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.