Since its introduction in 1999, the Lotus Elise has been on the face of countless leading automotive magazines, racking-in accolades of praises. Winner of over 50 industry awards, the lotus Elise set benchmark standards for heavyweight performance through effective light weight design and engineering.

True to the design philosophy of Lotus founder Colin Chapman – light, superlative handling and fun to drive with high levels of driver satisfaction; the Elise is a pocket rocket for the truly demanding motorsports driver and yet remains pocket friendly in more ways than one.

In Malaysia, Lotus Cars Asia Pacific manages the many units running about and running hard. An Elise is not about sheer straight line speed nor is it about sex or status. You couldn’t commute to work on weekdays nor would the ‘other half’ follow you on weekend drives. Entry and exiting the vehicle are for the contortionist-bred and more luxury than the air-conditioning, you can expect none.

So why then with all pessimism, many still indulge small fortunes this minimalist car when for much less, you can get superior comfort, practicality and too aesthetically appealing? Lotus Elises ‘come out to play at night’. Away from lime light and hotspots, its pilots achieve maximum satisfaction by pure driving pleasure. Very few cars come close where this is concern and with costs in mind, the few become even less.

Part of the magic derives from its pioneering Aluminum-alloy epoxy bonded chassis which replaces spot welding and reduces stress concentration, enables the structure to be light yet extremely rigid. How rigid if you may ask? try competing in tarmac rallies, autocrosses, drift sessions, circuit racing and road courses for a whole week and yet the body feels as rigid before. A saloon car on the other hand would have had doors creaking, seats rocking and engine mounts tired half way through.

This platform coupled with great handling, brakes and an engine to match allows the driver to pioneer the limits of himself and over, safely; to a degree. Its potential is endless and easily accessible. Even the minute 118bhp engine seems suffice for a car this sort. Clever aerodynamics allows top speed to be maintained with less effort while on winding roads, the rear-end stays planted thanks to clever ground effect.

Lotus Cars Asia Pacific organizes various driver improvement courses to further enhance this clarity of skilled driving and enjoyment. Track days, Autocross and Drift Sessions are held monthly in conjunction with the Lotus Owners Club. Rain or shine the Elises run like clockwork, be it in the hands of novice or veterans. Then again it does not steer or brake for you, but which car does.

Other than club events, the Lotus fraternity also participates in open invitations from Drifts to Autocrosses, SSOs to Track. Countless wins these pocket rockets have bagged and with no surprise; when Lotus supply veterans like Oh Kah Beng and company to helm the training courses.

Yes, Lotus Cars Asia Pacific is directly involved in their cars and customers. On ‘Lotus Days’ you’d see many of Lotus personnel from the factory, trackside to provided aid and assistance. You’d see Lotus tents and Lotus Cars, Lotus People and plenty of Lotus talk (Of Course). By comparison to Porsche and Ferrari days, the attendance is slightly smaller, but the participants are very much hardcore to the marque. Clad in Lotus attire, conversations often find themselves at tire pressures, ride height, tire choice, anti-roll bars, spring rates, power to weight and the sort. Very Lotus indeed.

Supplies are plenty under the Lotus tent too. They come prepared as if it were the last track day of the year. You could have the cars checked trackside and issues ironed while yourself, having your fill. The view from the sidelines is also entertaining as you see cars weave nimbly through turns, drifting in the rain and over-steering mid corner to a standstill. Much attention is created and as expected many from the public come to see the action from a far and up close.

A Lotus track day as such is truly unique. You’d have a day-long fun filled weekend with many like-minded Lotus pilots, the factory oversees that you have safe good fun and the car finishes in one piece and uncomplaining. As you leave the arena, you carry the biggest grin knowing that you did not just buy a car, but a whole new lifestyle; 'Lotus'

TAGS