Lotus Elise 2001–2011 car dimensions: 3785 mm long, 1719 mm wide and 1117 mm high. Unladen weight is 785 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 112 litres.
The cabin is minimalist and driver-focused with supportive sports seats that have optional lumbar support. Air conditioning is available as an option across the range. Cruise control appears as an option in the Touring pack on later models. Basic audio with CD player is fitted or optional, and there are no advanced electronic driver aids listed.
Luggage capacity is 112 litres in the rear compartment behind the mid-engine, rated to 50 kg. It is enough for a couple of soft bags or the soft-top when removed, but space is tight overall.
Trailer towing is not permissible. Payload is around 231 kg depending on variant. The car is not set up for heavy work use, with sports dampers available in packs for firmer handling rather than load carrying.
The cabin is pure and driver-focused with ergonomically designed sports bucket seats that hold you firmly. Face-level vents and optional air conditioning keep temperatures in check. Controls sit close for easy reach. Aluminium accents appear on the gear knob, handbrake and pedals. Soft top is standard with optional hard top. Later cars add ProBax seats for better posture support on longer drives.
Petrol only, combined consumption from 7.3 l/100 km on base models.
Service every 9,000 miles or 12 months.
Driver and passenger airbags standard on later models.
ABS with servo assistance standard from 111R onwards.
Pretensioning seatbelts fitted.
Fuel use stays reasonable for a sports car. Base 1.8 models return around 7.3-7.4 l/100 km combined. Higher powered versions rise to 8.8 l/100 km. Tank holds 36-40 litres depending on year.
Servicing follows a fixed schedule of A to F services every 9,000 miles or annually. Oil and filter change each time. Spark plugs, air filter and fluids renew at set points. K-series engines need cambelt attention every four years. Toyota engines use chains and need less frequent major work.
Safety kit centres on four-wheel ventilated discs. ABS arrives as standard with the 111R and stays. Dual front airbags and pretensioners protect occupants. The aluminium chassis and composite crash structures handle impacts. No official star rating appears in period specs.
Living with the car means accepting a small boot of 112-115 litres and a soft top that needs care in rain. Regular checks on suspension bushes and coolers keep it sharp. Specialists handle most work and parts remain available.
Length 3785 mm, Width 1719 mm, Height 1117 mm, Wheelbase 2300 mm (Elise 2001–2011)
Sources: manufacturer data, Lotus Cars media technical specification, The same length, width.