2000 Lotus Exige I Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Lotus Exige I features a curb weight of 780 kg (1719 lbs) and a maximum weight of 965 kg (2127 lbs). The low curb weight is a hallmark of Lotus design philosophy, emphasizing lightweight construction to improve acceleration, braking, and handling. This weight advantage allows the Exige I to deliver sharp responsiveness and agile driving dynamics, particularly beneficial on winding roads or racetracks.

The Lotus Exige I offers a luggage capacity of 115 liters (approximately 4.06 cubic feet), which is relatively small compared to conventional cars. This limited space reflects the car’s focus on performance and lightweight construction rather than cargo utility. While it can accommodate a small bag or two, the Exige I is best suited for short trips or weekend drives where carrying large amounts of luggage is not essential.

The Lotus Exige I is fitted with 17-inch rims that support its sporty aesthetic and performance requirements. The tire sizes are 215/40 R17 for the front and 245/40 R17 for the rear. These tire dimensions help provide excellent grip and stability, supporting the vehicle’s dynamic handling characteristics on both the street and track.

With its length of 3780 mm (148.8 inches), width of 1720 mm (67.7 inches), and height of 1175 mm (46.3 inches), the Lotus Exige I easily fits into a standard garage. Typical garage spaces range from about 2400 to 3000 mm (8 to 10 feet) wide and 4800 to 6000 mm (16 to 20 feet) deep, making the Exige I's compact dimensions well within these limits. Its low height also poses no problem for standard garage door clearances.

The Lotus Exige I is based on the Lotus Elise Series 1 chassis, sharing very similar dimensions. Both cars have comparable lengths and widths, with the Exige being slightly heavier due to added bodywork and features tailored for enhanced aerodynamic performance and rigidity. While the Elise emphasizes lightweight minimalism, the Exige adds some extra bulk primarily for handling refinement and slightly increased structural strength, yet maintains a similar compact footprint.

Compared to similar sports cars from the early 2000s, the Lotus Exige I is notably smaller and lighter. For example, the Porsche Boxster measures approximately 4270 mm (168 inches) in length and weighs over 1300 kg (2866 lbs), while the Toyota MR2 is around 3960 mm (156 inches) long and weighs roughly 1140 kg (2513 lbs). The Exige I’s smaller length of 3780 mm (148.8 inches) and low weight of 780 kg (1719 lbs) give it a significant agility advantage, making it one of the most nimble and compact sports cars of its time.

The Lotus Exige I features a two-seater coupe layout, focusing heavily on driver engagement and minimalism over interior luxury. Given its compact dimensions and emphasis on lightweight construction, interior space is tight, prioritizing an ergonomic, race-inspired driver experience rather than passenger comfort or extensive amenities. The cabin design centers on driving-focused controls, low seating position, and limited headroom, making it ideal for spirited driving but less ideal for taller occupants or long journeys.

The Lotus Exige I offers an exhilarating driving experience characterized by exceptional handling precision, responsiveness, and feedback from the road. Its lightweight construction and compact dimensions translate into quick directional changes, strong cornering grip, and an overall connected feel that makes it popular with enthusiasts and track day drivers. However, this focused driving nature comes at the expense of noise insulation and ride comfort, as the car prioritizes performance over luxury or convenience features.

Thanks to its compact size, including a length of just 3780 mm (148.8 inches) and width of 1720 mm (67.7 inches), the Lotus Exige I is highly maneuverable in urban environments. Its narrow width allows it to easily fit between parked cars and navigate through tight city streets. The small turning radius, aided by its lightweight chassis, makes parking and low-speed handling straightforward compared to larger sports cars or sedans. However, limited ground clearance and tight interior space may pose some minor challenges during everyday use.