Lotus Elise
The Lotus Elise is a two-seater sports car powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 1,788 cm³. It measures 3,777 mm in length and has a kerb weight of 756 kg, achieving a top speed of 203 km/h. The model has been subject to 2 recalls registered in the EU Safety Gate database.
| Manufacturer | Lotus |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Kerb weight | 755 kg |
| Displacement | 1,789 cc |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Top speed | 203 km/h |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy (comb.) | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Class | Two-seater |
| Model years (US) | 2005 |
| Length | 3,777 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 1,714 mm |
| Height | 1,130 mm |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
Engine variants
Different engine versions of the Lotus Elise (from registration data). 2 variants.
| Engine | Fuel | Transmission | Top speed | Economy | Model year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 l · 4-cyl | – | – | 203 km/h | – | – |
| 1.8 l · 4-cyl | – | – | 203 km/h | – | – |
Source: RDW (NL). European engine variants.
Other Lotus models
Common problems & reliability
In the UK, 88% of Lotus Elises pass their MOT test first time, based on 5,053 inspections in 2023. (2023 is the most recent annual release published by the DfT.)
Based on real owner complaints and inspection data — not an editorial rating. Sources: DVSA MOT (UK, Open Government Licence).
Recalls & safety
2 recalls recorded in the EU Safety Gate (European market) for the Lotus Elise. Recalls can flag known weaknesses of the model.
- Passenger carEU · Safety Gate (United Kingdom)
Due to incompatible parts in the brake master cylinders, the brakes could be blocked, increasing the risk of an accident and injury to the vehicle occupants.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2016-10-28
- Passenger CarEU · Safety Gate (United Kingdom)
Consequently, the cylinder head's securing bolts might suffer excessive fatigue, leading to fuel leak, increasing the risk of accident and fire.
EU Safety Gate · alerted 2020-01-17
Sources: EU Safety Gate (European market) and NHTSA (US market). See all Lotus recalls.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the top speed of the Lotus Elise?
- The Lotus Elise has a rated top speed of 203 km/h.
- What are the dimensions of the Lotus Elise?
- The Lotus Elise is 3,777 mm long, 1,714 mm wide and 1,130 mm tall.
- How much does the Lotus Elise weigh?
- The Lotus Elise has a kerb weight of about 755 kg.
- How many seats does the Lotus Elise have?
- The Lotus Elise has 2 seats.