Lotus chops prices

LOTUS Cars Australia (LCA) has hacked $10,000 from the price of most models, with the track-focussed 2-Eleven now some $18,500 more affordable than before at $109,000.

The new Lotus price list – effective from April 1 – includes $10,000 price cuts for the Elise R (now $84,990), Elise SC ($94,990), Exige S ($104,990), Exige Cupe 260 ($129,990), Evora ($139,990) and Evora 2+2 ($146,990).

LCA says the substantial savings for its customers come as a result of a stronger Australian dollar and this year’s five per cent reduction in federal import duty. Lotus sales were also down 17 per cent last year, with just 58 cars sold in Australia.

The British sportscar brand’s entry-level Elise remains unchanged at $69,990, despite being a facelifted model previously known as the Elise S. Available to order now ahead of first deliveries mid-year, the MY2011 Elise will come with a variety of upgrades including new body styling.

Despite their $10,000 price reductions, Lotus says both the 2011 Elise R and Elise SC will also gain the body styling changes, while the limited-edition Elise Club Racer remains static at $72,990.

Meantime, the top-shelf Exige Scura limited-edition echoes the full-time Exige Cup 260 model by being $10,000 cheaper at $129,990, but the limited-edition Exige S Type 72 is a new addition for 2010, priced at $109,990.

Left: Lotus Exige S. Below: Lotus Evora.

Finally, up to $3000 has also been trimmed from Lotus options prices, with the Exige S Performance pack now priced at $8000, the Touring pack for the Elise costing $6700 (down $1300), the Elise Sport pack priced at $6000 ($1000 less) and “Lifestyle paint” for the Elise now $448 less pricey at $3000.

Similar savings are now on offer within the Evora options list, which includes the $7500 Tech pack (down $700), the $7500 Premium pack (down $400), $5200 for Gloss Anthracite forged alloy wheels (down $400) and $3200 for Lifestyle paint (down $300).

Lotus Cars Australia managing director John Startari said the government's import duty reduction at the start of 2010 had offered some assistance, while favourable foreign exchange rates had been a further catalyst to the price changes.

“We are now even more competitive as a brand and with individual models – all this whilst we are still maintaining equipment levels and introducing model year updates,” he said.

“We feel this is an exciting time for Lotus. With the new models and the growing economy, the new pricing structure allows us to be more assertive than ever before in the Australian market, and arguably most aggressive in the world.

“Supported by a strong and committed Australian dealer network and focused sales and marketing strategies through the year Lotus is primed to progress in Australia through 2010.”

2010 Lotus Cars Australia range pricing:
Elise	$69,990 (Static)
Elise R	$84,990 (-$10,000)
Elise SC	$94,990 (-$10,000)
Exige S	$104,990 (-$10,000)
Exige Cup 260	$129,990 (-$10,000)
2-Eleven	$109,000 (-$18,500)
Evora 2+0	$139,990 (-$10,000)
Evora 2+2	$146,990 (-$10,000)
Elise Club Racer	$72,990 (Static)
Lotus Exige S Type 72	$109,990 (New)
Exige Scura	$129,990 (-$10,000)