Lotus Elise hits emissions low

The headline number for the latest Lotus Elise is not its 0-60 time or top speed, but, amazingly, its emissions rating and fuel economy.

The latest generation of the lightweight two-seat sports car emits just 149g/km CO2 and should be good for 45mpg on the combined cycle when it carries the newest engine to join the car's range – a 134bhp 1.6-litre petrol. The old car was 16 percent less efficient with emissions of 179g/km.

But this doesn't mean the Lotus has compromised performance with the introduction of this new, smaller engine – the Elise S should still get to 60mph in 6.0 seconds.