Lotus ESPRIT
56 registered in New Zealand · 1976–2001 · 89% from United Kingdom
The Lotus ESPRIT is a recognisable name on New Zealand roads, with 56 registered across model years 1976 to 2001. It averages 13.8 L/100km in fuel consumption . Most are petrol-powered sports cars with a 2.2L engine.
Below you'll find a complete breakdown of fuel types, body styles, drivetrain options, regional distribution, and estimated running costs. Select a specific model year to see detailed specs, buyer insights, and variant-level data for that generation of the ESPRIT.
Fuel Types
Lotus ESPRIT fuel type breakdown: PETROL 100%.
Drivetrain
Engine Size
Lotus ESPRIT engine sizes: 2.2L 41%, 3.5L 14%, 3.5L 13%, 2.0L 11%, 2.2L 5%.
Imported From
Lotus ESPRIT imported from: United Kingdom 89%, Not Known 5%, Italy 4%, Australia 2%.
When They Arrived in NZ
When Lotus ESPRIT vehicles were first registered in New Zealand — showing import waves and buying trends.
Lotus ESPRIT NZ arrival timeline: 2020: 1, 2021: 1, 2022: 3, 2023: 1, 2026: 1.
Estimated Running Costs
Select a model year to estimate fuel costs for that specific Lotus ESPRIT.
Colours
Colours shown are approximate representations of NZTA basic colour categories, not exact manufacturer paint codes.
Where They Are in NZ
Lotus ESPRIT regional distribution: AUCKLAND: 19, CHRISTCHURCH: 8, DUNEDIN: 4, NEW PLYMOUTH: 3, PORIRUA: 2.
Body Types
Similar Cars
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Lotus ESPRIT are there in New Zealand?
There are 56 Lotus ESPRIT vehicles registered in New Zealand as of March 2026, making up 0% of the total passenger fleet. Model years range from 1976 to 2001.
How much does it cost to run a Lotus ESPRIT?
Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Lotus ESPRIT averages 13.8 L/100km. At current fuel prices ($3.41/L), that works out to roughly $109 per week or $5,647 per year in fuel, assuming 12,000 km of annual driving. Actual costs vary by model year, driving conditions, and fuel type.
What body type is the Lotus ESPRIT?
The Lotus ESPRIT is primarily classified as a sports car in the NZTA fleet register. It is also available in other body configurations: saloon, convertible. The most common fuel type is petrol.
Are Lotus ESPRIT cars imported or NZ-new?
89% of Lotus ESPRIT vehicles in New Zealand originated from United Kingdom. The majority arrived as used imports, which is typical for this model. Check the import status and origin country for the specific year you're considering on the individual year pages.