Caterham Seven 620S: Review
So what does 310hp in a Seven really feel like? And just how good are the heated seats?
But that will be familiar from so many Caterham reviews, where the accessibility and involvement of Sevens typically win over the most ardent critic. What there won't have been mention of previously is just how a 600kg Caterham feels with over 300hp...
A quick reminder of the 620S before we get to that. It's pitched as the more accommodating (all things being relative) 620R, using the same supercharged Duratec but allied to a five-speed manual rather than a six-speed sequential. It's built on the wider S5 chassis too, with a few more luxuries. Like a windscreen.
It's impossible to focus on any of that though - heated seats included - when you reach the first clear bit of road. Even with just a few hundred metres and an exploratory flex of your big toe, the 620 is rapid enough to have you laughing maniacally and craving another hit. All Caterhams feel fast because they're so exposed; some of them genuinely are pretty quick as 200hp is approached or exceeded. Combine the immersion of a Seven with 314hp and the result is something that must only lose out to hypercars in terms of pure accelerative ferocity.
It's a way more intoxicating, vivid experience than something like a 911 Turbo because you're managing the launch and the gearchanges. But going just as fast. As confidence builds you begin using more throttle and more revs, the speed always building to a crescendo somewhere beyond 7,500rpm that's just staggering. Even with a third gear that extends comfortably into three figures (so we're told), there is no sense of the savagery easing off. First and second disappear almost as quickly as you can say them and third doesn't take long either. Caterham claims a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds, which feels conservative; it must be capable of beating that on the right surface, and seven seconds to 100mph feels eminently achievable. It's bombastically, terrifically, breathtakingly fast. Wow.
Now 515hp per tonne should never be described as approachable, but in a Seven it's so much more exploitable than you might think. Of course you have to build up to using bigger throttle inputs, particularly on bumpy roads, but the joy of all Sevens is equally valid here: because it tells the driver so much, you have that much more faith in the car's behaviour. With that power it would be daft to call it vice-free, but the 620 behaves so intuitively that confidence builds in it remarkably quickly. Use too much throttle and the wheels will spin, messages about which will have reached your (heated) bum almost before it's happened. An instinctive correction on the tiny wheel with a slight lift sorts it out and you're away again. Corner too fast and the wheel will lighten as it understeers. Brake too hard and you can see which wheel is locking. Of course the Caterham has the ability to bite, but so detailed is the feedback that nothing ever comes as a surprise.
Moreover, with the additional torque of the supercharged engine, the 620S can be driven in a different style to regular Sevens if you wish. The Avon ZZR tyres have incredible traction given they're just 195-section, but there's the ability to work their lateral limits comfortably in second or third at low speeds. The way it demands everything of the driver at all times is immensely rewarding, right down to remembering if you've left the indicators on.
What you won't forget about leaving on is the heated seats. The first setting is pleasant and helps convince the mind that you might feasibly be warm. The hottest setting feels like it might leave you branded, but then it wouldn't be Caterham if it wasn't painfully intense, right? On a frosty evening with the roof down, that setting occasionally made sense. Overall though the seats are a welcome addition to the Seven, leaving the only cold parts of your body those on the right hand side...
Finally, it's worth stressing again just how overwhelmingly positive the public reaction to a Caterham is. To drive something so fast and loud that elicits this many points, waves and thumbs up from random members of the public is a huge privilege, proof that people really do still like cars. Cruising around London for these night shots we have impromptu conversations with all sorts of people. It makes you happy to be in a car that makes others smile.
Truth be told, the 620S might be a bit much for the typical Seven customer. The joy of Caterhams is using a good chunk of the performance on UK roads a lot of the time. In this one you're always conscious of just how far the speedo has been catapulted round the dial now, worrying that the red change up light probably means a lot of trouble. On a circuit it would surely be fantastic, massively fast and hilarious fun too. For all but the most committed driver, something like a 360R would suit perfectly. If you must have (and can afford) a 620S, it's easily as wild and thrilling as you would hope. Just don't forget the ear plugs!
CATERHAM SEVEN 620S
Engine: 1,999cc, supercharged four-cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 314@7,700rpm
Torque (lb ft): 219@7,350rpm
0-60mph: 3.44secs
Top speed: 145mph
Weight: 610kg
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Price: £44,995
[Photos: Dafydd Wood]
Would I own one of this model, probably not, as I don't really fit (No I would never bother with the roof) and its a lot of money, not that that is a bad thing but there are a lot of other more interesting cars around at that level. (to me anyway)
I don't want to come over all James May, but I do agree with him in this instance, I'd prefer the one below. A lot cheaper, about 80-90% of the fun and you can actually use more of its performance on the road, driving the 620S at 25% throttle would just drive me mad, I like cars that can be driven flat out and take skill to maintain momentum, plus there is the added bonus that if/when it all goes horribly wrong you won't be travelling quite so fast
ETA: I'm not saying the 620S wouldn't require skill to maintain momentum, just that I wouldn't enjoy it as much.
Would I own one of this model, probably not, as I don't really fit (No I would never bother with the roof) and its a lot of money, not that that is a bad thing but there are a lot of other more interesting cars around at that level. (to me anyway)
I don't want to come over all James May, but I do agree with him in this instance, I'd prefer the one below. A lot cheaper, about 80-90% of the fun and you can actually use more of its performance on the road, driving the 620S at 25% throttle would just drive me mad, I like cars that can be driven flat out and take skill to maintain momentum, plus there is the added bonus that if/when it all goes horribly wrong you won't be travelling quite so fast .
TG did a disservice for entertainment. There is no way you'd get up early on a Sunday morning and return from a 2 hour thrash in the 160 without being completely invigorated.
Quite whether that justifies 310bhp is another matter, but bravo to Caterham for building it.
Ace car, though.
I live in the U.S. and was born 1981, so please excuse me if my next comment seems obvious to many here, but scowering PH in the past and specifically when coming across an article on the likes of the Caterham/7, I have read how years ago, I think in the 60's - 70's? people were able to purchase the 7 as a DIY/Build it yourself kit car and have it shipped straight to your home in parts. To me, I think that is one of the most awesome things a car enthusiast can do in this hobby of ours. Don't get me wrong, since I was 13 years old I lusted for a 5.0 Mustang and my first car I bought for myself was in fact a 1989 Mustang GT 5.0 (to which I purchased 2 more Fox bodied 5.0 Mustangs through out my early 20's; my 2nd was a 1993 LX Notchback, and my 3rd was an unmolested 1992 LX 5.0 Hatchback). All 3 of which I spent all my free time feverishly building upon; all the bolt ons of course came first; gears, short throw shifter, full exhaust, etc etc. Then later came the more intricate add-ons such as upper and lower manifold, larger throttle body, and for my 5.0 Notchback I even installed a Paxton Novi supercharger.
Even so, in my mind, nothing would compare to having a full on kit car arrive at your home and finding yourself spending quality alone time or with friends/family over a winter season putting it all together yourself. The first run on public roads must be a wonderful feeling of accomplishment!
Unfortunately at this time in my life I am not in the position to afford myself such a desired luxury, BUT I know at some point in the next few years I will make this a reality. My plan however is to find an older Lotus and make that my project. I know, I know, a Lotus could potentially turn out to be an utter financial nightmare, but I plan on going after one pre-year 89. For now, I am thinking Loti such as a N-Aspirated Esprit, or a 60's Elan.
My true dream is to first get married, have a child and then a few years later when my child is just old enough to understand for the most part what his/her daddy is doing every night in the garage he/she will be curious enough to be by my side through the process. Nothing would make me happier than to ensure my child grows up to be a PH'er!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cPcpMmN18M
Now, THIS goes straight into my top 10 dream garage!! Best part is, THIS is actually obtainable!
I post this here mainly to show how great a sequential 6 speed gearbox can be on a somewhat comparable vehicle.
However, I have yet to actually drive a car with a sequential gearbox so I cant say for sure how I might like it when compared to a Standard-H. I can definitely see the appeal, obviously, not only when considering performance but also and perhaps more importantly for the overall feel/driver involvement and enjoyment when compared to a Standard-H.
I for one LOVE manual cars and of the more than 30 cars I have owned, atleast 25 of them have been manual. As many of you know, it is addicting/intoxicating to drive a manual, especially when its a sportscar and you are ripping through the gears; and not to be left unsaid, but I am sure all of you agree that there is just something comforting and inspiring about being masterful when it comes to piloting a manual vehicle and especially when you have done it so long that it becomes perfect nature.
On the flip side, I am a motorcycle rider as well which of course house a 6 speed sequential gearbox, and my last bike was my Yamaha R6, which as you know is a very quick sportbike that redlines at nearly 15,500 rpms! There is nothing quite like cruising and coming up to a clear, smooth, lone stretch of highway, dropping a gear and watching the needle jump into the bikes power band at a tick above 8K rpms and WOT all the way, ripping through the gears to 160mph and back down to cruising speed in what seems like the sudden blink of an eye!!
Have a look at the link I posted at the top of my reply, just a minute or two of watching that video will give anyone all the blood pumping adrenaline one needs IMHO!!
Edited just to say that I realized I forgot to mention the reason I brought up the sequential gearbox in a post about Caterham; I did so because I know I read somewhere that they were toying with the idea due to the publics interest of perhaps having a sequential gearbox in the new Caterham instead of a traditional H.
On a side comment here, I have a THIS or THAT one question for all of you;
Which would you rather have, the Caterham Seven 620S or the Lotus 3-Eleven?
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