LOTUS ELETRE

Muddy Madam and I were recently invited to the static launch of the brand new Lotus Eletre at the Concorde Hangar at Manchester Airport.

Described by Lotus as the world’s first electric ‘Hyper-SUV’, Richard, Head of News and Tech for the company showed us around the Eletre and explained that this is the first of a new breed of pure electric SUVs, and one which takes its core principals, and Lotus DNA, from almost 75 years of sports car design.

It’s unfair to say that Lotus is simply jumping on the SUV bandwagon, I have to agree with Richard when he explained that the Eletre is the natural next step for Lotus as sports cars are not for everyone, especial for the likes of me! With that in mind Lotus wants to produce a car for every stage of your life, and squeezing kids into a two-seater isn't the most practical.

Proof is in the pudding, so they say, as thousands of customers around the world have already placed deposits to secure their Eletre, and I can see why.

Inside the sleek exterior is a luxury cabin that is well specced with very comfortable 12-way electrically adjustable seats, four-zone air automatic climate control and wireless smartphone charging. The ‘intelligent cockpit’ infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 1,380-watt, 15-speaker KEF Premium Audio, is operated via a central 15.1” high-definition OLED centre screen.

All versions of the Eletre will feature five seats and standard, with a four-seat version available as part of the Executive Seat Pack. UK Eletres will ride on 22” wheels as standard, though if you live out in the country with pot-hole strewn lanes, then 20” wheels are available. All come with five drive modes, active air suspension, torque vectoring, matrix LED headlights, and active front grill.

Three different versions of the car are available – Eletre, Eletre S and Eletre R with a choice of two powertrains.

The first two boast a 450kW/603hp single-speed version and an impressive range of 373miles (600km). The Eletre R comes with the flagship 675kW/905hp dual-speed system and a maximum range of 304 miles (490km). Torque figures are equally impressive at 710 and 985Nm respectively. All models come with the same 112kWh battery which can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes should you be fortunate enough to find a suitably quick rapid charger.

Cup holders are a modern neccessity, but are usually ugly holes that catch dust and detritis, but not in the Eletre.

They have thwarted the dust issue by having cup holders that desend satisyingly into the centre console, and they have even thought about different cup/bottle sizes so that your drink doesn't wobble about and spill. The Eletre comes with 688 litres of boot space, which extends to a whopping 1,532 litres with the rear seats folded.

In various places around the car you'll find this emblem (below) emblazoned,with the letters ACBC interlinked.

This is a very stylish nod to the founder of Lotus Cars, Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman.

In a partnership of two iconic British brands, KEF has created an immersive in-car audio system 1380w with 15 speakers - to complement the driving experience offered by Lotus, and the styling team have designed speaker front that delights the senses both visually and by touch.

Let’s talk performance figures. You can expect 0-62mph sprint times of either 4.5 or 2.95 seconds, and the Eletre R has a top speed of 165 mph (265 km/h).

Prospective Eletre buyers will have a choice of six cool exterior colours; Natron Red (our choice), Galloway Green, Stellar Black, Kaimu Grey, Blossom Grey or Solar Yellow.

There are also six unique interiors are available, with leather alternatives being made available which claim to be odour-free and longer lasting.

A five-year/100,000mile warranty is offered and there’s five years of pan-European roadside assistance too.

UK prices start at £89,500, rising to £120,000 for the top Eletre R version.

For further details visit: www.lotuscars.com