RE: Caterham Seven 160: Review
Discussion
Ozzie Osmond said:
Sounds a good idea. My windscreen has been hit three times by conkers this week. I imagine a "nut strike" in that Caterham would take your head off.
Yeah, the Euro vis regs are a royal pain, makes re-registering UK cars like this a pain! for a good example of the lengths you have to go to, despite a small manufacturer type approval from the UK, take a look at Westfield France: http://www.tho.fr/
wing mirrors on stalks off a bike, so you can see over the rear arches.
I would personally spend the extra 4/5k and go for the 125 model 45 more bhp so a lot faster and wont suffer turbo lag.
This seems like cost cutting a bit too far to me as if you can afford to blow 15k on a toy surely you would want to save the extra few quid and get one with a nicer engine...
This seems like cost cutting a bit too far to me as if you can afford to blow 15k on a toy surely you would want to save the extra few quid and get one with a nicer engine...
Ozzie Osmond said:
My Evil Twin said:
"Full windscreen and weather equipment" is listed as after-sales option.
Sounds a good idea. My windscreen has been hit three times by conkers this week. I imagine a "nut strike" in that Caterham would take your head off. greggy50 said:
I would personally spend the extra 4/5k and go for the 125 model 45 more bhp so a lot faster and wont suffer turbo lag.
This seems like cost cutting a bit too far to me as if you can afford to blow 15k on a toy surely you would want to save the extra few quid and get one with a nicer engine...
Which is why it's nice that you get the choice.This seems like cost cutting a bit too far to me as if you can afford to blow 15k on a toy surely you would want to save the extra few quid and get one with a nicer engine...
However, in some of Caterham's potential export markets that's not an option for regulatory reasons, so this car will enable many people to buy a new factory-built Caterham who previously would not have had the opportunity at all.
Advocatus diaboli -
Let's say you buy one. How long before the tactility of the driving experience can't overcome the lack of straightline pace?
From my point of view, one of the main reasons for buying a 7 (or similar) is the accelerative performance. Not in isolation of course, the tactility is another reason and I wouldn't want the former without the latter.
I *get* it though, but it's not for me, or more accurately, it's not what I'd spend the money on, but that's a whole other discussion.
Let's say you buy one. How long before the tactility of the driving experience can't overcome the lack of straightline pace?
From my point of view, one of the main reasons for buying a 7 (or similar) is the accelerative performance. Not in isolation of course, the tactility is another reason and I wouldn't want the former without the latter.
I *get* it though, but it's not for me, or more accurately, it's not what I'd spend the money on, but that's a whole other discussion.
TheJimi said:
Advocatus diaboli -
Let's say you buy one, how long before the tactility of the driving experience can't overcome the lack of straightline pace?
From my point of view, one of the main reasons for buying a 7 (or similar) is the accelerative performance. Not in isolation of course, the tactility is another reason and I wouldn't want the former without the latter.
In which case they'll be happy to sell you one with a big engine.Let's say you buy one, how long before the tactility of the driving experience can't overcome the lack of straightline pace?
From my point of view, one of the main reasons for buying a 7 (or similar) is the accelerative performance. Not in isolation of course, the tactility is another reason and I wouldn't want the former without the latter.
For me it's the exact opposite. Over 34 years driving, every car I've ever had that's offered a step up in straight-line go, I've acclimatised to it in a matter of a few thousand miles and it just feels 'the new normal'. But the ability to feel the road properly, and the car moving around under you, is something that never gets old for me.
RegMolehusband said:
I don't like it, it's diluting the aura of the Caterham brand in my opinion.
Caterhams are renowned for embarrassing "super cars" and fast bikes. This will be embarrassed by a wide range of tin-tops disappearing into the distance as it fails to turn in well on those skinny tyres and scrabbles for grip on the exit.
Certainly not, you are completely missing the point of 7's. It has always been more about driving experience than the outright performance.Caterhams are renowned for embarrassing "super cars" and fast bikes. This will be embarrassed by a wide range of tin-tops disappearing into the distance as it fails to turn in well on those skinny tyres and scrabbles for grip on the exit.
McWigglebum4th said:
HOW MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!
£14,995 for the kit that is awesome value.
There's no doubt that Caterham is a class act when it comes to kit cars. The quality tends to stand out over the competition. However ... if it's the price tag that's caught your eye, I suspect you could get any number of more powerful Seven-a-likes in kit form for the same price.£14,995 for the kit that is awesome value.
And on a random note. How cool do those steel wheels look?
jason61c said:
what a shame. 17k buys you a hell of a lot from other kit car companies.
Caterham do have one of the best reputations for their kit being a smooth build and a good finish at the end of it though. There are some horrendous kits out there. And let's not forget residuals.
_Neal_ said:
Caterham do have one of the best reputations for their kit being a smooth build and a good finish at the end of it though. There are some horrendous kits out there.
And let's not forget residuals.
Both true. But it seems to be the price that's opening a lot of people's eyes here. You might get more for your £15k with Caterham (and that's from personal experience - I sold mine for a fiver more than I spent buying it...) but in outright terms a £15k kit car isn't that surprising.And let's not forget residuals.
Actually - checking the Caterham site. It does seem that the full screen (no mention of this on the options of the 165 - maybe they are thinking about it still) and heater are options. Those two things combined are quite heavy no? Maybe this car doesn't really make that much sense in the UK compared to a Roadsport. I want a Caterham as it goes. The 165 feels, suddenly, like a bit of a bridge too far.
Lowtimer said:
For me it's the exact opposite. Over 34 years driving, every car I've ever had that's offered a step up in straight-line go, I've acclimatised to it in a matter of a few thousand miles and it just feels 'the new normal'. But the ability to feel the road properly, and the car moving around under you, is something that never gets old for me.
That is spot on. Once you've done the big power/acceleration thing (Griff 500 in my case) the novelty wears off. Feel and adjustability are everything.I love it.
The most fun car I've ever driven (and owned) was a 1972 Lotus Elan.
Not the fastest in a straight line but the driving experience just swallowed you whole.
Every corner and every gear-change was to be savoured. 'Sunday morning drives' happened most days of the week...
This car feels made from the same stuff.
Given the low entry price and piddly running costs I am sorely tempted.
The most fun car I've ever driven (and owned) was a 1972 Lotus Elan.
Not the fastest in a straight line but the driving experience just swallowed you whole.
Every corner and every gear-change was to be savoured. 'Sunday morning drives' happened most days of the week...
This car feels made from the same stuff.
Given the low entry price and piddly running costs I am sorely tempted.
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