Lotus Esprit 1989–1993 car dimensions: 4330 mm long, 1860 mm wide and 1150 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,305 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 160 litres.
The cabin packs full leather trim and a polished burr elm instrument panel as standard, with a removable glass sunroof and air conditioning. Electric windows, central locking and heated electric mirrors complete the kit, along with an ice warning light. Seats are well shaped and supportive in a snug two-seater layout. Some dials sit partly hidden by the steering wheel rim. ABS arrives as standard from late 1990. earlier cars lack it. No other driver aids feature.
Boot space measures 160 litres behind the two fixed seats. The mid-engine layout leaves a compact but usable luggage area for a pure two-seater coupé.
Payload sits at 257 kg. No towing figures appear in period specs or brochures. This remains a focused sports car with no heavy-duty cooling or suspension upgrades for work use.
The cabin is low and compact with full leather trim and a burr walnut fascia. Seats are well-shaped and supportive for a cosy driving position. Air conditioning and a lift-out tilt glass sunroof are standard. Space is tight for taller drivers and rear visibility is limited.
Unleaded petrol only with catalytic converter
Fuel tank holds 73 litres
Official consumption urban 17.9 mpg, 56 mph 36.2 mpg, 75 mph 29.9 mpg
Service interval every 6000 miles
Timing belt change every 24000 miles
Standard disc brakes all round with ice warning system. ABS from late 1990
The car runs only on unleaded fuel of at least 95 RON and has a catalytic converter as standard. Twin tanks total 73 litres. Official test figures give 17.9 mpg urban, 36.2 mpg at 56 mph and 29.9 mpg at 75 mph.
Servicing is required every 6000 miles. The timing belt needs replacement every 24000 miles. A three-year unlimited mileage warranty and eight-year chassis corrosion guarantee applied when new.
Brakes are ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. An ice warning system is standard. Anti-lock brakes became available from autumn 1990 and a driver airbag followed later in the run. No crash test ratings are recorded.
Keep the car regularly driven so the air conditioning does not seize. Flush the heater matrix often. Watch for window motor corrosion and exhaust manifold issues from water splash. Use the correct oil filter with anti-drain valve.
Length 4330 mm, Width 1860 mm, Height 1150 mm, Wheelbase 2438 mm (Esprit 1989–1993)
Sources: manufacturer data, Lotus Esprit Turbo SE technical specification , the chargecooled X180 SE of 1989–1993, Cargo volume and airbags are not in that sheet, The Stevens X180 body began in October 1987.