Brief 420R test drive impressions
Discussion
In London on business, and decided to take some time to go visit Caterham South. Its a lovely facility compared to the relative shed in the village of Caterham years ago, with at least 20 Caterhams in the showroom. They even offered me a cup of tea (in an actual ceramic mug!)
The car I drove was a 2018 Caterham 420R on an SV chassis with regular leather seats.
I'll give my impressions as a passenger first
I'm about 5"11 and 100 kg of pure fat, with fairly broad shoulders. Once I learned how to properly get into a Caterham (feet in first, on seat if necessary, then lower body inside afterwards), getting in and out was a doddle, as was using the harnesses.
This car had a windscreen and doors on, and the most notable thing initially, was that it was very comfortable! The car is very low to the ground of course, so there is a bit of that 'row boat on the ocean' effect, but the suspension is very compliant - much more so than my Subaru STI.
Compared to most normal performance cars, the engine/exhaust very very loud - but certainly quieter than my cousin's F360 with Tubi exhaust though, and not unbearable at all. The noise is more present on acceleration, but cruising around it is fairly quiet.
The cabin (again with screen + doors) is a fairly draft-free and sedate place to be, being much quieter for example than my rental Astra the windows down (a point that may be obvious to most people, but this review is for absolute newbies to the idea of a Caterham). However, its of course nowhere near as still as the cabin of a Boxster with the windows up and wind-blocker in place.
It accelerated very very quickly, but I wouldn't describe it as mental - even with race-car driver cum salesman Ralph driving.
Driving impressions the steering was very heavy while crawling along, as of course there's no power assistance. On the move its fine though. The single weirdest thing for me by far wasn't how low I sat, the long bonnet, convertible top or being on the wrong side of the road
- rather it was the indicators, which are not on a stalk but have an almost motorbike-like switch on the left side of the dash. I kept absentmindedly trying to click an imaginary indicator stalk for the first few minutes, but quickly got used to it.
The pedal box was roomy enough for my plimsoles. The gearlever had a wonderful action, though I was slightly disappointed to know the 5-speed box (not sure about the 6-spd) is from a Mazda MX-5. The fact that the engine is a Ford product doesn't bother me at all, but the gearbox being a hand-me-down does, for some reason. I suppose there's no accounting for taste.
The clutch is relatively light (lighter than the clutch on my Subaru anyway), and though the throttle is cable-actuated, I didn't find it particularly jumpy compared with some modern cars in "sport" mode. The brakes felt a bit scary as there is no servo on them, which means pressing down the same amount as one would in a modern car leads to no retardation whatsoever. In order to brake before a roundabout from a very normal speed, I had to apply as much braking pressure as would almost be required to panic brake in some other cars! This isn't a criticism but just for the purposes of noting how different the Caterham is from anything else.
The car is exceptionally easy to place on the road, and sounds absolutely wonderful, with the exhaust's barks, pops and bangs feeling exceptionally satisfying especially considering they are completely 'authentic' and not engineered into the ECU, and contrived like some modern performance cars.
I didn't push the car very hard, and stayed at the speed limit - I have no doubt its wonderful when really going for it, but I didn't feel confident enough to push someone else's car, and I was more concerned how it operated just driving around town, and on the motorway than at 10/10ths.
How does it compare to a motorcycle?
Its much much more comfortable than a motorcycle is, at least with the windscreen and doors on. The engine is similarly loud, and it definitely requires similar, if not quite as intense levels of concentration. Personally, I'd much rather drive a Caterham in an average speed camera zone than a motorbike, as the Caterham doesn't feel like its straining at the leash as much as most bikes I've ridden. However, if one is in stop and go traffic on a hot day, or if it was pi55ing rain outside, I think a bike might be better because of the ability to filter, and because of potentially-unbearable engine heat in the former situation, and poor visibility in the latter.
The 420R isn't nearly as fast as a 1000cc or even 600cc sports bike in a straight line, nor is the 620R judging from the numbers. It does feel much much faster than almost any other car perhaps short of a convertible LaFerrari though, just because of how low one sits, proximity to exhaust, etc. Personally, I definitely enjoyed blatting around in the 420 much more than I have 'regular' bikes like Triumph Street Triple, Kawasaki Z800 et al. When one is really going for it though, I'd imagine most bikes would be more fun, but I didn't really drive the 420 very quickly, so I can't say for sure (the above paragraph isn't trying to start a car v bike controversy as I loved my drive in the 420, its just intended to answer some questions I had myself prior to the test drive)
Conclusion
I've driven a decent number of cars, and ridden a fair few motorbikes, but I've fallen in love with very few thus far. The 420R is one of those few - its captivating yet comfortable at the same time, and short of an Elise or Exige absolutely blowing my mind (which I doubt - amazing cars though they are), I think I've made my decision if I do end up moving over here. I might have to get a snotter for winter but in terms of bang for my buck, Caterham + 2005 Nissan Micra will give me more smiles per miles than having a Boxster S or even Lotus Elise/Exige as my only car.
Sorry for the very long post. I used the titles in an attempt to organize it better, but if you can't be bothered (understandably) to trawl through my mess of words, here's the summary
tl;dr: the Caterham 420R is awesome, its comfortable and definitely more useable than most people think
The car I drove was a 2018 Caterham 420R on an SV chassis with regular leather seats.
I'll give my impressions as a passenger first
I'm about 5"11 and 100 kg of pure fat, with fairly broad shoulders. Once I learned how to properly get into a Caterham (feet in first, on seat if necessary, then lower body inside afterwards), getting in and out was a doddle, as was using the harnesses.
This car had a windscreen and doors on, and the most notable thing initially, was that it was very comfortable! The car is very low to the ground of course, so there is a bit of that 'row boat on the ocean' effect, but the suspension is very compliant - much more so than my Subaru STI.
Compared to most normal performance cars, the engine/exhaust very very loud - but certainly quieter than my cousin's F360 with Tubi exhaust though, and not unbearable at all. The noise is more present on acceleration, but cruising around it is fairly quiet.
The cabin (again with screen + doors) is a fairly draft-free and sedate place to be, being much quieter for example than my rental Astra the windows down (a point that may be obvious to most people, but this review is for absolute newbies to the idea of a Caterham). However, its of course nowhere near as still as the cabin of a Boxster with the windows up and wind-blocker in place.
It accelerated very very quickly, but I wouldn't describe it as mental - even with race-car driver cum salesman Ralph driving.
Driving impressions the steering was very heavy while crawling along, as of course there's no power assistance. On the move its fine though. The single weirdest thing for me by far wasn't how low I sat, the long bonnet, convertible top or being on the wrong side of the road
- rather it was the indicators, which are not on a stalk but have an almost motorbike-like switch on the left side of the dash. I kept absentmindedly trying to click an imaginary indicator stalk for the first few minutes, but quickly got used to it. The pedal box was roomy enough for my plimsoles. The gearlever had a wonderful action, though I was slightly disappointed to know the 5-speed box (not sure about the 6-spd) is from a Mazda MX-5. The fact that the engine is a Ford product doesn't bother me at all, but the gearbox being a hand-me-down does, for some reason. I suppose there's no accounting for taste.
The clutch is relatively light (lighter than the clutch on my Subaru anyway), and though the throttle is cable-actuated, I didn't find it particularly jumpy compared with some modern cars in "sport" mode. The brakes felt a bit scary as there is no servo on them, which means pressing down the same amount as one would in a modern car leads to no retardation whatsoever. In order to brake before a roundabout from a very normal speed, I had to apply as much braking pressure as would almost be required to panic brake in some other cars! This isn't a criticism but just for the purposes of noting how different the Caterham is from anything else.
The car is exceptionally easy to place on the road, and sounds absolutely wonderful, with the exhaust's barks, pops and bangs feeling exceptionally satisfying especially considering they are completely 'authentic' and not engineered into the ECU, and contrived like some modern performance cars.
I didn't push the car very hard, and stayed at the speed limit - I have no doubt its wonderful when really going for it, but I didn't feel confident enough to push someone else's car, and I was more concerned how it operated just driving around town, and on the motorway than at 10/10ths.
How does it compare to a motorcycle?
Its much much more comfortable than a motorcycle is, at least with the windscreen and doors on. The engine is similarly loud, and it definitely requires similar, if not quite as intense levels of concentration. Personally, I'd much rather drive a Caterham in an average speed camera zone than a motorbike, as the Caterham doesn't feel like its straining at the leash as much as most bikes I've ridden. However, if one is in stop and go traffic on a hot day, or if it was pi55ing rain outside, I think a bike might be better because of the ability to filter, and because of potentially-unbearable engine heat in the former situation, and poor visibility in the latter.
The 420R isn't nearly as fast as a 1000cc or even 600cc sports bike in a straight line, nor is the 620R judging from the numbers. It does feel much much faster than almost any other car perhaps short of a convertible LaFerrari though, just because of how low one sits, proximity to exhaust, etc. Personally, I definitely enjoyed blatting around in the 420 much more than I have 'regular' bikes like Triumph Street Triple, Kawasaki Z800 et al. When one is really going for it though, I'd imagine most bikes would be more fun, but I didn't really drive the 420 very quickly, so I can't say for sure (the above paragraph isn't trying to start a car v bike controversy as I loved my drive in the 420, its just intended to answer some questions I had myself prior to the test drive)
Conclusion
I've driven a decent number of cars, and ridden a fair few motorbikes, but I've fallen in love with very few thus far. The 420R is one of those few - its captivating yet comfortable at the same time, and short of an Elise or Exige absolutely blowing my mind (which I doubt - amazing cars though they are), I think I've made my decision if I do end up moving over here. I might have to get a snotter for winter but in terms of bang for my buck, Caterham + 2005 Nissan Micra will give me more smiles per miles than having a Boxster S or even Lotus Elise/Exige as my only car.
Sorry for the very long post. I used the titles in an attempt to organize it better, but if you can't be bothered (understandably) to trawl through my mess of words, here's the summary
tl;dr: the Caterham 420R is awesome, its comfortable and definitely more useable than most people think
Edited by BlackPrince on Thursday 6th September 19:15
Interesting write up, always good to get a new perspective on my favourite car 
I swapped a Civic type R for a Seven and a Ciroen C1- the running costs were less and I had much more fun.
I find the 125 bhp seven with less grippy tyres to be great fun for road use and the car limits/track day. It isn't that quick in a straight line, but then I haven't ridden a bike to compare it with. I hope you end up buying a Seven, I don't think you'll regret it as long as you keep it tucked in the garage when there's salt on the ground.
By the way, the screen and doors make summer runs brilliant, just jump in wearing a T shirt and shorts. If you have a half hood in the boot you don't need a waterproof, and when you get to your destination, you aren't sweating in your leathers and helmet.
I swapped a Civic type R for a Seven and a Ciroen C1- the running costs were less and I had much more fun.
I find the 125 bhp seven with less grippy tyres to be great fun for road use and the car limits/track day. It isn't that quick in a straight line, but then I haven't ridden a bike to compare it with. I hope you end up buying a Seven, I don't think you'll regret it as long as you keep it tucked in the garage when there's salt on the ground.
By the way, the screen and doors make summer runs brilliant, just jump in wearing a T shirt and shorts. If you have a half hood in the boot you don't need a waterproof, and when you get to your destination, you aren't sweating in your leathers and helmet.
Thanks for the replies guys
I'm sure the Sadev gearbox in the 620 is amazing along with the extra speed, but financially I can't stretch to the 620R at this point I'm afraid.
Downsman, I definitely agree that a snotter + Caterham is the way to go for fun. I think that combo's definitely more fun than any sub £50k single-car stable, and if a 420R turns out to be outside my budget after moving here, I think I'd just go for whatever Caterham I could afford along with a cheap winter hack
I'm sure the Sadev gearbox in the 620 is amazing along with the extra speed, but financially I can't stretch to the 620R at this point I'm afraid.
Downsman, I definitely agree that a snotter + Caterham is the way to go for fun. I think that combo's definitely more fun than any sub £50k single-car stable, and if a 420R turns out to be outside my budget after moving here, I think I'd just go for whatever Caterham I could afford along with a cheap winter hack
coppice said:
Get a 420R with roller barrel throttle bodies and the Caterham 6 speed. I did nearly 50k miles in mine but never failed to smile at the silly go and the wonderful soundtrack .
How did you find the 6 spd on the motorway? The salesman said that the 6 spd is geared very short, and that 6th is the same ratio as 4th in the 5 spdOn first acquaintance the 6 speed feels like a long first and five nearly identical second gears.But we judge it by modern overgeared standards - it works out the same mph/1000rpm in top as a Lotus Elan or Europa. which is appropriate .
I once did 520 miles in a day in mine and, with daft gearing for a splendidly daft car , it was a hoot . On anything apart from M-wys it's brilliant . A 75-80 cruise is fine , if noisy, and who wants a long legged Seven ?
I once did 520 miles in a day in mine and, with daft gearing for a splendidly daft car , it was a hoot . On anything apart from M-wys it's brilliant . A 75-80 cruise is fine , if noisy, and who wants a long legged Seven ?
coppice said:
On first acquaintance the 6 speed feels like a long first and five nearly identical second gears.But we judge it by modern overgeared standards - it works out the same mph/1000rpm in top as a Lotus Elan or Europa. which is appropriate .
I once did 520 miles in a day in mine and, with daft gearing for a splendidly daft car , it was a hoot . On anything apart from M-wys it's brilliant . A 75-80 cruise is fine , if noisy, and who wants a long legged Seven ?
great thanks for the tip! Do you know where the 6 spd is sourced from? I once did 520 miles in a day in mine and, with daft gearing for a splendidly daft car , it was a hoot . On anything apart from M-wys it's brilliant . A 75-80 cruise is fine , if noisy, and who wants a long legged Seven ?
It's a Caterham product - originally developed for the very peaky 1.4K SS in the early Nineties . Very racer like change - narrow gate, short throw and lots of whine. Whole car is so noisy it doesn't matter and it makes it feel even more like the racing car it started life as in '57.
Expensive extra now but the whole car is an entirely illogical buy , enabled solely by man maths and not a shred of common sense - so JFDI .....
Expensive extra now but the whole car is an entirely illogical buy , enabled solely by man maths and not a shred of common sense - so JFDI .....
Having just sold my R400 Duratec on throttle bodies after 10 years of ownership the advise above to do it, is very wise. I doubt I will ever have as much all round fun in a road car again.
The acceleration, handling, pops and bangs, smells and admiration from most people is infectious and every mile I drove in it was a hoot.
One thing to note was that during recent test drives with prospective buyers, having owned Caterhams for 13 years, as a driver you automatically recalibrate your senses when you get into the 7 from a road car. What I didn't fully appreciate when taking out my prospective buyers, was my sense of normal driving in a 7 was nowhere near the same as theirs and I ended up inadvertently scaring the bejesus out of them because they weren't used to the assault on their senses when driving a fast 7 and what it can effortlessly do, that I had become very used to for all the reasons set out above, and all generally within the legal limits on the road.
I likened it to a passenger ride in an R500 on the road that I had many years ago by someone who knew how to drive it. When I got out at the other end I was speechless, as were they.
I have become conditioned to that recalibration whereas they hadn't and one of them was a previous Caterham owner.
In my experience there are very few road cars that give you the same overall assault on all your senses and the all round experience as a fast 7 and that's from someone who loves Porsches and BMW M cars. You are totally in control of everything that happens in a 7 not so in most modern performance cars.
Any way enough of the ramble, get one you won't regret it.
The acceleration, handling, pops and bangs, smells and admiration from most people is infectious and every mile I drove in it was a hoot.
One thing to note was that during recent test drives with prospective buyers, having owned Caterhams for 13 years, as a driver you automatically recalibrate your senses when you get into the 7 from a road car. What I didn't fully appreciate when taking out my prospective buyers, was my sense of normal driving in a 7 was nowhere near the same as theirs and I ended up inadvertently scaring the bejesus out of them because they weren't used to the assault on their senses when driving a fast 7 and what it can effortlessly do, that I had become very used to for all the reasons set out above, and all generally within the legal limits on the road.
I likened it to a passenger ride in an R500 on the road that I had many years ago by someone who knew how to drive it. When I got out at the other end I was speechless, as were they.
I have become conditioned to that recalibration whereas they hadn't and one of them was a previous Caterham owner.
In my experience there are very few road cars that give you the same overall assault on all your senses and the all round experience as a fast 7 and that's from someone who loves Porsches and BMW M cars. You are totally in control of everything that happens in a 7 not so in most modern performance cars.
Any way enough of the ramble, get one you won't regret it.
^^^ Totally agree with this. I had my R400 with 6 speed box for 10 years and loved every second of it. Took in on track - epic. Took it on euro trips - epic. Took to the shops (rarely) - epic. Best value high performance motoring in the world, IMHO.
My R400 has sadly gone
but it’s been replaced by an even more nuts R500 with sequential
My R400 has sadly gone
but it’s been replaced by an even more nuts R500 with sequential Wonderful! Thanks for the replies.
Anyone have significant experience in an Elise or Exige to compare? I briefly drove an S2 Elise about 5 years ago and I remember enjoying it, but not being blown away and it didn't feel as good to drive as a 981 Boxster S (admittedly, the drive in the Elise was VERY brief, and fairly sedate on country lanes, whereas I've had extensive experience in the Boxster)
Anyone have significant experience in an Elise or Exige to compare? I briefly drove an S2 Elise about 5 years ago and I remember enjoying it, but not being blown away and it didn't feel as good to drive as a 981 Boxster S (admittedly, the drive in the Elise was VERY brief, and fairly sedate on country lanes, whereas I've had extensive experience in the Boxster)
BlackPrince said:
Wonderful! Thanks for the replies.
Anyone have significant experience in an Elise or Exige to compare? I briefly drove an S2 Elise about 5 years ago and I remember enjoying it, but not being blown away and it didn't feel as good to drive as a 981 Boxster S (admittedly, the drive in the Elise was VERY brief, and fairly sedate on country lanes, whereas I've had extensive experience in the Boxster)
I now have a supercharged Elise after very briefly having 3 Caterham Sevens over a period of two weeks (two supersports one with six speed box and a new 360 S with Duratec, also previously owing two twin cam SS's some years back). In my opinion the Elise is a far better road car. The later Sevens were terrible to drive on the road especially with a passenger and even worse in traffic. The transmission whines terribly ( especially the 6 speed box), there is significant transmission clunk, and generally they sound as if there is a bag of nails in the transmission. My passengers were constantly asking why the cars clunked and juddered and was the car going to break down in view of the transmission noise! I know many will say wear ear plugs or a helmet, however if driving on country with a passenger for a brisk drive some may say the unwanted mechanical noise spoils the enjoyment. The older Sevens did not seem so badly affected.Anyone have significant experience in an Elise or Exige to compare? I briefly drove an S2 Elise about 5 years ago and I remember enjoying it, but not being blown away and it didn't feel as good to drive as a 981 Boxster S (admittedly, the drive in the Elise was VERY brief, and fairly sedate on country lanes, whereas I've had extensive experience in the Boxster)
The Elise still provides good acceleration ( 0-60 in about 4.2 seconds, which is in line with many of the Sevens, excluding R500's and 620's), In addition there is air conditioning and a radio. One further point the Sevens get unbearably hot even after a short drive and there is no escaping the searing tunnel heat.
On the track it is a completely different situation, my last comments refer to Sevens driven on the road; just my opinion , which I know many will disagree with!.
I’ve had 2 sevens and an S1 Elise. I had the S1 in between my 2 sevens due to the need to free up cash for a house move and renovation so very familiar with the pros and cons of both.
I loved the S1, there was a subtlety and fluidity to the handling and steering that was a joy. It only had 118bhp but it was brisk enough and gave me the sense of occasion and handling buzz I craved. It was pretty practical and could be used more often that a seven.
However, I ultimately went back to a seven (R300D this time) because there’s nothing quite like them. The acceleration, handling and sense of occasion are all a step up from the Elise, so if we’re talking a weekend or track toy only, then it’s got to be a Caterham. If you want something that will deliver 80% of that in a more practical package then it’s an Elise. You pays your money and takes your choice
I loved the S1, there was a subtlety and fluidity to the handling and steering that was a joy. It only had 118bhp but it was brisk enough and gave me the sense of occasion and handling buzz I craved. It was pretty practical and could be used more often that a seven.
However, I ultimately went back to a seven (R300D this time) because there’s nothing quite like them. The acceleration, handling and sense of occasion are all a step up from the Elise, so if we’re talking a weekend or track toy only, then it’s got to be a Caterham. If you want something that will deliver 80% of that in a more practical package then it’s an Elise. You pays your money and takes your choice
I drove an Exige (S2 N/A) at a trackday experience in Thruxton. I'd always wanted to drive one, I had about 15 laps in total.
I hired a Caterham the week before, so I used both experiences to decide on what car to buy.
I loved the Exige, it sounded great and really does feel like a race car. However, the Caterham in comparison just felt more special and more raw, and that's what got me in the end. It would have been lovely to have an Exige on the road for a day too, but it wasn't really possible.
5 years later I still have my Caterham, and I still get a huge rush from on trackdays. I do feel I'd like a bit more power now (mine's a 140bhp), but to be honest, if you know a track well, you can run rings round everyone in the twisty sections and most people are happy to pull over and let you pass them on the straights - but it would be nice to have a bit more power to pass quicker.
I actually find that some people expect the car to be quicker than it is in a straight line, they pull over but don't lift off enough to let me pass. I guess they assume it's super-quick since I caught up with them so quickly in the corners.
If I was buying now, I'd be looking at a 420 with a 6 speed. I love the frantic nature of that box, though I would be tempted to try a 620 with a sequential. That said, with the current waiting lists, I'd always thought about upgrading my Sigma or putting a Duratec in there instead.
I hired a Caterham the week before, so I used both experiences to decide on what car to buy.
I loved the Exige, it sounded great and really does feel like a race car. However, the Caterham in comparison just felt more special and more raw, and that's what got me in the end. It would have been lovely to have an Exige on the road for a day too, but it wasn't really possible.
5 years later I still have my Caterham, and I still get a huge rush from on trackdays. I do feel I'd like a bit more power now (mine's a 140bhp), but to be honest, if you know a track well, you can run rings round everyone in the twisty sections and most people are happy to pull over and let you pass them on the straights - but it would be nice to have a bit more power to pass quicker.
I actually find that some people expect the car to be quicker than it is in a straight line, they pull over but don't lift off enough to let me pass. I guess they assume it's super-quick since I caught up with them so quickly in the corners.
If I was buying now, I'd be looking at a 420 with a 6 speed. I love the frantic nature of that box, though I would be tempted to try a 620 with a sequential. That said, with the current waiting lists, I'd always thought about upgrading my Sigma or putting a Duratec in there instead.
Roblot said:
BlackPrince said:
Wonderful! Thanks for the replies.
Anyone have significant experience in an Elise or Exige to compare? I briefly drove an S2 Elise about 5 years ago and I remember enjoying it, but not being blown away and it didn't feel as good to drive as a 981 Boxster S (admittedly, the drive in the Elise was VERY brief, and fairly sedate on country lanes, whereas I've had extensive experience in the Boxster)
I now have a supercharged Elise after very briefly having 3 Caterham Sevens over a period of two weeks (two supersports one with six speed box and a new 360 S with Duratec, also previously owing two twin cam SS's some years back). In my opinion the Elise is a far better road car. The later Sevens were terrible to drive on the road especially with a passenger and even worse in traffic. The transmission whines terribly ( especially the 6 speed box), there is significant transmission clunk, and generally they sound as if there is a bag of nails in the transmission. My passengers were constantly asking why the cars clunked and juddered and was the car going to break down in view of the transmission noise! I know many will say wear ear plugs or a helmet, however if driving on country with a passenger for a brisk drive some may say the unwanted mechanical noise spoils the enjoyment. The older Sevens did not seem so badly affected.Anyone have significant experience in an Elise or Exige to compare? I briefly drove an S2 Elise about 5 years ago and I remember enjoying it, but not being blown away and it didn't feel as good to drive as a 981 Boxster S (admittedly, the drive in the Elise was VERY brief, and fairly sedate on country lanes, whereas I've had extensive experience in the Boxster)
The Elise still provides good acceleration ( 0-60 in about 4.2 seconds, which is in line with many of the Sevens, excluding R500's and 620's), In addition there is air conditioning and a radio. One further point the Sevens get unbearably hot even after a short drive and there is no escaping the searing tunnel heat.
On the track it is a completely different situation, my last comments refer to Sevens driven on the road; just my opinion , which I know many will disagree with!.
But I don’t find mine unbearably hot in the summer, nor does it have searing tunnel heat (R400D/6sp/220bhp). It does have full insulation inside the tunnel and engine compartment, as they all have done for some years now.
I agree it’s not the most comfortable place for a long summer drive on M Ways but for track days and a couple of hours fun in the country it’s perfect.
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