2008 Lotus Exige Safety Review
Based on analysis of 33 Exige reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Lotus Exige has not been crash tested by the federal government or insurance industry. Others in its class offer more safety features, and rear visibility is also an issue.
Accident Avoidance
The Exige features four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Lotus Traction Control -- which modulates power through the engine control unit to reduce rear wheel spin -- is optional. "Don't expect much more than federally mandated safety equipment on the Exige," says Edmunds, noting that stability control is not even offered.
Rear visibility is also a problem. The engine intercooler's placement behind the rear window blocks the driver's rearward vision. "On the track, it doesn't matter that the Exige's intercooler blocks the rearview mirror, since not many cars can keep up. But when you're driving on the street, it would be nice to be able to see what's behind you," says Automobile Magazine. Though there's no real remedy this problem, Car and Driver points out that "the visibility provided by the two side mirrors is pretty good, and you soon get used to a center mirror that now mainly blocks some of the view ahead."
Crash Protection
To protect passengers in a crash, the Exige comes with front driver and passenger air bags. No side air bags are available.