Vehicle(s): 2006 Lotus Elise Touring and Track Pkgs
Price as tested: Estimated CDN$65000-68000

Performance: The North American-bound Elise is motivated by only one engine. The same engine that found underneath Toyota Celica GTS’s 1.8L 16-valver VVTL-i DOHC. Although it has only 138 lb/ft of torque at a high 6800 rpm, it feels surprisingly docile around town thanks to Elise’s 2000 lb weight. Even if you still have to rev into high rpm to squeeze the performance out of this torqueless powerplant, it doesn’t have that string pulling feel as in Celica. In the high rpm, this variable valve timing with lift electronically control is simply a gem. Thanks to Elise’s lack of engine insulation, the engine notes are simply astonishing to hear when you push the sensitive throttle. While the clutch is light and progressive, my biggest beef has to deal with its 6-speed stick shift which has a long throw even with well-defined gates.

Handling: Simply put. The Elise has to be the most fun car I have ever driven. Touring package’s standard suspension has a compliance ride quality without losing the sharp handling of this street go-kart. Its a pleasant surprise because Track package’s sports suspension rides rough in comparison. The sports suspension feels rough on both small and large bumps. With sports setting, Elise is definitely not a car for daily driver. However, Touring package is civilized enough as daily driver. The Elise’s body rolls are simply non-existence. Both understeer and oversteer are easy to control even without any sorts of electronic stability controls. Steering is the best yet, with surgically precision and delightful response that are simply a joy to drive.

Brakes: Thanks to Elise’s lightweight and standard ABS, the braking performance is nothing short of impressive. Everything from pedal feel and stopping distance are just astonishing. Not only does it stops on a dime but the pedal is the most responsive and sensitive ever.

Interior: Elise’s interior is more of a race car than a luxury car. All the switches are all at the right places. There aren’t anything unnecessary to distract the driver. Touring package’s leather seats are very supportive and hug the driver like no tomorrow through corners. Nothing fancy, just a true race car interior best sums up Elise’s interior. The most unfortuate thing about Elise’s interior is there are lots of rattles and cracks in our tester.

Conclusion: If you are looking for a roadster that is as capable as a go-kart, there is nothing else out there that is able to challenge the dynamic abilities of an Elise. It has to be the best fun and memorable sports car I have ever driven ever.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 LOTUS ELISE
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5