Skip advert
Advertisement

Lotus Evora IPS

We give our verdict on paddleshift automatic version of sharp-handling British sports car

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Lotus Evora
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

The IPS option will satisfy markets that simply must have an automatic gearbox. It is smooth during gentle driving, and gives away only 1.1mpg to the manual version in combined fuel economy. The chunky paddles are a joy to use, too. However, up the pace in auto mode and the box often becomes confused. As a result, it’s not the version we would recommend to keen drivers – and that’s most Lotus buyers.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Lotus hopes that its new automatic gearbox is what it needs to crack the lucrative American and Asian markets. Called Intelligent Precision Shift (IPS), the unit will make its debut in the Norfolk company’s grown-up sports car, the Evora.

Despite Lotus’ aim to boost overseas sales, it is offering IPS to UK buyers looking for an altogether more relaxed driving experience; the Evora IPS is as close to a genuine grand tourer as the firm makes these days.

The gearbox is a six-speed automatic torque convertor sourced from Toyota, and is the same unit as found in the Lexus RX. Lotus has reprogrammed its management software to remove the ‘slushy’ action associated with luxury automatics.

So, out go silky, slow changes, and in their place is a noticeable thump when shifting ratios. Bosses say they have done this to improve driver involvement, and retain the racy nature for which the firm’s cars are famous.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

It certainly feels sporty, and with light use of the throttle in standard ‘D’ mode, upshifts are fluent. When driving gently, the box will search for the highest gear smoothly and quickly.

However, disappointingly, it’s when pushing the car harder that the IPS gets caught out. The gearbox can be switched to Sport mode via a button on the centre console, which makes it behave more aggressively – it holds gears for longer, and blips the throttle on downshifts.

The set-up uses information on the throttle and steering wheel positions to determine whether you are cornering, and is programmed not to change ratios mid-bend.

Unfortunately, at regular road speeds, the gearbox does shift in corners. It’s an irritation rather than a problem, but it’s enough to distract from a driving experience that’s otherwise among the very best.

The issue can be solved by using the paddles to change gears manually, and it helps that they have a high-quality feel – chunky and with a well weighted click. Ultimately, though, those moments of frustration leave a lingering feeling that IPS is a thorn in the Evora’s side.

While it’s clever and smooth, it’s at odds with the model’s basic nature. IPS is at its best during relaxed driving – but the Evora thrives when being worked hard.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
20 Nov 2024