Our Car of the Week is the 2015 Catherham 7.
The what? Yes, our Car of the Week this week is something completely different!
The roots of the Catherham 7 extend back to the famous Lotus 7, a car created by Lotus founder Colin Chapmen in 1957. From 1973 though, the iconic Seven model has been built by British manufacturer Caterham.
Imported into Australia by Caterham Cars Australia, you can get your hands on one of these quite unique vehicles from $68,990.
Available in three model grades, all are convertible and all are powered by a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine.
There are two engine capacities on offer, entry-level models get a 100kW/160Nm 1.6 litre unit sourced from Ford, more expensive Catherham offerings feature a 127kW/177Nm 2.0 litre engine, once again sourced from Ford.
All Caterham cars are five-speed manual only, that’s except for the top of the range Catherham 7 485 which picks up one extra ratio.
So, with only relatively small capacities, do the Catherham cars get along alright? Well, yes they do.
Weighing in at as little as just 675kgs, the Catherham covers the 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.5 seconds when powered by the smaller engine and that time drops to 3.9 seconds with the larger engine under the bonnet.
Best of all, to get that impressive acceleration the Catherham is extremely frugal – the claimed combined fuel usage is just 6.2L/100km (1.6 litre) and 7.7L/100km (2.0 litre).
Standard features in the entry-level model are fairly slim (as you would imagine), though you do get a heated windscreen and rubber floor mats!
You can add leather seats for an additional $1,430 and you can dress-up your Caterham roadster with carbon-fibre front and rear wings.
Other accessories point to the Catherham’s track focussed nature with buyers able to add a Battery Master Cut-off Switch ($375), beefed-up track day roll bar $615 and even a lowered floor ($825).
Looks good doesn’t it? We would love to get one for a drive! If you want to find out more about this week’s Behind the Wheel Car of the Week visit the Catherham Cars Australia website.
NUTS and BOLTS – 2015 Caterham 7
Engine: 1.6 litre petrol producing 100kw and 160Nm or 2.0 litre petrol producing 127kW and 177Nm
Transmission: Five-speed manual or six-speed manual
Safety: Not tested
Warranty: 2yrs/50,000km
Origin: United Kingdom
Price: From $68,990
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