Lotus Elise Series 2
The Lotus Elise Series 2 (2001–2010): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 10 versions in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Model codes: Type 111 · Sold in: United Kingdom, European Union, France, and United States
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | Europe | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,790 mm RDW | 3,785 mm |
| Width | 1,720 mm RDW | 1,719 mm |
| Height | 1,120 mm RDW | 1,117–1,143 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,300 mm RDW | 2,300 mm |
| Front track | 1,457–1,465 mm ASTRA | – |
| Rear track | 1,503–1,506 mm ASTRA | – |
| Weights and towing | ||
| Kerb weight | 749–845 kg RDW | 860–910 kg |
| Mass in running order | 849–945 kg RDW | – |
| Gross vehicle weight | 1,044–1,166 kg RDW | – |
| Seats and space | ||
| Seats | 2 RDW | – |
| Doors | 2 RDW | – |
| Fuel tank | – | 40 L |
| Performance | ||
| Top speed | 202–241 km/h RDW | 204 km/h |
| Torque | 160–210 Nm ASTRA | 160 Nm |
Tyre sizes (most common first): 175/55R16, 195/50R16, 225/45R17, 195/55R16
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia (en, de), 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 | 89.8% (88.9–90.5) | 69.2% | 5,708 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 14.5% | 36.4% |
| Suspension | 10.1% | 41.6% |
| Tyres | 9.8% | 31.2% |
| Lights and electrics | 8.6% | 28.8% |
| Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers) | 5.0% | 11.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.0% | 17.1% |
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)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
72 complaints for model years 2005–2009. 2 crashes · 2 fires
- Engine 51
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 10 versions of the Lotus Elise Series 2
European Union 3 versions
New cars registered in the EU (plus Norway and Iceland), from the European Environment Agency. Figures on the NEDC procedure until 2020 and on WLTP from 2021; versions are grouped by engine and power, with their number of registrations.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | CO₂ | EU registrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1.8 L | Petrol | 200 g/km | 364 |
| 2010 | 1.6 L | Petrol | 149 g/km | 150 |
| 2010 | 1.8 L | Petrol | 182 g/km | 76 |
United Kingdom 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–20102 seater sports cabriolet · Elise S | 1.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 8.3 L/100 km NEDC | 196 g/km |
| 2006–20102 seater sports cabriolet · Elise | 1.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 8.8 L/100 km NEDC | 208 g/km |
| 2001–2004Elise | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 7.4 L/100 km NEDC | 177 g/km |
| 20042 seater sports cabriolet | 1.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | 8.8 L/100 km NEDC | 208 g/km |
| 2002111s | 1.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed manual | 6.9 L/100 km NEDC | 220 g/km |
United States 2 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2011EMS | 1.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 22–23 MPG (10.2–10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 240–251 g/km |
| 2005 | 1.8 L | Petrol | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | 22 MPG (10.7 L/100 km) EPA | 251 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.