For Blistering performance and sublime handling make this one of the most accomplished Caterhams available. The 210bhp 2.0-litre engine provides rapid acceleration no matter what gear you're in, while the chassis has been stripped of all superfluous weight giving you a real racecar feel. High performance extras like a six-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential come as standard.
Against Despite the hefty price tag, you don't get some of the sexier options, like a carbonfibre dashboard and front wings, as standard. Because it's a Superlight you can forget about a windscreen and weather equipment so a full face crash helmet is advisable. Even a heater is a cost option.
What Car? says
The R400 is one of the fastest Caterhams you can buy, and it’s a bit of a beast as a result. On a smooth racetrack it's remarkably quick, but on poor road surfaces it's tiring and sometimes hard to control. You're paying for the powerful engine and stripped out chassis, but unless you intend to drive like Schumacher all the time, you might find that less-potent models offer better value.
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View the whole Caterham Seven Superlight/R Open range
Cheaper
-
Open 1.6 Sigma 150 2dr
£26,800 -
Open 1.6 Sigma 150 SV 2dr
£28,800 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R300 2dr
£30,000 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R300 SV 2dr
£32,000 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R400 2dr
£34,300 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R400 SV 2dr
£36,300 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R500 2dr
£41,000 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R500 SV 2dr
£43,000
More expensive
-
Open 1.6 Sigma 150 2dr
£26,800 -
Open 1.6 Sigma 150 SV 2dr
£28,800 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R300 2dr
£30,000 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R300 SV 2dr
£32,000 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R400 2dr
£34,300 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R400 SV 2dr
£36,300 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R500 2dr
£41,000 -
Open 2.0 Duratec R500 SV 2dr
£43,000
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.
Seven Superlight/R rivals
Seven Superlight/R used rivals
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