Obviously the new powerplant is the focus of the Elise SC, though a few visual enhancements make sure that people in the know will acknowledge what you're driving. The rear spoiler is the biggest giveaway, though the single large oval exhaust pipe is hard to ignore, as are the tasty new wheels. The rear items are actually a half inch wider than before too, in a bid to contain the extra grunt available.

The Elise SC benefits from 2008 model year updates applied across the range, which includes relatively hidden changes such as a new ignition key and Thatcham-approved alarm system, plus 'global legislation compliancy', along with a dashboard that is nicer to touch, a start button and airbags for both occupants as standard. The options list has been tided up too, with air conditioning, a hardtop, limited slip differential and traction control available as standalone items, while buyers can also opt for Touring and Sport packs, the former trimming the cabin in a little more luxury (relatively speaking), and the latter featuring niceties sure to appeal to track day regulars.

In isolation, the 217bhp and 155lb ft of torque produced by the supercharged engine don't sound too extraordinary (in an age dominated by hot hatches with at least 200bhp), but the Elise weighs just 900kg and so 0-62mph is dispatched in 4.6 seconds. That figure is impressive enough, but it doesn't convey the level of urgency the supercharger endows the Elise with, even at low revs. If you're not in the mood to change gear, there's enough mid-range urge to push the SC along at what most would consider to be a decent pace.

Start stirring the excellent 'box though and the Elise comes alive, the engine head butting the rev limiter all too quickly, even with the presence of the new adaptive shift lights in the rev counter. The elevated speeds are accompanied by induction roar and supercharger whine, both conspiring to egg the driver on further. Of course, the SC attacks corners in the same deliciously balanced manner as any other Elise. There is no better road car in terms of driver feedback, the steering in particular letting you know every nuance of the surface underneath.

As ever, the brakes are unflappable and full of feel. An anti-lock system is fitted, but you'll never call upon it, even when driving hard in damp conditions. Traction control, however, is another matter. It's a worthwhile option at just £300, even though it's not the fancy variable system found in the 2-Eleven. However, it does operate on the ignition system, so it's far quicker acting than most other such devices on the market and has the effect of slowing down the rate of yaw if you get on the accelerator a little too early. In the SC, this is all too easy to do, as the engine has a significant amount of grunt. Of course, Lotus will allow you to switch off the electronic nanny when you feel the need.

Lotus points out that the Exige S is still a quicker track car than the Elise SC, thanks to aerodynamics and its massive downforce, but the fact that the SC can be compared to the more extreme Exige is telling. Yet, the Elise's chassis retains its bias towards public road usage, and so flows with any road imperfections most of the time, only the worst potholes causing a judder through the car. It really is a sportscar that could be used everyday.

Backing that up is the availability of more interior comfort and equipment. Lotus will even fit a cupholder if you so desire, though of course the Elise's new cupholder looks like it was fashioned by the craft men in the machine shop. There's also the option of an iPod connection, should you rather your own tunes over those of the mid-mounted engine.

Should I give it garage space?

You won't need a very big garage to fit the Elise in, as it remains as compact as ever, though it's so good to drive that you won't want to hide it away in the winter time. As if you needed any encouragement, Lotus will sell you a neat hard top in a matching colour. That's just as well, as, at the SC's asking price, there is a lot of choice for the keen driver, including less compromised machinery that still offer a rewarding steer. The guts of £33,000 is a lot to pay for an occasional toy.

However, there are plenty of buyers willing to pay for the privilege of driving one of the very best driver's cars available, and the Elise SC is the best version to come from Lotus so far.

Rating

Being the most expensive Elise to date, you'd hope that the SC is also the best. It does indeed hit that mark, allowing its driver to access two distinct characteristics, one being the relaxing cruiser, the other a manic B-road or track day weapon. The Elise SC is undoubtedly one of the best cars made by Lotus today.

Specification

Model: Lotus Elise SC
On sale: Now
Price: £32,550
Engine: 1,798cc supercharged four cylinder
Power: 217bhp at 8000rpm
Torque: 155lb ft at 5200rpm
Performance: 0-62mph 4.6 seconds, 150mph top speed
Fuel economy:33.0mpg on combined cycle
CO2 emissions: 202g/km