Caterham Seven 160 revealed

Caterham has given us limited details about its new entry-level model called the Seven 160. We already know it’s powered by a 660cc three-cylinder turbocharged engine made by Suzuki and mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Now we know that engine produces a ball-tearing 80hp (60kW).

Hmm, it’s not really a lot of power to play with is it. But, we suspect, like the Porsche Boxster, the Seven 160 will be more about its pure driving experience than outright pace. It can reach 100km/h in 6.5 seconds, so it’s no slouch, although it’s hardly going to pin you back in your seat.

But just look at the car, it has an understated purposeful look, from the subdued paint colour down to the low-rent steel wheels wrapped in skinny tyres. You just know there’s fun to be had in this thing.

Hitting the market in the UK at £17,995 ($AU30,000) fully assembled, we’re not sure if the Seven 160 will be sold in Australia. We do know we’d love a drive! And in the fantasy la-la-land where that pricing actually was reality and Seven 160 v Toyota 86 comparison is the sort of odd match-up we’d like to experience.

Back to the future: Caterham launches Seven 160

• Priced from £14,995 or 17,995 fully built
  
• Suzuki-powered 660cc Seven with new live-axle will be ultimate in ‘accessible fun’
  
• UK variant named Seven 160; EU gets 165

Caterham Cars has opened the order book for the Seven 160 – its new entry-level variant of the iconic sportscar, powered by a super-compact, turbocharged Suzuki engine.

Priced from £14,995 in component form, the car’s live-axle rear suspension, compact engine and low weight embody the pioneering spirit of early Sevens and represent a new entry-point to the Seven range.

The Seven 160 – EU customers will get an altered version, called 165 – produces 80hp from its 660cc, three-cylinder, turbocharged engine, enabling it to accelerate to 60mph in a brisk 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 100mph.

With fleet-of-foot charm and handling finesse, rather than outright performance dictating the driving experience, the new car redefines the budget sportscar segment while introducing new levels of efficiency and value for money to the Caterham range.

Caterham Cars CEO, Graham Macdonald, said: “As the Caterham Group as a whole grows and expands into new sectors and industries, our commitment to keep evolving the Seven is very much alive.

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

The new rear axle, a throwback to early Sevens in terms of simplicity and purity of design, complements the Suzuki Motor Corporation engine and lower overall body weight, while delivering Caterham’s acclaimed, intuitive handling experience and a balanced yet playful chassis.

To meet the desired performance criteria, the Caterham Group’s engineering consultancy, Caterham Technology & Innovation (CTI), fine-tuned engine performance from its standard output of 64hp to 80hp, while boosting fuel economy and reducing vehicle emissions. The vehicle conforms to EU5, EU6 and JC08 emissions regulations.

Macdonald continued: “The engineering challenges we faced when developing the new vehicle were significant. The engine, suspension and the overall dynamics all needed to work in harmony and the various arms of the Group have been successful in pooling facilities and expertise to achieve that.”

The number five at the end of the EU spec car’s moniker signifies that the vehicle complies with the EU5 emissions standards, allowing it to be sold across mainland Europe and beyond.

Production of the Caterham Seven 160 and 165 is expected to begin in January 2014, with first deliveries later that Spring.