Mog

I'm going for a test drive on sunday in a Exige S2, has anyone got one or driven one and what things should I be looking for in the car.

Mog

Rich B

Yep,

Engine is pretty average until 6000rpm, then goes mental. Handling is out of this world, surprisingly comfy and quiet at normal speeds. Unless your doing track days then the 111R is probably a better bet.

Most dealers have some Exiges in stock so don't take an bollocks about waiting lists etc. and ask for a discount. www.drivethedeal.com is offering £2K off.

I fancy one but probably going to wait for a second hand one as even with the discount I think £32K (decent spec + you need aircon) is too much.

Rich
PS All the new Elise variants feels much more solid than previous ones, no rattles etc.

Type R

Test drove one fell in love when I saw it, handling, brakes, gearbox, dare I say it build quality, were all excellent, but I hated the engine, its like a poor mans version of the S2000 engine, nothing low down, then crazy at around 6000, if it had the power say at 5000 I think it would be awesome, and I would have had one.

On the track it would be very quick as you can keep the revs high, on the road, it would become tiresome and hard work. I used to have a JDM Civic Type R, VTEC cut in at 6000 so used to the VTEC/VVTI experience.

I got told 6 months for Krypton Green, A/C and the performance pack, and I can well believe it, I got given a £500 discount.

32K is a lot of cash, and I really think the engine needs more grunt for the type of car, handling is sublime, gear box very good, driving position as with any Elise is spot on.

Ive been told that once they have a bit of mileage on they are better, so would be intrested in your feedback, I currently own a Elise S2 ST.

MooseRacer

Presumably you can tinker with the (toyota equivalent) vtec cut-in?

Type R

In all honestly I don't know, what happened when I changed the VTEC in my b16b 6000 to 5100 & 6000 to 9100 you loose the kick but get a more linear power curve, so it may loose some of its appeal if it can be done.

Rant mode on - What a shame the K20a from the DC5 wasnt used

Chris L

Lovely cars - if you don't like the VTEC-like engine in the new Exige, test drive the new Vauxhall VXR220 - more bhp (217) and torque (210 lbs ft) than the Exige and cheaper (£29995 OTR). It has got a fantastic write up in Evo this month. Still not totally sold on the looks (or badge) but I would say that you should try it just to compare to the Exige.

Chris

Type R

Yer forgot about the VXR looks fantastic, and GVFM compared to the Exige.

Chris L

I reckon VX220's are going to become THE bargin performance car of the next 5 years or so. There is no doubting that in all its various models - it is a very fine car. It would have been so much better if they had used the Opel Speedster name as they did in the rest of Europe though!

Chris

Mog

I drove the exige today and although the overall experience was good, it just felt underpowered and too much like hard work to keep it in the power band @ 6-8000 revs. The salesman said no one had ever said it was under powered before and was really lost for words.

I also drove a Evo MR340 which was a very odd driving sensation as you felt you were sitting on the car rather than in it and so inspired no confidence.

And finally I drove the Type 25 and what a difference...a car that goes like hell with handling to match.....Mr Litchfield can look forward to a order being placed later this week.

A very happy Mog.

SJJ84

Have you driven a VX220 turbo, I know it's a vauxhall but if you can get over the badge it's a lotus underneath with more power. Built in the same factory. Same driving position etc, fantastic handling and much cheaper.

Chris L

I mentioned the VXR220 earlier - I reckon that it is a very good match for the Exige. Evo seemed to think so as well.

Chris

Mog

Sorry but the VX is just so pig ugly....

Mog

zoog

I agree Mog re VX220 - they've managed to wreck the pretty Elise shell which is a feat only the phillistines at Vauxhall could achieve. And I am sorry, but at this level, badge snobbery is everything. The Lotus is BETTER VFM as a result in my book.

Chris L

Yeah - I'm not a massive fan of the looks (but then the Impreza wins no prizes for that either), but I'm prepared to put that to one side for the driving experience, which is reckoned to be exceptional, especially on the new VXR220. If we based everything just on looks would we have bought Impreza's? I think the S2 Elise / Exige has lost a bit of its styling edge from the S1 - but that doesn't stop me considering one.

When buying such a focused car as the Exige it's important that you at least try some alternatives to see if it is what you want. The S2 has changed quite a lot from the S1 and the new engine is not to everyone's liking.

Chris

Type R

Nice to see Im not the only one who doesnt rate the engines