Test: Caterham Saba 340 R (2023) – price, configuration

The Caterham Seven is a faithful descendant of the Lotus Seven, invented by Colin Chapman in the late 1950s, and today it remains a minimalist sports car that elevates agility to the point of respectability. Electronic devices must also replace mechanical ones feelings stop But that purity is also accompanied by an aversion to any notion of modern comfort.

Depending on the sporting expectations of its customers, Caterham offers a sporty Saba in different levels. In any case, you know immediately what you are dealing with, as the name already indicates the horse-to-weight ratio (in bhp per ton). The sympathetic Seven 170 serves as the entry-level model, with a small three-cylinder turbo of 660 cc original Suzuki, with 84 hp and an empty weight of only 440 kg.

At the other end of the range is the hot Seven 485, with a (comparatively) naturally aspirated 2.0 Duratec four-cylinder from Ford, with 237 hp at a weight of 560 kg. Between the two strong, Caterham still had the 1.6 from Ford and 135 hp under the hood of the Seven 275 until the end of 2022. But the Sigma block is no longer built these days, so the middle child of the family gets the same 2.0 Duratec from Ford as in the top model, but in a reduced version with 168 hp. With 560kg still to push, that puts the number ‘340’ on our test model’s body for this week and our hair in the wind.

S of R

Depending on the chosen model, you can choose between different distortions (and that is without counting the special series, such as the recent Super Seven 600 and Super Seven 200 with their sad appearance). In the case of our Seven 340, we have a choice between the S (standard) or the optional R package (+ 1,400 euros) which is intended for track use. It was also on our test model and includes stiffer suspension, a limited-slip differential and 15-inch wheels with Avon ZZS spokes. But there are also extras on board, like composite bucket seats with 4-point harnesses, a large roll cage and… no more windshield! However, you can also choose a lot of personal options if you want (like changing the windshield, phew!). We are clearly in a world of customizable crafts.

Little sports lover

In the Saba configuration you can also choose a large chassis (+ 2,665 euros) and/or a lowered floor (+ 635 euros). Unless you skipped puberty, we recommend checking these boxes. Even with my average size it was difficult to fit into the ‘standard’ Saba, so I was glad that this 340 R was one of the ‘XXL’ sizes! Although that is relative, because the length increases by 17 cm (from 3.18 m to 3.35 m) and the width by 11 cm (from 1.58 m to 1.69 m). The interior remains slim and your elbows are still against the door on one side and the transmission tunnel on the other.

It’s easy to find a good driving position, especially for your feet. However, small driving shoes are still recommended to prevent you from pressing two pedals at the same time… But the hardest part remains getting in and out, which requires some acrobatics. Especially in rainy weather, with a fabric roof in place. However, you can choose a removable steering wheel (+ 235 euros). This is not only useful for getting your pants dirty in the grease hub, but it also makes access to the board easier. And it’s fun to brag…

Caught by…

For once we are not talking about touchscreens or connectivity. There is not even a radio on board. The only speaker here takes the form of a large exhaust on the side! Moreover, at first glance it is an empty dashboard. For example, you can search for free for levers and signs to turn directly. You have to press the switch in the direction you want (and don’t forget to turn it off again after the trick…). You have to locate the heating controls (also optional) somewhere near your knees.

…it’s refreshing!

The first meters in traffic also take time to get used to. The steering wheel is heavy due to the lack of power assistance and its direct design. The brake pedal is also bone hard and when you first push it gives the feeling of no brakes at all. Moreover, it does not really inspire confidence to drive this low car among the current horde of SUVs in traffic … Not to mention the cold sweat you get from the quality of the Belgian road network! Between holes and bumps you must always check with the crankcase which is very close to the ground…

And then we haven’t even mentioned the highway, and all the noise involved. Yet suspension comfort is surprisingly good in this stripped-down soapbox. Even with the R’s stiff suspension, damping remains very good. One of the many advantages of low weight…

Play on the merits

Once the roads open up and start rolling, the fun you can get from this timeless machine is undeniable. It’s the feeling of driving an old car, clean and unfiltered, but with the efficiency and performance of a modern car. However, you have to find it to experience the pleasure of driving behind the wheel of a Caterham: you need a firm grip to turn the small steering wheel, a muscular calf to press the brake pedal hard enough and some driving skills to control the beast when. the grip fails. Electronics can’t save you here, you have to measure, replace, and so on. Really drive and drive!

But what a pleasure to see the front wheels dance before your eyes with the rhythm of the damper. Then brake hard (contrary to first impression, the brakes work really well if you know how to do it!) to load the front axle as much as possible when entering the corner, while keeping a firm grip on the small steering wheel. Then you come out of a corner and you really feel it when the donkey slips (sitting right on the rear wheels) as you push the naturally aspirated engine into the red zone, before reaching for the next gear by feel. of a real mechanical lever in the palm of your hand. What a feeling!

To get the best out of the 340 R, don’t hesitate to put the 2.0 Duratec to work. Although it’s smooth enough for a gentle ride, it’s quite explosive near the red zone, with maximum torque of 175 Nm only being reached at 6,500 rpm, and peak power of 168 hp at 7,250 rpm. The result is performance that is quite similar, although of course there is more to be gained from a spinning combination than from straight-line acceleration. In any case, fun here can be found even at speeds more or less legal, unlike modern and almost clinical sports cars.

Caterham Seven 340 Price

The entry-level version Seven 170 is offered from around 41,500 euros in Belgium, but the price tag increases significantly if you buy the 340. It is available from us from 57,831.95 euros. With the R package, a wide chassis and some options (such as a windshield and new signature LED headlights as on this model), you can quickly exceed 65,000 euros. That’s a lot, considering the bare appearance and quality of the finish. But at the same time it remains attractive considering the level of performance and driving pleasure you get. The entry-level Porsche 718 Boxster also costs around 70,000 euros. And for a similar power-to-weight ratio you should check out the Spyder 718, which is only available from 105,000 euros.

High judgment

The Caterham Seven remains a textbook example of fun car quality. Its light weight and complete absence of electronics make it a favorite toy for cleaners. But it is definitely a ‘second car’, because it is very difficult for daily use.