Lotus for me has always been about ride and handling. You could put me in a car with all distinguishing features hidden and I'd know within half a mile (probably less) it was a Lotus. Someone in another group described it "once you've driven a Lotus it spoils you for all other cars".
Not everyone values ride and handling or has it at the top of their list. Which is why Lotus has tended to appeal to a niche audience. To broaden that appeal they need to be strong in other areas too.
In the past the great R&H has come with compromises elsewhere. Things like ease of access, comfort, looks, reliability, fit and finish, build quality. Plus variable dealer experience and after sales support. Quality and reliability have improved massively over the last decade. The Geely investment is further upping the game on that, with a particular emphasis on fit and finish and "perceived quality".
The Emira brings the key elements together: great design, great looks, better equipment, better build. It's the most fully-resolved Lotus. I think the jury is still out on dealer experience and after sales (we've heard lots but need to see actions now). And for some people there's still a question mark over quality, which partly depends on what that means for you - the parts of the car you can see, the bits underneath or the ownership experience.
What's also really exciting is the designers, engineers, aerodynamicists, ride & handling folks, sales team and everyone who has driven it all say the Emira is a noticeable step forward from the Evora on ride and handling. I'm so looking forward to driving it!
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