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Caterham Seven Super 1.4 i 16V (106 Hp)
Overall Rating
Caterham Seven:
The Caterham 7 is a super-lightweight sports car produced by Caterham Cars in the United Kingdom. It is based on the Lotus Seven, a lightweight sports car sold in kit and factory-built form by Lotus Cars, from 1957 to 1972.
After Lotus ended production of the Lotus Seven, Caterham bought the rights to the design, and today make both kits and fully assembled cars. The modern Caterham Seven is based on the Series 3 Lotus Seven, though developed to the point that no part is the same as on the original Lotus....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Super Overview:
Caterham Seven (Super). With 128 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 540 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.7 s). The top speed reaches 177 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Caterham Seven Super, like most low-volume, track-focused vehicles, was not subjected to Euro NCAP crash testing. Its design prioritizes lightness and driver feedback over passive crash safety features, offering a very direct and exposed driving experience.
1.4 i 16V (106 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The entry-level engine still provides a highly enjoyable and responsive driving experience due to the Seven's minimal weight. It's a great starting point for those new to the Caterham philosophy.
Fuel Economy
Likely the most economical option in the lineup, offering a balance of fun and relatively lower running costs. Still, it's a performance car, so don't expect hybrid-level efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unmatched driving engagement and purity
- • Exceptional power-to-weight ratio across all trims
- • Direct and communicative steering and handling
- • Timeless, iconic design
- • Highly customizable and upgradeable
Cons:
- • Minimal comfort and practicality for daily use
- • Lack of modern safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)
- • Exposed cabin with limited weather protection
- • High running costs for top-tier performance models
- • Requires dedicated maintenance and mechanical sympathy
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Caterham |
| Model: | Seven |
| Generation: | Super |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.4 i 16V (106 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1992 |
| End of production: | 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 106 Hp @ 6000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 75.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 128 Nm @ 5000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1396 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 75 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 79 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 177 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.1 kg/Hp, 196.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.2 kg/Nm, 237 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 540 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 75 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 36 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3380 mm mm |
| Width: | 1580 mm mm |
| Height: | 1120 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2230 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1270 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1330 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/60 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J X 14 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Suspension De-Dion |
Is the Caterham Seven your dream ride or just a daily drive? Let's talk!