emira i4 review Page 8

The Lotus Emira i4 pairs a mid-mounted AMG-sourced 2.0-litre turbo four with an 8-speed DCT, so yes, it’s the sensible one that still goes like a scalded cat.

Steering is old-school Lotus magic—alive, precise, and not remotely interested in your chiropractor’s feelings—while the chassis dances over B-roads with that trademark balance.

The i4 feels lighter on its toes than the V6 in day-to-day use, with boosty shove and crisp shifts, though the soundtrack is more industrious than inspirational.

Cabin quality is the best Lotus has done in ages, with intuitive controls and decent tech, but storage is token and the boot is weekend-away, not Ikea.

Ride is firm on the sportier setup and tyre roar sneaks in on coarse Aussie chip, yet as a daily it’s surprisingly civil if you avoid the most aggressive rubber.

If you want a sharp, modern sports car that still does the analogue feel thing, the Emira i4 nails it; the badge finally matches the polish.