For - Linear power delivery l World-class ride and handling l Improved fit and finish
Against - Cramped cabin l Awkward gearshift l Uninspiring cockpit design

Given you’re reading this, you’ll be aware of Lotus’s model roll-out plans – the ones that redefine the word ‘ambitious’ in the automotive arena. But until the new cars arrive – and they’ll start with a V8-powered Esprit in the not-too-distant future – there’s the small matter of keeping the current line-up flowing out of the factory.

The Elise, we’ve no doubt, will always find itself owners. The Europa and Evora seem to have found it more difficult. Lotus’s answer for the Europa was to quietly drop it from the range. The Evora, on the other hand, now gets the power it always deserved and was easily capable of handling from the start in this 345bhp S model. It arrives here in two-seat form; the +2 rear seats that make it the world’s only current mid-engined four-seater are still available, but would add £1500 to this test model’s £59,750 list price.