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
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 spdcoppice 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 ?
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)
Mike Biddle said:
Hi Black Prince, thanks for posting your first impressions, in a well written post. Hope you will appreciate some feedback from a long time owner. (21 years)
Firstly I'm happy that you understand a Caterham can actually be comfortable, the obvious visual impression is that is most definitely is not, but i have taken mine on plenty of long tours including Houston to San Francisco, Norway, Italy, Scotland, France, and several others, and can advise that it is very comfortable even over long distances.
the secret is to treat it just like a motorcycle, I don't have screen or hood so use motorcycle clothing, helmet, communication system, satnav, and waterproof bags strapped to the roll bar for luggage. As you point out, once you are in it it is surprisingly comfortable and I have driven up to 12 hours per day in it no problem.
Treating it like a motorcycle leads me into my next point, you compare it to a motorcycle in a straight line but advise that your drive was not very "spirited", which is a shame, you should have gassed it big time on some twisty country roads, then you would have seen its true potential. You would appreciate that a motorcycle on a twisty road is an very slow machine, i used to drive my car along a particular route that was also heavily used by bikers and was always disapointed if I got struck behind them, they are soooooo slow in corners! Boring!
Hope you get one soon, but don't buy a new one, buy a used one that someone else has already spent a lot of money on to make it go, handle, stop, better than a new one.
Thanks Mike! I certainly got to gas it full throttle, but backed off when it got to about 80 mph! Also, there was some traffic occasionally on the road so wasn't the greatest environment. The purpose of my drive was to know how well it did the mundane stuff - I knew they were thrilling when on the boil even before I drove one. Firstly I'm happy that you understand a Caterham can actually be comfortable, the obvious visual impression is that is most definitely is not, but i have taken mine on plenty of long tours including Houston to San Francisco, Norway, Italy, Scotland, France, and several others, and can advise that it is very comfortable even over long distances.
the secret is to treat it just like a motorcycle, I don't have screen or hood so use motorcycle clothing, helmet, communication system, satnav, and waterproof bags strapped to the roll bar for luggage. As you point out, once you are in it it is surprisingly comfortable and I have driven up to 12 hours per day in it no problem.
Treating it like a motorcycle leads me into my next point, you compare it to a motorcycle in a straight line but advise that your drive was not very "spirited", which is a shame, you should have gassed it big time on some twisty country roads, then you would have seen its true potential. You would appreciate that a motorcycle on a twisty road is an very slow machine, i used to drive my car along a particular route that was also heavily used by bikers and was always disapointed if I got struck behind them, they are soooooo slow in corners! Boring!
Hope you get one soon, but don't buy a new one, buy a used one that someone else has already spent a lot of money on to make it go, handle, stop, better than a new one.
And if you find yourself getting stuck behind bikers, perhaps you should try following me when i'm on a bike :P
In all seriousness, if/when I make it to the UK, there's no doubt in my mind I'll get a Caterham of some sort (though the recent thread on the new Atom has be intrigued...)
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