Lotus is continually rolling out improvements to its sports cars, making them lighter and faster in the process.

It’s a fine strategy that has made its models better than ever. The Lotus that was brilliant to drive, but required you to excuse just about everything else, is no more.

Last year’s Exige Sport 350 is one of the poster childs for this new Lotus era. But in line with the new strategy, Lotus has used it as a base on which to improve, made it faster and lighter and created the Exige Sport 380.

2017 Lotus Exige Sport 380 rear

It looks great, for starters. The basic body and chassis remain the same, but the body has been dressed with lashings of carbon fibre. Lip spoiler, front splitter, front access panel, removable hardtop, diffuser and its airblades are all made of the stuff, and there’s a fixed rear wing, too.

2017 Lotus Exige Sport 380 engine

That new aero package also helps to create lots of downforce – perfect for taking corners on track at speeds that feel barely plausible. Those who do head to the track with their car are able to spec the optional Track Pack and its adjustable Nitron two-way dampers and Eibach anti-roll bars.

Even without them, you have a car that is as fast, fun and involving. No one would have stepped out of an Exige Sport 350 and been crying out for more performance, but the Exige Sport 380 has an extra 22kW and 10Nm of torque. The revised delivery of the torque allows the Exige to punch harder and for longer up the rev range, yet still in a linear manner.

2017 Lotus Exige Sport 380 turning corners

Even the lightweight carbon-fibre backed sports seats are comfortable enough for longer journeys and you’ll find it easier to get in and out of the car thanks to the lower sills. It’s easier getting in than out, but both are better than before.

2017 Lotus Exige Sport 380 interior

Lotus has switched to Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber for this car, the front tyres being 10mm wider for even more grip and keener turn-in. They combine with the downforce to provide some major grip on circuits, yet still with adjustability in the handling and the ability to select Normal, Sport and Race modes on the electronic control systems for lurid slide potential and extra play (or security, if you prefer) in the chassis.

2017 Lotus Exige Sport 380 front

4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS

LIKE: Brilliant dynamics; great performance DISLIKE: Road noise; still very focused

SPECS Engine: 3456cc V6, DOHC, 24v, supercharger Power: 280kW @ 6700rpm Torque: 410Nm @ 5000rpm Weight: 1100kg 0-100km/h: 3.7sec Price: $150,000 (est)