It looks quite nice, doesn’t it? Aggressive, stylish, sporty. Cosmetically this car has it all, and I was highly anticipating driving the little beauty. After being handed the key, my immediate thought was: “This is a bit basic.” Given it features central locking, I was expecting a fancy flip key. As I approached the car, I couldn’t help but admire its body. Hand-built in Great Britain, Lotus always delivers great-looking cars, and you know when you buy a Lotus you’re getting something unique. As with most handmade vehicles there will always be something that’s slightly different to the next one, and your Lotus is truly inimitable.

Once inside the car (be warned: getting in and out isn’t easy), I noticed just how rudimentary everything is, even a little bare. So, what don’t you get for your hard-earned money? There’s no satellite navigation, glove box or sunroof – although the roof can be removed if you’ve got around 30 minutes to spare. There’s no climate control, no fancy electronics to change your suspension settings and driving experience, no auto-dimming rear-view mirror. A rear-view camera is non-existent, there are no cup holders, one windscreen wiper and it doesn’t even have power steering.

But the interior style screams racer; it’s stripped clean just like track cars should be. However this is a road car, potentially designed to be driven every day in all conditions. So would I recommend you buy this car? Yes. If you want a vehicle to take the kids to school, do the grocery shopping or tour the countryside, this is not for you. If you want a car that makes you feel like you’re going 4,000 kph when you’re only doing 90; a car that throws your head back every time you accelerate, synced with an engine sound that will make you smile from ear to ear – this car deserves a spot in your garage.

To say the Exige is small is an understatement. To try and convey how petite and low to the ground this Lotus is, a standard Honda Civic looks big when you pull up alongside. You may grunt, moan, snort and possibly pull a muscle getting in, however once you’re inside, it’s an extremely comfortable and enjoyable place to be. The leather bucket seats hug your sides just enough to keep you snugly in place. And even though the car is compact, there’s sufficient headroom from a six-foot-plus person.

The initial shock of no power steering is soon overcome as your arms remember muscles that haven’t been used in a while. Turn the key and hear that sumptuous 3.5-litre V6 345 BHP engine purring just behind you. The retro-rev counter goes all the way to 9,000, the speedo goes to a number you’re sure you’ll never reach on the roads (but you’ll have a damn good go of it when you’re on a track), and the drive itself is surprisingly comfortable. Yes, you’ll feel a few more of the road’s imperfections than you might in a standard car. Yes, you will have a constantly purring beast right behind your head, but it can be tamed. Couple that with the stock Alpine sound system and one of the best rear-engined car air-conditioning units I’ve ever experienced. All in all, you can have a very respectable, relaxed drive. It even has cruise control – because if you’re driving home from a track day you may need to rest that right foot. This little rocket can actually be “sensible” to some degree.

At its heart, the Exige is a racer. It wants you to hear how it sounds at 9,000 rpm and feel how the nose dives into a corner with unassisted precision steering. The car’s size and height from the ground also alludes to a lightening-fast sensation, even at lower speeds. You could argue this is the ultimate sports car. It sounds fantastic, looks beautiful and you can put your foot down without the fear of going far and beyond the speed limit (0-100 kph in around four seconds). If you’re lucky enough to take this car onto a track you will find it blitzes normal speed limits and handles like a dream, with rear-wheel drive delivering great power and torque as you accelerate out of a corner. The Exige is well known for its excellent handling capabilities, and at times you’ll feel as though you’re on rails as the Pirelli P Zero tyres effortlessly stick to the road.

Some people may ask: “Is this a track car that’s been modified for the road?” Or: “Is this a road car that is fun on the track?” The odd 007 fan may even ask: “Does it turn into a submarine?” Much to my disappointment the answer is “No.” But to all, I say: If you like your cars, like the sensation of going fast (and going faster), and having great fun while doing so, then buy a Lotus Exige S.