Five new Lotus sports cars, unveiled in Paris, were given a date when production would start. But a sixth, ‘mystery’ car seemed far less certain… until now, that is.

In an interview with Car magazine, Dany Bahar, chief executive of Lotus, has confirmed a launch date for the Lotus City Car, a concept first seen at the Paris motor show but far less publicised than its siblings. Now, however, Lotus intends its City Car to be on the road by the end of 2013. The drivetrain will be hybrid, with a 1.2-litre, three-pot engine and a fully electric mode for urban driving. There will, says Lotus, be three basic variants: a model for Europe, another for Asia and a third, sportier version. It will be built in partnership with Lotus’ parent company, Proton, and another, unnamed manufacturer.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Lotus