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Caterham Super Seven (2001 onwards) View gallery (15)
3.6/5· Caterham

Caterham Super Seven (2001 onwards)

2001 – onwards· 5 owner Q&As

Petrol2 Door
Motoring.Today Verdict
7.2/10

Very good

The Caterham Super Seven has been electrified, breathing new life into a retro icon while championing eco-friendliness. This lightweight sports car now offers a thrilling drive without the carbon footprint, making it a perfect choice for budget-conscious commuters who crave excitement without compromising on sustainability.

At a glance

260

hp · Power

3.1s

0–60 mph

£

Running costs

From £732/mo

Typical finance

Motoring.Today. verdict

Best for

  • Exhilarating driving experience
  • Iconic retro design
  • Low running costs and maintenance

Consider alternatives if

  • Limited storage space
  • Wind noise at high speeds
  • May not suit all driving conditions

Finance snapshot

Typical monthly payment

£732/month

Based on PCP · 48 months · £4,400 deposit

Best suited for

  • Company Car Drivers
  • Petrol/Diesel Buyers
  • High Mileage Drivers
  • Families

Affordability

Premium

Above average monthly commitment.

Ratings breakdown

performance45/10
practicality25/10
running costs35/10
behind the wheel46/10
comfort30/10
equipment32/10
green credentials25/10
handling48/10
reliability40/10
safety30/10

Theo's AI summary

The Caterham Super Seven is a remarkable blend of retro charm and modern electric performance. It appeals to both traditionalists and new-age enthusiasts, offering a unique driving experience that is both thrilling and environmentally friendly. If you're in the market for a lightweight sports car that embodies the spirit of classic British motoring while embracing the future, the Super Seven is a clear recommendation.

Best match for

  • Performance enthusiasts
  • Budget-conscious buyers
  • Practical families

Estimated ownership costs

Based on 10,000 miles per year

Fuel

£130/month

Insurance

£100/month

Road Tax

£0/month

Servicing

£60/month

Estimated total

£290/month

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The Caterham Super Seven (2001 onwards) embodies the essence of classic British motoring, offering an exhilarating driving experience that is both raw and engaging. With its lightweight construction and minimalist design, this retro icon reborn delivers a pure connection to the r

External voices

What the experts say

Parkers

The Caterham Super Seven is lauded for its exhilarating driving experience, lightweight design, and classic styling. However, it faces criticism for its limited practicality and basic interior features, which may not appeal to all drivers. Overall, it remains a thrilling choice for enthusiasts seeking a pure driving experience.

Read full review
Autocar

Expert reviews highlight the Caterham Super Seven's iconic design and bespoke options, allowing for a highly personalised vehicle. While praised for its agility and performance, some reviewers note that the ride can be harsh and the cabin lacks modern comforts. Nevertheless, it is celebrated as a true driver’s car.

Read full review
WhatCar

WhatCar? points out the Caterham Super Seven's reliability, with many owners reporting few issues. However, the lack of a comprehensive warranty and the need for regular maintenance can be drawbacks. Overall, it is considered a dependable choice for those who appreciate its unique character.

Ownership intelligence

The real cost of owning one

Finance & affordability

Financing options for the Caterham Super Seven are available, allowing buyers to choose a plan that suits their budget. With the growing interest in electric vehicles, there are often incentives and grants available that can help offset the initial purchase price, making this retro icon more accessible to a wider audience.

Day-to-day running costs

The running costs of the Caterham Super Seven are relatively low, especially considering its electric powertrain. With fewer moving parts compared to traditional combustion engines, maintenance is simplified, and the overall cost of ownership is reduced. Additionally, the efficiency of electric driving means lower energy costs, making it an economical choice for enthusiasts who want to enjoy spirited driving without breaking the bank.

Charging & fuel

Charging the Caterham Super Seven is straightforward, with options for home charging or utilising public charging stations. The electric vehicle's range is designed to accommodate both daily commutes and weekend adventures, ensuring that drivers can enjoy the retro experience without the worry of running out of power. The convenience of electric charging adds to the appeal of this modern classic.

Heritage

Milestones & history

  1. 2001

    Launch of the modern Caterham Super Seven

  2. 2023

    Introduction of the electric version of the Super Seven

Read full launch story

The Caterham Super Seven was designed to provide an exhilarating driving experience, focusing on lightweight performance and simplicity. It has become a symbol of British motoring heritage, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate the art of driving. Since its inception, the Super Seven has evolved from a traditional petrol-powered sports car to a modern electric vehicle, showcasing Caterham's commitment to innovation while retaining the classic elements that make it a beloved retro icon.

Compare with alternatives

The Caterham Super Seven (2001 onwards) stands out for its unique driving experience and lightweight design, appealing to enthusiasts, while its rivals offer more practicality and modern features.

Ford Fiesta

Reference only

The Ford Fiesta is positioned as a popular small hatchback known for its fun driving dynamics and practicality.

vs features
The Fiesta offers a more refined driving experience with modern tech features, a comfortable cabin, and better overall equipment compared to the minimalist approach of the Caterham Super Seven, which focuses on raw driving pleasure.
vs price
Typically, the Fiesta is less expensive than the Caterham Super Seven, especially when considering entry-level models versus the bespoke nature of the Caterham.
No Motoring.Today review

Volkswagen Polo

Reference only

The Volkswagen Polo is known for its quality build, comfort, and practicality, appealing to those looking for a premium small car experience.

vs features
The Polo excels in cabin quality, technology, and comfort, offering a more sophisticated driving experience compared to the raw and focused nature of the Caterham Super Seven.
vs price
The Polo is generally priced similarly to the Caterham Super Seven, but entry-level models can be less expensive, while higher trims can exceed the price of the Caterham.
No Motoring.Today review

Honda Civic

Reference only

The Honda Civic is positioned as a reliable and sporty compact car, appealing to those who value performance and practicality.

vs features
The Civic provides a more spacious and comfortable interior with advanced tech features, while the Caterham Super Seven focuses on lightweight performance and driving engagement.
vs price
The Civic is often less expensive than the Caterham Super Seven, especially in its base configurations, but performance-oriented trims can be comparable in price.
No Motoring.Today review

Available now

Caterham Super Seven (2001 onwards) for sale on Motoring.Today

Specs by trim

2.3 CSR 260 2dPetrol Manual · 2005–2017
Power
260 bhp
0–60 mph
3.1 s
Top speed
155 mph
Torque
271 Nm
Economy
0 mpg
New price
£43,855
2.0 Roadsport 2dPetrol Manual · 2010–2020
Power
175 bhp
0–60 mph
4.8 s
Top speed
138 mph
Torque
188 Nm
New price
£27,155
2.0 Roadsport (6speed) 2dPetrol Manual · 2010–2020
Power
175 bhp
Torque
188 Nm
New price
£30,005
1.4 Classic SV 2dPetrol Manual · 2010–2020
Power
100 bhp
0–60 mph
6.5 s
Top speed
110 mph
Torque
129 Nm
New price
£18,744
1.4 Classic SV (6speed) 2dPetrol Manual · 2010–2020
Power
100 bhp
Torque
129 Nm
New price
£21,497
1.6 (125bhp) Roadsport SV 2dPetrol Manual · 2010–2020
Power
125 bhp
0–60 mph
5.9 s
Top speed
112 mph
Torque
163 Nm
New price
£23,705

+ 18 more trim variants

FAQs

What makes the Caterham Super Seven an eco-friendly vehicle?
The Caterham Super Seven is an electric sports car, offering zero emissions and lower running costs compared to petrol models, making it a sustainable choice for modern drivers.
How does the driving experience of the electric Super Seven compare to its petrol counterparts?
The electric Super Seven delivers instant torque and nimble handling, providing an exhilarating driving experience that retains the lightweight performance and agility of its classic design.
What are the key features of the Caterham Super Seven's minimalist interior?
The minimalist interior prioritises driving pleasure over luxury, focusing on essential controls and lightweight design, although it may lack some comfort features.
What is the starting price of the electric Caterham Super Seven?
The starting price for the electric Caterham Super Seven is £29,990, with various finance options available to suit different budgets.
How has the Caterham Super Seven evolved since its launch?
Since its launch in 2001, the Super Seven has seen various enhancements in performance and technology, culminating in the recent electric variant that embraces sustainability while honouring its retro icon status.

Caterham Super Seven (2001 onwards) (2001–onwards)

From £732/month