After Slipping Through Globe Slipstream 2.0, Lotus Manila Now Opens Its Doors

Lotus Manila gave us a taste of what they’re going to offer to the Philippine market at the Globe Slipstream 2.0 on June 27, 2015, and tonight, August 6, 2015, Lotus Manila is now opening the doors to the public, bringing in enthusiasts of the brand and more importantly, the lucky ones who will get to own their dream Lotus.

Autohub Group, the consortium which distributes Mini, Rolls-Royce, V-KOOL, and manages businesses such as Ford Global City and Click Auto Rental, is clearly confident of Lotus’ success in the Philippines. As our economy grows stronger, the people’s purchasing power increases, and more businessmen that can afford such cars also increases.

Past the good party vibes and exquisitely made food and drinks for the guests, Lotus Manila is serious in their business here in the Philippines. Lotus’ complete initial line-up in the Philippines was displayed at the event, and now that we got a more intimate time with the cars than when they were previewed at the Globe Slipstream, we further understood Lotus’ selling proposition here in the Philippines.

Most of the cars of Lotus are track focused. Most are devoid of any luxuries such as heated and power adjustable seats, a high end sound and infotainment system, and to certain models, even leather seats, though replaced with equally plush alcantara. Lightness and ease of operation is the name of the game, where driving a Lotus shouldn’t be spoiled by any other unnecessary luxuries, but for those who wish for a much more plush Lotus, there’s the Evora S Sport Racer, complete with a leather interior and an excellent touch screen infotainment system.

Out of all their line-up, it is the Lotus Exige S that is the most track focused. It’s also the Go Flat Out team’s most favorite out of all the Lotus line-up. Its wide body design and more racy and aggressive stance make it more muscular and more track focused than any of the models in the range. Unfortunately, for everyday use, the Exige S isn’t suitable, further emphasized by the fact that getting in and out of the vehicle is a chore because of the car’s rigid tub. Not recommended for women wearing skirts then.

For those who want a track-focused car, but has a friendlier entry price point and is much more livable for daily drives, the Lotus Elise line-up may be for you. It has a more conventional architecture, which now means women in skirts can get in and out of the vehicle much more gracefully. Being a very lightweight car versus the wider, much more stable Lotus Exige, the Lotus Elise can also keep up with the Exige in terms of agility.

We’re quite excited for the arrival of the British brands here in the Philippines. First was MG, and now Lotus. A few months or weeks from now, Aston Martin will also arrive to the Philippine shores. In a market dominated by Japanese, American, and in the premium sector, Germans and Italians, its fresh to see British cars in our Philippine roads, both from the mainstream and the high-end segments. Interested in owning a Lotus? Their dealership is located in 324 Ortigas Ave., North Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.

In case you missed it, here are the prices and specifications of the initial line-up of Lotus Manila

Elise S Club Racer – P4,650,000
Engine: 1.8 liter 4-cylinder supercharged
Power and Torque: 217 hp, 250 Nm
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 4.5 seconds
Top Speed: 233 kph
Curb Weight: 924 kg

Elise 220 Cup – P5,350,000
Engine: 1.8 liter 4-cylinder supercharged
Power and Torque: 217 hp, 250 Nm
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 4.6 seconds
Top Speed: 225 kph
Curb Weight: 952 kg

Exige S Roadster – P7,500,000
Engine: 3.5 liter V6 supercharged
Power and Torque: 345 hp, 400 Nm
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/Automatic (TBA)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 4.0 seconds (Manual)/3.9 seconds (Automatic)
Top Speed: 233 kph
Curb Weight: 1166 kg

Evora S Sport Racer – P8,880,000
Engine: 3.5 liter V6 supercharged
Power and Torque: 345 hp, 400 Nm
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 4.7 seconds
Top Speed: 280 kph
Curb Weight: 1436 kg