Test Review 2023 Caterham Super Seven 2000

The Saba concept (the rights of which Lotus sold to Caterham in 1972, which began production a year later) has not changed since the 1950s: a small tubular shape, a long hood and two narrow seats near the back. axle. Of course, engines changed over the years. The range currently varies from Suzuki’s small three-cylinder turbo of 660 cc and 84 hp to the two-liter turbo from Ford that sends no less than 315 hp to the rear.

In the middle is a standard version of the same Ford Duratec engine, namely the 2.0 that powers the recent Super Seven 2000. With 170 hp and 194 Nm, it has little difficulty with the heavy weight of this road, which weighs only 585 kg. A limited-slip differential and rear anti-roll bar are available at extra cost, but our test car seemed to perform well without those options.

Concept Caterham Super Seven 2000

The Super Seven 2000 clearly appeals to desire with its long wheel arches (the so-called ‘.flaming wings’), its soft colors and its attractive interior – although, as is typical with Caterham, the customization options are almost endless. In terms of decoration, the Super Seven 2000 profiles itself as the most comfortable and luxurious Caterham of all, especially if you choose the beige leather seats (1,276 euros) or the dashboard covered in leather (another 1,276 euros);

The Super Seven 2000 comes standard with a narrow chassis and standard ride height, but our test car had a wider chassis, which gives you a better feel – and allows you to pedal smoothly without the need for Sparco racing shoes. The cost of those extra centimeters: 3,224 euros. For the ground floor you pay another 768 euros.

The roof, doors and tonneau cover are included, but if you want these elements made of mohair (as in the car in the picture), you have to add another 1,923 euros (Full Weather Equipment Pack). And that’s just the tip of the iceberg; through configurator on the Caterham website you get a good idea of ​​what is possible – and what the price is.

Driving behavior Caterham Super Seven 2000

When folding the hood turns out to be not an easy task (which promises if you are caught in the shower on the way and you have to quickly put it back in place); doors (including side windows) are easier to remove. Fortunately, because you obviously enjoy a more ‘open’ Caterham – even in the height of autumn.

Without those attachments, getting into the Super Seven 2000 is relatively simple: you have to slide your feet under the dashboard (being careful not to stain the fine leather), just as you would in a single seat. Remember, that includes an open roof and a wide chassis. With a thin chassis and a closed roof, this will probably be a completely different matter.

The most special thing is how you sit down on this English road: from inside the car you can touch the pavement with your hand. A feeling of ‘being one with your machine and the components’ which is further enhanced as soon as you start driving. The four-cylinder Ford is ready regardless of speed, ready to be shown enthusiastically and without a bit of mood, but it doesn’t really stick in the throat: it does what it should do, it sounds good (through the side exhaust to the passenger. side), but goosebumps remain. This four cylinder remains civilized, friendly and well-behaved in all situations.

The big advantage of a car like this Caterham Super Seven 2000 is that you don’t need to drive it at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour to get a lot of emotions. With your elbows out, on the pavement, every ride becomes exciting. Any excuse is good to get the keys to this fun machine again (“Sorry honey, I forgot to stop at the bakery, okay? Go back…”) With that direct steering, short gear shifts. lever, the suspension that you can see working, the wind that hits you from all sides and forces you to watch your eyes from 50 km / h, driving this Super Seven car becomes fun … but also quickly tiring.

But honestly, who cares about tuning noise on a machine like this? If I want pure luxury, I’ll buy a Chinese electric SUV… This Saba, on the other hand, is a good way to drive itself… and that’s why we think it can be weirder and more aggressive. Don’t get us wrong: this Caterham is still a good antidote to all the negativity surrounding the car these days. We miss that extra sparkle, that slightly crazy edge that we ironically found in the small three-cylinder turbo from Suzuki, which, despite less power, is at the same time more understandable… and weighs less.

Decision Caterham Super Seven 2000

Even in this ‘civilized’ version of the Super Seven 2000, the slender Caterham remains a worthy representative of a philosophy from a bygone era, faithful to a formula that has not changed since 1957: lightness and simplicity at the service of exceptional driving pleasure. . Caterham is a no-brainer for autonomous driving screens and functions, everything here is about that exhilarating feeling of running with your butt a few centimeters above the road surface.

One problem, however: the lower the car is, the higher its prices. For example, the model in the picture costs 75,915 euros. Expensive toys.

Photo: Julien Mahiels
Details: Caterham imported to Belgium by House Of Speed: www.houseofspeed.be