Insurance Group: N/A
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
0-62 Mph: N/A secs
BHP: 175 BHP
Range: N/A miles
PROS: The Caterham delivers a driving experience that is difficult to match in any other car on the road, and this version has a slightly wider body shell which offers a little more space.
CONS: The 7 Roadsport 175 is at the top end of this range, but it is significantly costlier without really adding too much performance or luxury, and it is a hugely impractical car.
When it comes to driving a racing car on British roads, this is as close as you are likely to get, with handling that is absolutely magical that allows drivers to really feel every corner in the road. The balance is beautiful and the steering is wonderfully responsive and has an accuracy that is difficult to rival, and although the ride is firm it isn’t so bad that it becomes uncomfortable. However, driving the car in the wet can be a bit of an adventure, as the rear-mounted-engine does squirm noticeably. The seat and the steering wheel have minimal adjustment, but visibility is good.
The engine performance delivered by this version of the Caterham 7 is very good, with acceleration from 0-62mph achieved in 4.8 seconds. The top speed of 138mph is plenty for a car of this size. As you would expect with a car like this refinement is non-existent, with the engine noise a wonderful soundtrack, and there is lots of wind and road noise too.
The looks of the Caterham 7 are very distinctive, with the front wheels being completely exposed with a mudguard rather than covered by the bodywork. The headlights are mounted above the bodywork which is also very distinctive, while the roll cage behind the seats is very reminiscent of single seat race cars. Inside the cabin things are very basic, such as the dash board, however the steering wheel is a racing one that is great to use.
There are many cars with this price tag that can offer a long list of impressive equipment, but the reality is that you don’t buy a Caterham 7 for luxurious seats and gadgets. Alloy wheels and an immobiliser are as close as you get to luxuries, while this version is also provided with a windscreen and the cover to keep out the elements should the weather turn while you are out.
There is no doubt that the Caterham 7 Roadsport 175 is a car that is designed for driving, and it does come with two seats to be found in this version which are slightly wider than those in the smaller versions of the 7. The boot is tiny, so this is only a car that is designed for those who can travel light. The mechanical aspects of the 7 are very good meaning it is very reliable, but it does need to be well maintained and serviced to achieve this.
Safety equipment really isn’t a priority in the Caterham 7, and with no driving aids or ABS it really is all down to the driver. There are also no airbags fitted to the Caterham 7 range, and those who opt for a roll cage will find that the hood doesn’t fit.
The list price for this version of the Caterham 7 is a fairly expensive £26,850, which is quite a lot when you consider the extra features over the cheaper models. The Roadsport 175 is a little wider than the smaller models, meaning it is more practical for taller or larger drivers.
Running costs aren’t too bad, with the 2.0 litre engine delivering an average 37.6mpg. Insurance costs are likely to be significant, but the desirability of the car means it should hold its value quite well. The car comes with a one year or 12,000 mile warranty, and also has a year’s roadside breakdown assistance.
The Caterham 7 range is one which has been designed to deliver affordable racing car performance in a package which is still able to be driven on the road. The pure driving experience does come at...
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