For The Caterham Roadsport still provides plenty of thrills, yet is easy to live with and won't cost a fortune to buy or run. With 125bhp you can go from 0-60mph in under six seconds if you want, while the suspension isn't overly firm, and it's not too difficult to control. You get basics like a windscreen and weather equipment. Because it uses the wider SV Caterham bodyshell there's a bit more room in the cabin.
Against This is the entry point into the mid-range models, and although it's rapid, there are faster versions available, that make more of the Caterham's sublime handling. If you're tempted to add some of the interesting or desirable options to your Seven the price rises quickly.
What Car? says
A good all rounder, but a long way from reaching the Seven's true potential. Having said that, it's bags of fun, and perfect for country drives at the weekend. It's a safe route into Caterham ownership, and you shouldn't lose too much in depreciation, as long as you keep it well maintained. The fact that it's a little roomier inside will also help keep prices up.
What Car? readers say
5
View the whole Caterham Seven Roadsport Open range
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
The entry-level cars are a little too basic, so it's better to look at the mid-range models. You can select from a wide range of options to personalise your car, but don't go mad, or you'll end up spending a fortune.
The fire-breathing high performance models are road legal, but are ideally suited to smooth race tracks - so aren't at their best on some of the UK's poor-quality roads.
A garage for storage is essential, as a Caterham exposed to the elements will look tatty quickly. You can elect to build the car yourself, however this will take time and you'll need the facilities, tools and skill to do the job properly.
Reader test team says:
Caterham Seven Roadsport Open 1.8 XPower 160 SV 2dr
First things first, I'm an enormous petrolhead. To me, this car is simply magnificent. True, you have to drive it with the utmost respect or it's…
5
out of 5 stars
Post a reader review for your car
View all reader reviews
Seven Roadsport rivals
Seven Roadsport used rivals
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer MediaWhat Car? is part of Haymarket Motoring
© Haymarket Media Group 2012
