• Priced from €19,995 (+ local taxes) • Suzuki-powered 660cc Seven with new live-axle will be ultimate in ‘accessible fun’• UK variant named Seven 160Caterham Cars has opened the order book for the Seven 165 – its new entry-level variant of the iconic sportscar, powered by a super-compact, turbocharged Suzuki engine.
Priced from €19,995 (+ local taxes), 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 165 – UK customers will get a different version, called 160 – produces 80hp from its 660cc, three-cylinder, turbocharged engine, enabling it to accelerate to 100kph in a brisk 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 161kph.
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 165 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 car’s moniker signifies that the vehicle complies with the EU5 emissions standards, allowing it to be sold across mainland Europe and beyond. Meanwhile, the UK variant of the car will be named the Caterham Seven 160.
Production of the Caterham Seven 165 is expected to begin in January 2014, with first deliveries later that Spring.
Please visit http://uk.caterhamcars.com or call 01883 333 700 for more information.
