title：Lotus Emira vs Alpine A110: Which Small Sports Car Is Better?

content：Opening Hook

You’re torn between two iconic small sports cars: the Lotus Emira Turbo SE and Alpine A110. Which delivers more joy, better value, and the kind of driving experience that makes every trip feel special? Autocar’s expert twin test (featuring their seasoned presenters) breaks it down, and we’re here to distill the key takeaways plus add exclusive insights to help you decide.

content：Key Specs & Authoritative Background

Autocar— a trusted automotive source since 1895—pitted these mid-engine sports cars against each other to see which reigns supreme. Here’s the core data from their test:
Alpine A110 (base version): £55k, 248 hp, 1100 kg curb weight, 1.8L engine.
Lotus Emira Turbo SE: £90k, 400 hp, ~1500 kg curb weight, 2L turbo, 8-speed twin-clutch gearbox.

It’s worth noting that the Emira’s four-cylinder engine (a Mercedes A45 derivative) was refined over two years to fix gearbox issues and boost power to 400 hp—matching the V6 variant. But does more power equal a better drive?

content：Driving Impressions: A Head-to-Head

Alpine A110: Joy at Every Speed

The Alpine’s star is its ride and handling. Autocar’s presenters praised its suppleness—no harshness over bumps, a fleetness of foot that makes twisty roads feel effortless. Its light steering is precise, and it turns around its middle like a dance partner. Even at low speeds (perfect for busy roads or sheep-lined Welsh lanes), it’s joyful. The interior is simple but functional, with physical buttons for key controls (a win over touchscreen-heavy cars).

Lotus Emira Turbo SE: Power & Precision (But At A Cost)

The Emira shines with its hydraulic steering—rare in modern cars—offering meaty, feedback-rich feel that builds confidence on fast roads. Its 400 hp engine delivers blistering speed once on boost, and the interior feels high-quality (soft leather, Alcantara, metal speaker grills). However, the gearbox can be clunky at low speeds, and the engine sounds more like an "angry vacuum cleaner" than a thrilling sports car. Most importantly: it feels £35k overpriced—hard to justify when the Alpine exists.

content：Beyond The Test: Trends & Verdict

Autocar’s presenters unanimously chose the Alpine A110 as the winner. Why? It does more with less: lighter weight, better value, and a driving experience that’s fun at all speeds. The Emira is a solid car, but its price tag (up to £100k with options) can’t compete with the Alpine or even a Porsche Cayman.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Alpine A110 is nearing the end of its lifecycle—so if you want one, act fast. The Emira, while newer, faces an uphill battle against its more affordable rivals.

content：Actionable Checklist & Resources

Immediately Actionable Checklist

1. Test drive both cars on twisty roads to feel their handling differences.
2. Calculate total costs: Lotus options can push it to £100k—compare to Alpine’s £55k base price.
3. Check owner reviews for long-term reliability (both brands have niche followings).

Advanced Resource Recommendations

• Autocar.co.uk: Full test details and video footage of the twin test.
• PistonHeads Community: Real-world owner feedback on both cars’ daily usability.
• Top Gear Magazine: Additional comparisons of small sports cars for broader context.

content：Final Verdict & Your Turn

The Alpine A110 is the best small sports car you can buy right now. Its joy, value, and effortless handling beat the Lotus Emira hands down. The Emira is a great car, but its price gap makes it hard to recommend.

When choosing between these two, what’s your top priority? Power, value, or pure driving fun? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!