Automotive

Caterham opens the order books for its entry-level Seven 160

Caterham opens the order books for its entry-level Seven 160
The newest Caterham uses live-axle rear suspension inspired by classic Sevens
The newest Caterham uses live-axle rear suspension inspired by classic Sevens
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The new Caterham Seven 160 is designed to offer quick, lively driving at an affordable price
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The new Caterham Seven 160 is designed to offer quick, lively driving at an affordable price
The new Caterham 160/165
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The new Caterham 160/165
Thanks to a curb weight under 500 kg, the Seven 160 packs 163 bhp-per-tonne
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Thanks to a curb weight under 500 kg, the Seven 160 packs 163 bhp-per-tonne
The new model will be sold as the Caterham 165 in EU markets
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The new model will be sold as the Caterham 165 in EU markets
The Seven 160 is powered by an 80-hp turbocharged Suzuki three-cylinder engine
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The Seven 160 is powered by an 80-hp turbocharged Suzuki three-cylinder engine
The Seven 160 tops out at 100 mph
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The Seven 160 tops out at 100 mph
The newest Caterham uses live-axle rear suspension inspired by classic Sevens
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The newest Caterham uses live-axle rear suspension inspired by classic Sevens
The Seven 160 starts just under £15K
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The Seven 160 starts just under £15K
The £14,995 kit option will take the novice an estimated 60 to 70 hours to build
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The £14,995 kit option will take the novice an estimated 60 to 70 hours to build
Caterham will begin Seven 160 production in January
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Caterham will begin Seven 160 production in January
Order books are now open and deliveries planned for spring
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Order books are now open and deliveries planned for spring
With the Seven 160, Caterham looks for a new market of entry level buyers
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With the Seven 160, Caterham looks for a new market of entry level buyers
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The latest generation of track-honed roadsters offer quick, corner-hugging performance at a more affordable price point. However, unless you're in a position to use a fast, furious, roofless two-seater as a daily commuter, a niche track-weekend auto may still be well out of your price range. Caterham is looking to change this with its all-new, entry-level Seven 160 that went up for pre-order this week.

The Seven 160 isn't as powerful or quick as other Caterham models, but it does offer a taste of all-out performance at a more attainable price point. The car is available in the UK in component form for £14,995 (US$24,350) or as a fully built car for £17,995 (US$29,250). That's a few thousand pounds less than existing models like the Roadsport 125, which sells for £19,995 (US$32,500) as a kit and £22,995 (US$37,350) as a full car. The new model will be sold as the Seven 165 in the European Union, where the 5 signifies compliance with EU5 emissions standards.

The Seven 160 is powered by an 80-hp turbocharged Suzuki three-cylinder engine
The Seven 160 is powered by an 80-hp turbocharged Suzuki three-cylinder engine

The Seven 160 is powered by an 80-bhp 660cc Suzuki three-cylinder turbo. That engine works with a five-speed transmission to spin the 14-inch steel wheels and propel the car to a 6.5-second 0-60 mph (0-96.5 km/h) time and 100-mph (161 km/h) top speed. The max torque of 79 lb-ft is reached at 3,400 rpm.

Those numbers are quite modest compared to other roadsters from Caterham and competitors – the 310-bhp Seven 620 R hits 60 mph in 2.79 seconds, for example. Caterham admits that outright performance isn't the point. Instead, the Seven 160's charm lies in its sharp handling, delivered with the help of a live-axle rear suspension inspired by early Seven models. The roadster offers 163 bhp-per-tonne thanks to a slim, 1,080-lb (490-kg) build.

The new model will be sold as the Caterham 165 in EU markets
The new model will be sold as the Caterham 165 in EU markets

"The 160 offers something truly different to the entry-level market," Caterham CEO Graham Macdonald. "It’s more economical, more accessible and every bit as fun on the road as other Sevens but has its own unique personality."

Caterham plans to begin production of the Seven 160/165 in January 2014, with the first deliveries to follow a few months later.

Source: Caterham

View gallery - 12 images
4 comments
4 comments
Jon A.
I know that the Super Seven is a fun track car, but at 30 grand this doesn't seem to be particularly economical or accessible.
You could buy a brand new Subaru BRZ for that and have money left over for tires.
Or you could buy a used Miata for a fraction of that.
BP
How about some modern looking tail lights? They look like the same ones that came on my box trailer. While you're at it what's with the wheels? Surely you could do a little better than that Mr Caterham.... At $30K, I agree with Jon.A, I think I'll go for the BRZ.
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Speedbump Andy
This would be more fun than a weekend away with Miss World, and whilst LED tail lights and modern guff would make it look modern a Caterham is all about the driving experience. This thing weights less than 500kg. The BRZ weighs 1300 = less fun. Don't fight physics.