Lotus Elise Series 1
The Lotus Elise Series 1 (1996–2001): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 4 versions in the United Kingdom.
Model codes: Type 111 · Sold in: United Kingdom, European Union, and France
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,730–3,790 mm RDW | 3,726 mm |
| Width | 1,700–1,720 mm RDW | 1,719 mm |
| Height | 1,120–1,150 mm RDW | 1,202 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,300 mm RDW | 2,300 mm |
| Front track | 1,440 mm ASTRA | – |
| Rear track | 1,453–1,465 mm ASTRA | – |
| Weights and towing | ||
| Kerb weight | 683–781 kg RDW | 725–755 kg |
| Mass in running order | 783–881 kg RDW | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 942–992 kg RDW | – |
| Seats and space | ||
| Seats | 2 RDW | – |
| Doors | 2 RDW | – |
| Performance | ||
| Top speed | 201–202 km/h RDW | – |
| Torque | 163–174 Nm ASTRA | – |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 185/55R15, 225/45R16, 205/50R16
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 86.2% (85.3–87.0) | 69.2% | 6,403 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 13.9% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 12.1% | 36.4% |
| Lights and electrics | 10.7% | 28.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.4% | 17.1% |
| Tyres | 7.3% | 31.2% |
| Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers) | 6.7% | 11.8% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
All 4 versions of the Lotus Elise Series 1
United Kingdom 4 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2004Elise | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 7.1–7.4 L/100 km NEDC | 168–177 g/km |
| 2000–2001Elise 111 S | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 7.3 L/100 km NEDC | 174 g/km |
| 2000–2001Elise 340 R · Exige | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 8.5 L/100 km NEDC | 225 g/km |
| 2000–2001Elise Sport 160 | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 9.2 L/100 km NEDC | 218 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.