Group Lotus - Norwich

Gerald J.

Do not buy one of these cars! That is, if you intend using it of course.
Lotus have spend great sums of money trying to proclaim their new Emira car is better than their old examples: More reliable, better equipped, 'a day to day drivers car'. Really? Well my experience, along with many, many other peoples' as demonstrated by the reviews left, would suggest NOT. Picked up my new Lotus Emira in late November 2023 and within 2 miles had a screen full of warning lights: Gearbox malfunction and brake system failure to name a few. Returned to the dealership late afternoon on a Saturday to be told 'all is fine, it will just be battery low charge'. Suffice to say not! 24 your later, the car was being collected by Lotus assist and taken to Bristol Lotus (45 miles away). They kept the car for almost 3 weeks suggesting a software issue and waiting for Lotus to supply a fix. After this time I was seeking a refund but the dealer that sold me the car in Colchester collected the car and took it back to their workshop and fixed it within 24 hours. Obviously, Bristol Lotus had no clue what they were looking for or how to fix it. All the time the car being with the dealer, they did NOTHING to the car, not even fix the rear bumper air vent that was falling off from faulty fixing at the factory. The rental car I was provided during this time was also a complete nightmare to manage: Lotus would only autise 48 hour rental, so Enterprise were chasing me for the car to be returned and threatening to bill me for the overdue rental costs etc. Hours and hours of my time having to be spent between Lots head office and the dealership I purchased the car from as there is no agreement with different Lotus dealerships and Lotus to cover these costs!
Having the car returned to me a few days later, I started to use it. After a few weeks, I noticed that the car misted up badly all the time. On checking, the car heating system was not working! Contacted Bristol Lotus. 'Never heard of this issue'. Read the forums to find out this is well known and very common further fault and recommended Nottingham Lotus to fix. Contacted said dealer to be told: 'If we can get pre-authorisation for the warranty claim, bring the car to us (140 miles) drop it off, book a local hotel for the night and come pick the car up late the next day when we should have fixed it'! So 2 days off work, 300 mile round trip and the cost of a local hotel, all at my cost to get the car fixed again!
Suffice to say, this is NOT what anyone should expect from a new car, let alone one that is proclaimed to be a Porsche beater! Having owned many, many cars from prestige brands, this experience and this company in particular, have a long, long way to go to compete against ANY major car brand out there. Designing a beautiful car is a major step to success. The quality of that machine plus the aftercare are things which keep customers however and in these matters Lotus have, it seems not progressed to anywhere near the levels to sell their product to 'everyman'.
Suffice to say, I have now moved my car on and have purchased a BMW as while more commonplace on the road, it WORKS! In short, I tried it, made the mistake and will NEVER do so again.
If anyone decides to purchase one of these cars, please take into consideration:
1. Its not designed to be used. At least not often
2. Be prepared to have to live without it for long periods while their dealer has it, trying to work out why it does not work.
3. Put money aside every month to pay for the travel arrangements needed to go all over the country seeking a specialist that knows what they are doing to fix the car, and
4. Get used to driving a Toyota Aygo or Nissan Qashqai for most of your time as this is what you will be using while your car is in a car dealers back yard waiting for parts or a decision from Lotus that they will accept the warranty claim.

Good luck, if you dare to go there...

Antony H.

A great experience to see the cars being built. Such beautiful vehicles. A place, and a company, with a great history. Take time out of your day to experience this.

Miha P.

Very good organised factory tour. Our guide was very kind and well prepared, the factory is beautiful.

MarlaCNAtravel L.

I enjoyed my tour of Lotus Car on November 1st 2023.

Christian W.

I regret to say it: Never buy a Lotus! The after sales service is catastrophic. You wait several months for simple spare parts. The people in customer service have no idea and do nothing. This is simply unworthy of a brand in this price segment. I have lost the joy of my car.

Jackie C.

As a family intetested in both present and historical it was a pleasure to stop outside the factory. Disappointed there was no car past or present outside, but well worth a drive past.

David W.

A truly unique experience that I'll never forget. A chance to see a major new car being created from scratch. My guide Nick was brilliant and I left looking forward to my order for the new Emira even more than I was before.

Paul B.

Open day at Lotus Hethel was very well organised, and supported and interesting to see the cars in action on the track