What is the Lotus Exige?
The Exige is a focused sports coupé with a track-car character. It grew from the Elise family, keeping the compact Lotus approach while adding more purposeful bodywork and, in later versions, more power. It suits drivers drawn to a precise, involving sports car.
The Exige grew from the Lotus Sport Elise race car. Its track-focused character gave it a distinct place in the Lotus range, while its road-going design included features such as a roof-mounted air intake and rear wing.
Exige generations
The Series 2 ran from 2004 to 2011, with a high-revving four-cylinder engine and styling aligned with the contemporary Elise. The Series 3 followed from 2012 to 2021. It included 3.5 L versions, extending the range beyond the earlier four-cylinder cars.
Engines and power
EU registration figures for 2010–2022 show petrol engines from 1.8 L to 3.5 L, with power from 192 kW (261 PS) to 321 kW (436 PS). The Exige recorded 4,605 EU registrations in this period. The most registered listed version was a 3.5 L petrol with 306 kW (416 PS), recorded for 2018–2020, with 562 registrations.
UK VCA figures span 2004–2026 and show 1.8 L to 3.5 L petrol engines, with power from 258 kW (351 PS) to 436 kW (593 PS). The lowest listed consumption is 8.5 L/100 km on NEDC. France’s ADEME figures for 2013–2014 list 258 kW (350 PS) and a lowest consumption of 10.1 L/100 km on NEDC. EU figures give a lowest listed result of 10.2 L/100 km on WLTP. WLTP and NEDC are distinct European test procedures, so results can differ by test cycle.
Where was the Exige sold?
The Exige was sold in the UK and Europe, with French figures for 2013–2014. EU registration figures span 2010–2022 and UK VCA figures 2004–2026.
Questions and answers
What engines were available in the Lotus Exige?
The listed petrol engines range from 1.8 L to 3.5 L. EU power figures range from 192 kW (261 PS) to 321 kW (436 PS).
What is the Exige’s lowest official fuel consumption?
The UK VCA figure is 8.5 L/100 km on NEDC. The EU figure is 10.2 L/100 km on WLTP; these are different test procedures.
How many generations of Exige were there?
Two: Series 2 (2004–2011) and Series 3 (2012–2021).
Was the Exige sold in the United States?
The Exige generation information and official market figures cover the UK, EU and France; US EPA figures are not listed.
