Having previously had a more powerful Caterham 7, I'm still tempted by this. They are so much fun at any speed, the sensations are all amplified, they respond instantly to the smallest input. To those who complain about the cost, the equipment levels or the straight line performance, all I can say is... just arrange a drive in one. You'll either 'get it' or you won't. They are just so different to any hot hatch, you won't care if it's as fast as a GTi, ST, VXR etc forvthe same money. You cannot compare a Caterham 7 to any normal car.
I bought a 1700 super sprint with my first bonus in about 1986. Now I’ve retired I am very tempted to see if I can scrape the pennies together for this little beast
The misting up is solved by partly unzipping the rear screen and putting the heater on full-bore. A gale of hot air emerges from under the dash and demists it just fine.
I drove one of these 160's on a road test drive yesterday and although I've never drove any other Caterham, l have to admit that it was the most exhilarating drive that I've ever had. It ticked all of my boxes regarding my expectations but I have to say that the power was just enough to keep me smiling and I could see that you may become a little bored after some time behind the wheel. I agree it's probably not a track car, but you'll never need to worry about bending it on one. In short, if you have a spare £20 k and you have the time to play and the missus don't give you grief then this is the tool for you. I'm 5'9" and weigh about 17 stone ( I know, I know) and it is more about wearing a Caterham rather than driving one ! All in all a great little car which, looked after, should return a good resale.
Love caterhams. If I am every in the position to get a track car, it will certainly be a Caterham. Although I would go for one with slightly more power. Nothing stupid like the r500 though
Basically a car that petrolheads and bikers might both enjoy! I certainly like it. And I'm pretty sure a lot of bikers will like it too. Its light, agile and cheap to run. Basically a motorbike in car form (not as fast as purebred superbikes, but still a lot of fun nonetheless)
Still thinking this car is damn expensive for what it is. There is no R&D cost and product engineering as in modern car. It should cost at least 30% less
To MrFalconfly: I have just bought a 2. Cat (620R) and live in Portugal where the problems are simmilar,too much money to legally import it and in Germany (from where I come) I can't license it as it will not pass inspection...So I keep it with GB plates,gave them a friends adress in UK and have to be sure to pay the insurance in time... NO problem!
I'm 6'4 and 190 and I went for a ride in a R500, I fit in it just fine, but remember to get out the 4-Point racing harness out before you sit down and to get everything out of your pockets beforehand lol
Love that the UK has always been fully committed to building amazing open roof sports cars even though it makes no sense with there weather. I guess when you do get that perfect day it's just that much more special.
Hyatt Busbey Caterham have dealerships in the US. I'm a Brit who has recently moved to Florida, and know there is a Lamborghini dealership at Palm Beach that sells them! So imagine that... You will actually be ignoring Lambo's in order to buy a Caterham! And yes, I am dreaming too...
It's designed for the Asian market, most people in the UK will opt for a more powerful version. Apart from that it's mega. I'm 6'1 and there is plenty of room in mine.
Sadly its just too slow for anything other than sunday afternoon road use. It's a hopeless track car, as you'll be by far the slowest thing out there. I even drove a 1.4 K series equipped version and found it a bit slow. I'll be looking for something in the 150bhp region!
1.4 k series also shares every mounting point and wiring harness as the 1.8 k series ... Turbo which is no slouch as I have one in my rover 25 and it's great fun wiping the smiles of people's faces when they can't overtake an old mans car!
I ended up with a 1.6 K series with SS. so around 135bhp, it was as low as I was willing to go power wise, but is great fun and puts a grin on my face. It was considerably quicker around Blyton park than the Suzuki powered 160. Although brakes and suspension likely help that situation.
VVC means new engine though, that's the 1.8 that has VVC. The 1.6 can be taken up to around the 200bhp area if you really wanted, but as this is just a car for a bit of fun, i'm not spending that kinda money :) if I get bored of it, i'll sell up and buy a newer 150bhp sigma.
I don't care what they say about tall people-- it's the proportions. A six footer with 30" long legs anda six footer with 36" long legs will have different fitment in the legroom and headroom departments because of their proportions. So sick of hearing about tall always meaning the same thing. Ever been in an Italian cars? Short legs, long arms... it's a build thing.
Careham new design should be to put driver in the engine area then install a north to south engine with rear wheel drive behind the driver compartment to keep the weight on all 4 wheels keep the floating fender just change . the body to include the floating fender don’t turn into cookie cutter car
I haven't yet driven a Caterham but I presume it is, even compared with a mazda mx5, probably the same difference than between a mx5 and an old Renault 4.!
Looks like so much fun. The only drawback is there isn’t much bodywork to put a vinyl anime girl wrap on it. What’s the point of driving a nerdy car if you can’t go full nerd?
A complete rip off from Caterham, a lucky company that refuses to evolve and innovate from this recipe, albeit a unique and good recipe. Any other British car company would suffer the consequences. It's a good job this car won't cost the company much to produce because I doubt they will sell many. It'd be mind bogglingly bizarre for someone to pick one of these over a second hand more powerful variant.
The whole point of this video is that you still don't need a caterham with massive engine. A bigger engine is going to cost you a lot more in fuel, insurance and servicing. Where as this you could afford to drive more with less worries and there for just be enjoying it more. It annoys me how expensive they are as I really want one, but then again they hold their value well so after you sell it, you wont loose that much! Do what ever you can to drive one, I have driven a few at tracks and they are so amazing, they are so sorted (as in the handling is great), where as you can drive other kit cars and they can be terrible.
I think the engine size and power is fine for their entry level car. The price, however, is not. They do not need to change the recipee in terms of design, because, as Teggy pointed out, don't fix what isn't broken. But they need to change the recipee in terms of economic efficiency badly.
Now if only we had those prices in Denmark. If we start off with those £25,000 (and assume that it was sold by a dealership and wasn't imported by me), then I also have to add the absolutely bonkers 180% Registration-tax on top of that price (after 25% VAT has been added). So it's 25k + ((25k/100)*25) + ((25k/100)*180) = £76,250 I repeat. £ 76,250. All because the Danish government hate cars.
Tom Hadler liberal? If only. Denmark is very liberal regarding social rights. But economically (taxes) I think we could use some more liberalism (less taxes).
compared to full scale manufacturers, the price is absolutely ridiculous, however, cars from full scale manufacturers are incredibly affordable for what they are. Its only by scale that you can buy a car that doesn't cost $250000 for a basic econo car. if you consider the cost of the parts, the cost to build the plant, the cost of the machinery and the cost of the employees, and the cost to run the plant, it is rather amazing you can buy a fiesta for $15000. If you have never embarked on a scratch build, or even an engine swap, you cannot begin to fathom the amount of time and energy it takes to build a car. 20 000 pounds is a lot of money, but believe it or not, they probably dont make much money on the car after all is said and done. but if your going to spend that much money on a caterham, I would get a hotter one for a little more doe. btw, if you use used miata parts, and weld the chassis from scratch, it costs about $5000, and that's without paying for new parts, or labor.
I wanted one until I tried to get in and drive. Pedal box ... I could not push any pedal without pushing another. Any combination was a fail. Too bad, cool car.
@@HRM.H Same here . 45 caliber. There is one for sale locally 1700 SS. Asking price is $25000 USD...I'm thinking $18000.. It has only some minor cosmetic issues but it has been raced. I am holding out for $18000 as a buffer against possible repairs. and tires and "racing shoes" .
@@jeffhildreth9244 i build kitcars like these myself. Costs are around 7 to 11k depending on what engine and spec you want. Just wished I lived in the US so i had access to some LS3 engines.
@@HRM.H That is a large motor compared to what is usually installed in a 7 type car...Why the LS3.... other than lots of power. What car would you consider for the is motor? There are a few companies in the US who supply parts to make a LOCOST 7. I have owned and wroked on over 100 cars and was in the auto biz for 25 yeras.. to include a BMC dealership.. that was my first interest in the 7.. back around 1968. I might consider a 7 style car but also am a devotee to the MGA and the MGB...and the T series MGs.. more creature comforts. : ) and room for my wife and big dog. If there was a way to make the 7 style, or similar more driver every day usage I would consider a "kit" car. . I wish I lived in England and had better access to used/vintage cars and parts. 2 CVs with gobs of power and brakes would interest me as well. Burton ?
I make custom kitcars for any size. I'm 6'3 and about 200lbs. My boss is 6'5 and about 210/220lbs i would guess. We tried Caterham , westfield and Tiger kitcars but to no prevail. So we developed our own custom chassis's.
I think this would be like putting a hellcat engine in a miata. In both scenarios... Every time you would step on the gas you would think you are about to die
you would (just). But the presenter here is pretty short. I'm 176cm and i have to have the seat all the way forward to fit. Plenty of scope to move the seat and the pedals further away.
3 cylinder turbo Suzuki engine, FR set up?
This is just an English Cappuccino. I like it.
Having previously had a more powerful Caterham 7, I'm still tempted by this. They are so much fun at any speed, the sensations are all amplified, they respond instantly to the smallest input. To those who complain about the cost, the equipment levels or the straight line performance, all I can say is... just arrange a drive in one. You'll either 'get it' or you won't. They are just so different to any hot hatch, you won't care if it's as fast as a GTi, ST, VXR etc forvthe same money. You cannot compare a Caterham 7 to any normal car.
I bought a 1700 super sprint with my first bonus in about 1986.
Now I’ve retired I am very tempted to see if I can scrape the pennies together for this little beast
It’s proof you don’t need eleventy-bajillion horsepower to have huge amounts of fun behind the wheel!
The misting up is solved by partly unzipping the rear screen and putting the heater on full-bore. A gale of hot air emerges from under the dash and demists it just fine.
Why is this man not on Top Gear?!
Because we'd lose his genius from car throttle 😊
The turbo impersonations were perfect.
I swear one day I'll own a 7.
This is one you can realisticly own
Get a Westfield . Bit more affordable
Has that day come yet?
Its cheap
get something similar
I drove one of these 160's on a road test drive yesterday and although I've never drove any other Caterham, l have to admit that it was the most exhilarating drive that I've ever had. It ticked all of my boxes regarding my expectations but I have to say that the power was just enough to keep me smiling and I could see that you may become a little bored after some time behind the wheel. I agree it's probably not a track car, but you'll never need to worry about bending it on one. In short, if you have a spare £20 k and you have the time to play and the missus don't give you grief then this is the tool for you. I'm 5'9" and weigh about 17 stone ( I know, I know) and it is more about wearing a Caterham rather than driving one ! All in all a great little car which, looked after, should return a good resale.
It’s proof you don’t need eleventy-bajillion horsepower to have huge amounts of fun behind the wheel!
So my 1.6 is not the smallest of the range any more... but the allure of the Seven has nothing to do with sheer power.
lol the bird at 3:24
3:21 did anyone else noticed that bird?
Yep. That was a Pheasant I believe.
Sarkazmo Loafy dems tasty!
I would buy one, but not at this ridiculous price.
And the best thing of all is (I'd imagine at least) that the power can be fully accessed at all times. That makes true fun.
Captain slow would like that comment.
It’s proof you don’t need eleventy-bajillion horsepower to have huge amounts of fun behind the wheel!
3:22 ,the chicken crossed the road
yeah, but why??
the chicken crossed the rode cause it saw a caterham
Aaaand with this bombshell, it's time to end...
+Ben Dover it's a pheasant!
4:03 did he say the paint is an option?
I would thrash the living daylight out of it.
tavi921 That sounds really dirty.....
Love caterhams. If I am every in the position to get a track car, it will certainly be a Caterham. Although I would go for one with slightly more power. Nothing stupid like the r500 though
my father had a lotus super 7 with 280 hp, 0 to 60 time of 2.7 sec it was a blast.
the only thing he hated about it was te fuel cost
Thought it was cool, until I heard the price.
MrGovenator1 granted it's a lot cheaper than other catherhams, which I think is its main selling point
I would pay 11k at most
Basically a car that petrolheads and bikers might both enjoy!
I certainly like it. And I'm pretty sure a lot of bikers will like it too. Its light, agile and cheap to run. Basically a motorbike in car form (not as fast as purebred superbikes, but still a lot of fun nonetheless)
Still thinking this car is damn expensive for what it is. There is no R&D cost and product engineering as in modern car. It should cost at least 30% less
To MrFalconfly:
I have just bought a 2. Cat (620R) and live in Portugal where the problems are simmilar,too much money to legally import it and in Germany (from where I come) I can't license it as it will not pass inspection...So I keep it with GB plates,gave them a friends adress in UK and have to be sure to pay the insurance in time... NO problem!
which camera did you use to film this beautiful caterham?
I'm 6'4 and 190 and I went for a ride in a R500, I fit in it just fine, but remember to get out the 4-Point racing harness out before you sit down and to get everything out of your pockets beforehand lol
Love the imitating turbo shudder!
Love that the UK has always been fully committed to building amazing open roof sports cars even though it makes no sense with there weather. I guess when you do get that perfect day it's just that much more special.
You got it in one!
Ford used the tag for their Capri " the car you always promised yourself".
A 7 would be a better choice by far?
Love this car, other than the turbo it’s pretty much what the 7 should be.
I hope this guy is on the list for next top gear presenter when they all die.
I love how bare bones this car is. Strip out all the rubbish and drive!
You can get a base model Lotus Elise for around £20,000, so I’d get that. I still love this 160 bc underpowered lightweight cars are the best.
This is still the best review of a caterham !
I wish they brought these to the US, not that I have the money for one but I can dream.
Hyatt Busbey Caterham have dealerships in the US. I'm a Brit who has recently moved to Florida, and know there is a Lamborghini dealership at Palm Beach that sells them! So imagine that... You will actually be ignoring Lambo's in order to buy a Caterham! And yes, I am dreaming too...
demmersify I know we have Caterhams and I lust after them, but the website makes it sound like we don't get this one.
+Hyatt Busbey You could always import one
It is not a US market car so either it would take lots of money and EPA/NHTSA testing to make it street legal or I'd have to wait 25 years.
+Hyatt Busbey Its a kit car, so I can bypass those. I think.
It's designed for the Asian market, most people in the UK will opt for a more powerful version. Apart from that it's mega. I'm 6'1 and there is plenty of room in mine.
3:22, pheasant
that is is a miniature Velociraptor if I've ever seen one
Sadly its just too slow for anything other than sunday afternoon road use. It's a hopeless track car, as you'll be by far the slowest thing out there. I even drove a 1.4 K series equipped version and found it a bit slow. I'll be looking for something in the 150bhp region!
1.4 k series also shares every mounting point and wiring harness as the 1.8 k series ... Turbo which is no slouch as I have one in my rover 25 and it's great fun wiping the smiles of people's faces when they can't overtake an old mans car!
I ended up with a 1.6 K series with SS. so around 135bhp, it was as low as I was willing to go power wise, but is great fun and puts a grin on my face. It was considerably quicker around Blyton park than the Suzuki powered 160. Although brakes and suspension likely help that situation.
+1061shrink1061 SS? And you can get a 160 vvc in them and get a kmaps remap up to about 172 hp with overrun sounds mint
VVC means new engine though, that's the 1.8 that has VVC. The 1.6 can be taken up to around the 200bhp area if you really wanted, but as this is just a car for a bit of fun, i'm not spending that kinda money :) if I get bored of it, i'll sell up and buy a newer 150bhp sigma.
1061shrink1061 Missing the point by a country mile. If you want a 'fast' car for the track, there are plenty of other options.
So what are the right options to tick?
Good review! its hillarious how they sell that 20k car with steel wheels to get you to upgrade to a nicer model, cool though!
"...while you're long-suffering girlfriend finds someone new." LMAO
Why would you buy the heater, the doors and the roof? It's not meant to be comfortable or an every days car - it's a sunshine car for track days.
Can we get this with a turbo Hayabusa engine?
*****
please enlighten me
I don't care what they say about tall people-- it's the proportions. A six footer with 30" long legs anda six footer with 36" long legs will have different fitment in the legroom and headroom departments because of their proportions. So sick of hearing about tall always meaning the same thing. Ever been in an Italian cars? Short legs, long arms... it's a build thing.
I love the 160 but those wheels look awful. Are there alternatives?
Why dont you see more on the roads? Theyre totally daily driveable right? I would take this over any M3 or EVO!
Careham new design should be to put driver in the engine area then install a north to south engine with rear wheel drive behind the driver compartment to keep the weight on all 4 wheels keep the floating fender just change . the body to include the floating fender don’t turn into cookie cutter car
Sounds just like a triumpth speed triple
3:21 lol that bird tho
Is that the same motor that's in the Cappuccino?
+EminentLine
Its motor is K6A. Jimny has the same one.
Cappucchino has F6A.
+EminentLine jimny has a 1.3
I haven't yet driven a Caterham but I presume it is, even compared with a mazda mx5, probably the same difference than between a mx5 and an old Renault 4.!
Wrong car for the UK xD
It's a bit of a catch 22... shit weather great roads, compared to the US... shit back roads for a caterham with good weather
@@hazzaknox1069 Depends where in the US you live. There are some very nice and tight back roads throughout the US.
@@hazzaknox1069 Also wth I commented this 6 years ago.
how tall people ? im 185cm(6'1") tall , 108 kg(around 250 lbs) and 55cm(22") wide at shoulders could i fit ?
Is it still in production?
Still the best testdrive of the caterham 160
Looks like so much fun. The only drawback is there isn’t much bodywork to put a vinyl anime girl wrap on it. What’s the point of driving a nerdy car if you can’t go full nerd?
That's a cool little car. With an LSD and more boost, I'm sure it'd make for a really fun time.
Great footage.
I love this guy
Even with the crazy price I'm crazy enough to still buy one
This design will work good the 3 cylinder and irs at the rear end
Lucky you, looks like a fun car!
A complete rip off from Caterham, a lucky company that refuses to evolve and innovate from this recipe, albeit a unique and good recipe. Any other British car company would suffer the consequences. It's a good job this car won't cost the company much to produce because I doubt they will sell many. It'd be mind bogglingly bizarre for someone to pick one of these over a second hand more powerful variant.
stoppsi Go look at their website , they have the Aeroseven concept , and it !will! be built in 2015 so maybe you should think again .
The whole point of this video is that you still don't need a caterham with massive engine. A bigger engine is going to cost you a lot more in fuel, insurance and servicing. Where as this you could afford to drive more with less worries and there for just be enjoying it more.
It annoys me how expensive they are as I really want one, but then again they hold their value well so after you sell it, you wont loose that much!
Do what ever you can to drive one, I have driven a few at tracks and they are so amazing, they are so sorted (as in the handling is great), where as you can drive other kit cars and they can be terrible.
I think the engine size and power is fine for their entry level car. The price, however, is not. They do not need to change the recipee in terms of design, because, as Teggy pointed out, don't fix what isn't broken. But they need to change the recipee in terms of economic efficiency badly.
Now if only we had those prices in Denmark.
If we start off with those £25,000 (and assume that it was sold by a dealership and wasn't imported by me), then I also have to add the absolutely bonkers 180% Registration-tax on top of that price (after 25% VAT has been added).
So it's 25k + ((25k/100)*25) + ((25k/100)*180) = £76,250
I repeat.
£ 76,250. All because the Danish government hate cars.
that is a shit load of money being paid for the actual car itself than it´s original price
ShadowFalcon Denmark is in the EY, how do they get away with that? I think scandi countries are liberal hellholes from what I keep reading
*EU
Tom Hadler liberal? If only. Denmark is very liberal regarding social rights. But economically (taxes) I think we could use some more liberalism (less taxes).
Tom Hadler I mean, I wouldn't personally say no to a more liberal gun policy (like what Switzerland has).
You guys should review the caterham 620r
At just under 6'6" , I think I can dream on, even if I had that kind of money for a toy. Shame...
only needs a set of wider tires and nice alloy wheels ..
They´re either desireable or not, I would like to have one just the same as that,
so where did you get that hat aso.
how good is the fuel economy ?
really good 58mpg.
I would guess at least 50mpg if driven nicely. small engine small car.
That 160 motor is the same one found in the Jimny 4x4
What is the maximum height im 6,6 would I fitm
That bird was a Pheasant
James May's favorite caterham..
Can we have it in LHD
*WHAT ROAD WAS THIS FILMED ON???? HELP :)*
I dont care what caterham I buy. I want one of these.
When is the fiesta ST mountune review available...I have been waiting what feels like forever. PLEASE. Be soon
I 'll be damned . A Caterham that is ALMOST safe and sensible . LSD would be better in back certainly .
He should be on Top Gear!!
Either I’m too big or a 7 Is too small...darn.
2:44
Dat turbo sound
100 mph is well over Most Speed Limits huh ......
So it's perfect for sensible fun .
Car guy's motorcycle
MC Donald fan-boys lol
did he said the roof, dors, and windscreen are optional extras??? lol
Like a Dacia lol
just imagine if it was a porsche, REMOVING the heater would be an optional extra rather than adding one in xD
You will be wanting cupholders next🍼
i hope i can get this registered in america
tie rod ends look like a cinch to change
Installing a Heater is easy .....
No biggie .
20grand ....wtf >
compared to full scale manufacturers, the price is absolutely ridiculous, however, cars from full scale manufacturers are incredibly affordable for what they are. Its only by scale that you can buy a car that doesn't cost $250000 for a basic econo car. if you consider the cost of the parts, the cost to build the plant, the cost of the machinery and the cost of the employees, and the cost to run the plant, it is rather amazing you can buy a fiesta for $15000. If you have never embarked on a scratch build, or even an engine swap, you cannot begin to fathom the amount of time and energy it takes to build a car. 20 000 pounds is a lot of money, but believe it or not, they probably dont make much money on the car after all is said and done. but if your going to spend that much money on a caterham, I would get a hotter one for a little more doe. btw, if you use used miata parts, and weld the chassis from scratch, it costs about $5000, and that's without paying for new parts, or labor.
Have to say, it's a bit too much money in my opinion :)
anybody else bothered slightly by the bird at 3:22?
you sir. i like you. keep up the good work!
this guy is awesome ahah
I wanted one until I tried to get in and drive.
Pedal box ... I could not push any pedal without pushing another. Any combination was a fail. Too bad, cool car.
Yeah it's a struggle , i have size 45 shoes , so i NEED to wear racing shoes when driving these Kitcars.
@@HRM.H Same here . 45 caliber. There is one for sale locally 1700 SS. Asking price is $25000 USD...I'm thinking $18000.. It has only some minor cosmetic issues but it has been raced. I am holding out for $18000 as a buffer against possible repairs. and tires and "racing shoes" .
@@jeffhildreth9244 i build kitcars like these myself. Costs are around 7 to 11k depending on what engine and spec you want. Just wished I lived in the US so i had access to some LS3 engines.
@@HRM.H That is a large motor compared to what is usually installed in a 7 type car...Why the LS3.... other than lots of power. What car would you consider for the is motor?
There are a few companies in the US who supply parts to make a LOCOST 7.
I have owned and wroked on over 100 cars and was in the auto biz for 25 yeras.. to include a BMC dealership.. that was my first interest in the 7.. back around 1968.
I might consider a 7 style car but also am a devotee to the MGA and the MGB...and the T series MGs.. more creature comforts. : ) and room for my wife and big dog. If there was a way to make the 7 style, or similar more driver every day usage I would consider a "kit" car. . I wish I lived in England and had better access to used/vintage cars and parts. 2 CVs with gobs of power and brakes would interest me as well. Burton ?
@@HRM.H 13B.. does this imply RX7 ?
music?
You need to snug up your hood straps, mate. Maybe your hood needs stretching.
I am 6'6" and 285 lbs .... sigh ...never have I ever
I make custom kitcars for any size. I'm 6'3 and about 200lbs. My boss is 6'5 and about 210/220lbs i would guess. We tried Caterham , westfield and Tiger kitcars but to no prevail. So we developed our own custom chassis's.
Needs the motor from a 675 daytona
i want this with a turbocharged 2JZ
I think this would be like putting a hellcat engine in a miata.
In both scenarios...
Every time you would step on the gas you would think you are about to die
I would put a vtec in it
@@acarenthusiast2114 bruh youre absolutely right. I dont know what I was thinking while writing this comment lmao
Why does he sound exhausted? :D
One cause he's driving a real car. Just like how F1 drivers need to be super human fit ;)
Brouuuummmmm... Phsewwww...Phsewwww...Phsewwww...Phsewwww...
classic wheels!
How tall is he?
Would be good to know
I'm 185 and i fear that i wouldnt fit in that car
you would (just). But the presenter here is pretty short. I'm 176cm and i have to have the seat all the way forward to fit. Plenty of scope to move the seat and the pedals further away.
You can get an sv s5? Chassis Then 6ft2 can fit!
Shrink1061 Interesting Name
Matching my question xD