Verdict
There is no pricier trim here: both the Lotus Emira First Edition AT and Lotus Emira First Edition MT cost RM1,131,800, with the same 400 hp supercharged 3.5 litre V6, rear-wheel drive layout and 4.3-second 0-100 km/h time. The automatic gets 430 Nm, 10 Nm more than the manual’s 420 Nm, but the real call is the gearbox. For Malaysia, the AT is the easier daily pick; the MT is the one to buy if you want the last-call ICE Lotus with more driver involvement.
Pick the Lotus Emira First Edition AT if you want the same Emira pace with a six-speed automatic and the higher 430 Nm torque figure.
Pick the Lotus Emira First Edition MT if the six-speed manual matters more to you than the AT’s extra 10 Nm.
Key differences
- Price: RM1,131,800 vs RM1,131,800, so the gap is RM0
- Transmission type: conventional automatic vs manual
- Transmission name: Aisin six-speed automatic vs Aisin six-speed manual
- Torque: 430 Nm vs 420 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 4.3 seconds vs 4.3 seconds
First Edition AT
- Six-speed automatic suits heavier urban use better than a manual
- 430 Nm is 10 Nm more than the MT
- Same 4.3-second 0-100 km/h time as the manual
- No six-speed manual if you want the rawer Emira experience
First Edition MT
- Six-speed manual gives the Emira the more involving gearbox choice
- Same RM1,131,800 price as the automatic
- Same 400 hp and 4.3-second 0-100 km/h time as the AT
- 420 Nm is 10 Nm down on the automatic
- Manual gearbox is less convenient in traffic than the automatic
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM1,131,800 | RM1,131,800 |
| Body type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Segment | Sports Car | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 24-valve DOHC, supercharged (Roots) with variable valve timing | 24-valve DOHC, supercharged (Roots) with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 3,456 cc | 3,456 cc |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 430 Nm✓ | 420 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 94 mm | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | Six-speed Automatic | Six-speed Manual |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Aisin |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.3 seconds | 4.3 seconds |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,412 mm | 4,412 mm |
| Width | 1,895 mm | 1,895 mm |
| Height | 1,225 mm | 1,225 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,575 mm | 2,575 mm |
| Weight | 1,405 kg | 1,405 kg |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Boot Space | 151 litres | 151 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/35R20 | 245/35R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 295/30R20 | 295/30R20 |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 | Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | United Kingdom (CBU) | United Kingdom (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Touring or Sports Suspensions Available | Touring or Sports Suspensions Available |
| Safety | ||
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Projector LED | Projector LED |
| Taillamps | Full LED with Dynamic Indicators | Full LED with Dynamic Indicators |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C | 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android, KEF Reference Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android, KEF Reference Audio |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Automatic Front Windows | Automatic Front Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button Start | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated | Remote Control Activated |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Parking | No | No |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | No | No |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM4,182 | RM4,182 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
First Edition AT vs First Edition MT FAQ
Is the Lotus Emira First Edition AT or Lotus Emira First Edition MT better?
The AT is better for daily convenience and has 430 Nm. The MT is better if you want the six-speed manual experience. Both make 400 hp and do 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
What is the price difference?
There is no price difference. Both the Lotus Emira First Edition AT and Lotus Emira First Edition MT are priced at RM1,131,800.
Do the AT and MT have different performance figures?
Only torque differs: the AT has 430 Nm, while the MT has 420 Nm. Power is the same at 400 hp, and both variants quote the same 4.3-second 0-100 km/h time.