80hp Caterham Seven 160 details revealed

Caterham has launched its new Seven 160 – an 80hp entry-level variant of its back-to-basics sports car available that’s available now from £14,995.

That’s in kit form: if you’re not keen to build it yourself you’ll have to stretch to £17,995, which still offers a decent fun/money ratio thanks to its kerb weight of less than 500kg: that equates to 160hp-per-tonne.

Caterham Seven 165 prototype stars at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

Suzuki power for new entry-level Caterham

Power comes from a turbocharged 660cc three-cylinder Suzuki engine which propels the car to 60 in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 100mph.

The Seven has never been about top speed thrills, though – it’s about how well it goes around corners, and Caterham suggests that its low weight and live rear axle will result in a playful B-road hack.

Caterham Cars CEO Graham Macdonald:

“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.”

Production of the 160 – which’ll be called the 165 in Europe – will start from January 2014, with first deliveries later that spring.

Caterham announces new entry-level Seven

By motoringresearch.com