Insurance Group: N/A
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
0-62 Mph: N/A secs
BHP: 260 BHP
Range: N/A miles
PROS: This is one of the closest experiences to racing driving that you can get in a road car, and the driving experience is as thrilling and exciting as every boy would imagine.
CONS: Even with its hefty price tag this still doesn’t offer much comfort, and even some paint schemes and the nicer pieces of equipment are extra too.
On smooth roads and on the race track the CSR 260 is an absolutely superb car to drive, with handling that is responsive and balanced with plenty of feedback, and also offers plenty of grip. However, driving in the wet the car loses much of its grip, and the ride is very firm meaning that any potholes and bumps are immediately felt in the car. As it doesn’t have a roof or window pillars visibility is generally good, although there isn’t as much adjustment to suit taller and larger drivers than you would find in a standard car.
The engine performance is where the CSR 260 really starts to emphasise its pedigree, and with its 2.3 litre Cosworth engine and a light body, the acceleration from 0-62mph is achieved in only 3.1 seconds. The top speed is limited to 155mph, and it is worth noting that although it is a wonderful car to drive, refinement isn’t one of its plus points, with lots of wind, road and engine noise to be heard throughout any journey.
The Caterham CSR 260 is one of the most distinctive and unique road cars currently in production, primarily because it doesn’t look much like a road car. The front wheels lie to each side of the engine bay and are uncovered apart from the mudguards, and a roll bar lies behind the two seats. The distinctive headlights stick up above the engine, and these really do make the CSR 260 a hard car to ignore. Inside the vehicle it is all very minimal, and with only a tent roof that is difficult to put up, even the interior will be exposed to the outdoors too.
To say that the level of equipment included with the car is minimal is actually an understatement, as there are very few driving aids and other features included, although the car does come with alloy wheels. Leather seats and metallic paint are both optional extras.
There are many people who will frown at the option of a cabriolet saying that it isn’t practical enough, but with the Caterham the levels of impracticality are even higher. The car has two seats and a small boot, and without even a glove box all occupants will have to travel light.
There is no safety equipment to speak of either with the CSR 260, so it really does come down to the driver themselves along with the excellent handling to keep the car out of trouble. The engines are well tested and robust, but will need to be serviced by an expert in order to make sure that problems don’t arise with the car.
It is really quite difficult to compare the CSR 260 with any other car as there are very few cars which can claim to be in the same class. The price tag of £43,800 will be enough to buy many a bigger and more comfortable car, but none will be as quick or as fun to drive if you can take the car to the track in the right conditions. Using the car as an everyday run around will be almost impossible due to the lack of practicality.
Keeping the CSR 260 on the road is also quite a challenge, with the 2.3 litre engine delivering an average 24.0mpg. Because of the specialist nature of the car insurance premiums are going to be significant, and the resale value can vary greatly depending on the number of prospective buyers when you come to sell the car.
The Caterham CSR 260 isn’t really much of a road car, offering very little in terms of practicality beyond having two seats and an engine, but oh what an engine it is. Acceleration and speed is su...
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