Interior and Cockpit

A modern cockpit is appropriate, which surprisingly is easy to enter and leave. The simple no-nonsense design has black alcantara and leather surfaces on the doors and the dashboard, accentuated by seams with high contrasting yellow seams. But there is also a steering wheel with a flat floor, which also has a flat top, metallic speakers with perforations of the laser precision and whopping satin-fine A/C controls, all of which give an unmistakable luxury-pure feel. But the real party piece is the starter start button in the jet style, which is hidden under a red flap. It is even more important that despite its size, the occupants are comfortable and the driving position is almost perfect, with all controls near the hand. In addition, no trim or piece feels like it will soon crack or peel, which is of essential importance for a satisfactory owner experience. The EMIRA is also technologically up to date with its 10.25-inch center-mounted infotainment touchscreen with menus that are not a digital labyrinth and a 12.3-inch TFT driver display behind the steering wheel.

Drive Train & Performance

The i4 First Edition was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Although the shift is low, the output is certainly not. At 6,600 rpm it sings in the amount of 365 metric horsepower and at the same time provides a healthy torque of 430 Nm between 3,000 and 5,500 rpm. From the moment you start the engine, you are greeted by a loud and visceral noise, but it is not exactly symphonic. Switch the drive modes and beat the gas lever and the noise turns into a high rhapsodic howling at the upper edge of the revolution.

Functions and Functionality

A proprietary satellite NAV system is not available, but with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can seamlessly access music and navigation. The 10-channel kef premium sound system offers audio with high fidelity, but can only be enjoyed at higher decibels. The shelf behind the seats offers space for a cabin bag or a golf bag that corresponds to 201 liters of space, while the trunk offers only 151 liters, which is sufficient for a weekend getaway. Inside it also has Twin Cup holder, a telephone memory, door tank for 500-ml bottles, a jewelry treasure, and an armrest with USB and 12-V connections. For safety reasons, the Emira has a full range of advanced driver aid systems and the prescribed return camera.

Verdict

The 2025 Lotus Emira may be the car manufacturer’s entry-level product, but it is anything but a "starter car" especially in view of the premium DH385,000 start price. What it is is a fast, lively, reduced versio