hi-mpg.org Ratings for
2006 Lotus Elise
| Price: | $43,000
(in 2006) |
| Style: | 9 |
| Performance: | 10 |
| Luxury: | 3 |
| Utility: | 2 |
| Fun: | 10 |
| Value: | 3 |
| Overall: |
6.17 |
| | Ratings scale: 1-10; 10 = best |
In the days of yesteryear, a true sports car was minimalistic
in the name of speed and lightness. Power locks and windows
were shunned (indeed, many of those sports cars did not even
have wind-up windows); room was available for little more than a driver
and a passenger; and the ride was go-cartish: flat, sticky,
bumps-be-damned.
Today, there are virtually no automotive manufacturers
adhering to this philosophy, with the notable exception of
Lotus. This British sports car manufacturer, founded in the
minimalistic philosophy of Colin Chapman, was known in the
60's for its lightweight fiberglass machines that would
tear up the tracks despite their small-displacement
engines. The Elise continues this tradition.
The 2006 Lotus Elise weighs in under 2000 lbs., thanks in part to its
stiff aluminum subframe and composite body panels. As a result,
it can roar from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. That's right, under
5 seconds! Folks, we are talking about true supercar territory here!
A supercar that
can achieve an estimated 29 mpg on the highway!
The Elise is truly in rarefied company and handles and turns heads like no other
car under $50,000. Colin Chapman would be smiling.
Note: 2005 and earlier Elises have EPA gas mileage ratings of 23/27 mpg (city/hwy).
We commend Lotus for eeking out 29 mpg (hwy) in the 2006 version while maintaining
performance. Also check out the new hardtop version of the Elise, the Lotus Exige.
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