Christian Grey your new car is ready.

The new Lotus Exige S Roadster is a particular type of car for a particular type of person.

It is for those that want pure, unadulterated performance and don't mind if it means being treated a little rough.

Well, with one exception. For 2015 Lotus has made life a little easier for Exige buyers by offering an automatic transmission for the first time.

But before you think the British brand has abandoned its ethos of simply, hardcore sports cars the 2015 update also makes the Race Pack option a standard feature. That adds Lotus' Dynamic Performance Management system which allows you to increase the response of the engine, open the exhaust and reduce the electronic stability control - and switch it off completely in 'Race' mode.

It is also worth noting right from the beginning that the automatic Exige S is a no slower than the manual around Lotus' British test track; and is actually 0.1 seconds faster in the 0-100km/h sprint.

But the real question is how does it affect the driving experience.

Pushing the Exige S to its limits on some of New South Wales' best driving roads north of Sydney proves that the key Lotus traits are all still present.

The Lotus Exige S Roadster is now available with an automatic. Photo: Supplied

The Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6 is fitted with an Australian-built supercharger to push power to 257kW (officially 257.5kW according to the spec sheet) and torque to 380Nm.

The car tips the scales at 1172kg so the aforementioned 0-100k/h sprint is dispatched in just 3.9 seconds.

And it feels every bit as quick in the real world, accelerating with ferocity from a standstill and out of corners.

The transmission is a traditional six-speed torque converter unit (not an in vogue dual-clutch) sourced from Aisin, the same Japanese supplier as Toyota.

But while the hardware is from an external supplier the Lotus boffins have re-written the software to make the shifts quicker. It quickly becomes apparent in traffic that they have also programmed the software to keep the engine in its sweet spot, because it has no hesitation in changing down a cog or two as soon as you squeeze the throttle. There is also no hunting for the tallest gear in order to improve fuel economy, which is de rigueur for most brands these days.

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The net result is a car that always feels ready for action at a moment's notice, but isn't relaxing in traffic.

In manual mode, using the steering column-mounted metal paddles, the shifts are sharp and aggressive which suits the car, and will also stay in the gear you choose without any computer interference.

As for the rest of the driving experience, it is pure Lotus. The unassisted steering is heavy, even at speed, but makes for a rare treat for those who like their steering mechanical and without interference. It is direct and provides plenty of feedback to the driver at speed so it's easy to understand why Lotus fans rave about it.

Be warned though, parking and low speed maneuvers require a lot of effort so would become tiresome on a daily basis… or save you on trips to gym.

The other Lotus hallmark is the sharp, responsive ride. The suspension is uncompromising with a firm character that feels tuned for the track, not Australia's coarse chip and pockmarked back roads.

The suspension picks up every bump in the road and transmits it through the cabin. Larger bumps not only jar but can shake the chassis, even vibrating through the steering wheel.

But in combination with the large Pirelli tyres the suspension creates masses of grip which means the Exige S feels incredibly agile in the corners. Particularly on a smoothly paved bit of road.

The Lotus Exige S Roadster is now available with an automatic. Photo: Supplied

The cabin is simplistic, with only the essentials. Our test car was fitted with the optional interior Premium Pack which added more leather and carpet (rather than the exposed aluminium floor in the standard spec car) to lift the ambience.

The Roadster's roof is cloth and easy to remove and re-attach if the mood takes you.

However, despite the Premium Pack and having the roof fitted the cabin is extremely loud thanks to a combination of engine, road and wind noise. When you add in the almost constant bumps from the stiff suspension the Exige S can get overwhelming after more than a couple of hours.

But when you find a smooth, twisting piece of road (or a racetrack) the Exige's strengths come out and it is easy to fall in love with its performance.

The Lotus Exige S Roadster is now available with an automatic. Photo: Supplied

At $137,900 plus on-road costs it is pitted squarely against the $133,800 (plus on-roads) Porsche Boxster S, which offers up a more liveable but no less quick alternative, which dents the Lotus' value credentials.

But if you like your sports car raw and rough then the Exige S is right for you.







2015 Lotus Exige S Roadster pricing and specifications

Price: $137,990 plus on-road costs

On sale: Now

Engine: 3.5-litre supercharged V6 petrol

Power: 257kW at 7000rpm

Torque: 380Nm at 2500-4500rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, RWD

Consumption: 9.6L/100km

The Lotus Exige S Roadster is now available with an automatic. Photo: Supplied

Interested in buying Lotus Exige? Visit our Lotus showroom for more information.