The Lotus Emira: A Compact Mid-Engined Sports Car with a Big Personality

First Impressions

The Lotus Emira is a special car, not just because it’s the first mid-engined sports car from Lotus in India, but mainly because it could be one of the last ones of its kind. The brand has bought into the idea of an electrified future, but for now, it’s focused on the car that can still deliver the thrill of driving. The Emira is a beautifully handling machine – sharp, direct and precise. Lane changes at triple-digit speeds feel like a walk in the park, and you’ll feel like a pro even if you’re not. It’s stable, planted, and you’ll feel one with the car, which is certainly a nice feeling.

Drive & Dynamics

The Emira puts you at the centre of all the action! You have an engine for a back-seat passenger, singing you a beautiful symphony, and a chassis that responds to your slightest steering inputs without any hesitation. The steering offers a lot of feedback, so you know everything the car is going through. The ride is supple and balanced for the most part, but it’s not comfortable. It’s a sports car, so yes, it’s a bit on the stiffer side. You only get passive suspension, and you need to choose whether you want to go with a sports pack or a touring pack right when you book the car. The Emira is powered by an AMG-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which has been detuned to produce 360 bhp and 430 Nm of torque. While that might not be as powerful as the original, it feels powerful, eager, and ready to attack. There’s a noticeable turbo lag in the low revs, but as soon as you move past the 2000 rpm mark, the turbo kicks in, and the engine feels alive. The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to the rear wheels and does a fine job of shifting. The shifts could have been quicker, but it’s smooth and refined. And if you want more, the Emira also comes with a Toyota-sourced supercharged V6 that makes about 400 bhp and 420 Nm of peak torque.

Design & Styling

Visually, the Emira will remind you of its predecessors, and stays true to that legacy. The low-slung design with sharp lines and curvy haunches has sports cars written all over it. The design has some Italian flavour as well, especially when you look at it from the rear three-fourth angle with that sloping glass back and that raised tail section. The fully automatic headlamps look sharp, while the 20-inch ultra-lightweight diamond turned alloys add to the road presence. The beautiful, round dual exhausts are a highlight, and the small trunk space can accommodate a couple of overnighters.

Cabin & Features

The cabin offers everything you’d expect from a two-seater sports car. Two sporty, bucket-style seats, a slot flat-bottom steering wheel with buttons for multiple in-car controls, and paddle shifters. You get a touchscreen, a nice one at that, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster that can also show G-Force, and a reversing camera. You also get power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, rain-sensing wipers, and auto-dimming mirrors. However, the heating function is not available, which might be a drawback in India.

Price & Verdict

The Lotus Emira is priced at Rs. 3.22 crore (ex-showroom India), and that’s just the base cost. Add all those extra creature comforts, and the on-road price will be well past the Rs. 4 crore mark. But is that price justified for a sports car with a 4-cylinder engine? The answer is yes, it’s part of a dying breed of light, crazy fun, and impractical sports cars that come with a proper internal combustion engine. The Emira is a mini supercar, and the price certainly puts it in that territory. Compared to the global markets, the Emira in India is almost two or three times more expensive. But you have to remember one thing – it’s part of a dying breed, and the value it will add to your garage will be immense. The Emira is a compact mid-engined sports car with a big personality. It’s a beautifully handling machine, and its design is a perfect blend of sports cars and Italian flair. With its powerful engine, smooth transmission, and comfortable cabin, the Emira is a must-have for any sports car enthusiast. But, is it worth the hefty price tag? The answer is a resounding yes, for now, at least.