2002 Lotus Elise Cabriolet review from UK and Ireland

Indicator popped out of its housing at speed, causing damage to the front clam-shell. This was resprayed and replaced under warranty.

The water leaks into the boot if you park facing up a steep hill/driveway. Dealer fitted a new drain hole to the rear of the boot lip to fix this.

Gear leaver stopped returning to the middle in neutral. Dealer lubricated all joints, but this is not yet fixed to my satisfaction.

This car has amazing handling, roundabouts and twisty roads have never been so much fun!

The brakes are not servo assisted, but after driving the Elise for a while, a "normal" car just feels over assisted.

Although I have had a few faults with this car from new, the whole driving experience has been great and has not put me off Lotus ownership!

This car is geared toward sprinting rather than top speed. Beats most cars easily from 0-60, but on the motorway you'll find cars like Civic Type R, or Imprezza pull away from you at higher speeds (ie. over 100mph)

I still have my old Peugeot, which I intended to keep as my "daily drive" but walking out the house in the mornings I can't help, but grin and get in the Lotus instead - I was told by other owners that the novelty would wear off after two months, but I have been driving it daily for 12 months now and still love every minute.