It was no secret that Lotus has been working on a more civilised car to slot in below a forthcoming Esprit supercar replacement. Having seen the car in the metal at the Geneva Show, we wonder if the new Europa S is a little too like the Exige, with blander styling.

According to Lotus, the Europa is not actually based on the Elise/Exige chassis, though does share the advanced extruded and bonded aluminium construction and composite body panels. Additionally, the Europa features what Lotus describes as a "very advanced" composite energy absorbing front crash structure; this is the first time I can remember talk of safety in a Lotus sportscar.

Sitting inside the Europa reveals familiar surroundings, though the chassis sides are lower and the roof higher to make the job of getting in and out a little easier. With the roof on, the Elise takes getting used to, and entry is never graceful; the Europa changes that. Recent updates to the Elise range allow the optional fitment of such luxuries as leather, airbags and carpets; these items are all standard on the Europa S.

Despite rumours of a V6 engine for the Europa, it will initially be fitted with a 2-litre four-cylinder. Admittedly it utilises a turbocharger to boost power to a respectable 200bhp and peak torque is ample at 194lb.ft. Despite the larger bodywork (including a substantially larger luggage area than the Exige), the Europa S only weighs 995kg, allowing acceleration from rest to 60mph in just 5.5 seconds, on the way to a top speed of around 140mph. Sure, the Elise 111R and even the Vauxhall VX220 Turbo can better these raw figures, but the Europa promises to be much more of an all-rounder than either of these cars.

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